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#407274 04/28/2008 12:18 AM
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New Guy
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I am replacing the ignition swith on my '48 1 ton and along with some of the deteriorated wiring with new harness from Rhode Island Wiring. My manual and the old switch don't agree as to what wire is connected at what of the 3 terminals. My question is, "Does it matter what terminal each wire is connected to?". My guess is 'no' since the switch is just an on/off for the electrical system. I think I saw reference to this in a 'hot wiring' post a while ago but I want to be sure. Wire colours and the wiring diagram are no help here. (were Canadian built trucks wired using different colour codes???)

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Andrew 1433,

The original diagram I found for your truck shows only two terminals used. One terminal receives power from the ammeter, and another terminal, when the key is switched, powers the coil and the fuel gauge.

There appears to be another terminal, but it doesn't show that is was used. I don't think there is a 'accessory' position on this switch, but I might be wrong.

Does this makes sense.

Stuart

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There are only 2 positions on the switch, I assume "on" and "off". The wiring diagram shows 2 terminals in use but the manual shows all three, and on the truck itself (the old switch)there are four wires, 3, including the coil wire, on the same terminal. That's really why I asked the question, I'm not sure how to reconnect all this.

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Andrew,

I don't know if I understand your question. As you note, the switch is a simple on/off affair. It must be powered on one terminal from the ammeter if you are still using one. All loads, including the coil, will be on the other terminal. The coil wire would be one wire, fuel gauge would be another wire, and maybe a heater motor could be the third wire. Any electrical item that is shut off with the key is on this terminal.

I don't think the terminals are specific, you can attach power to either one and all the loads to the other one. Unless someone has added a aftermarket fuse block or junction block, the ONLY place to find switched system voltage would be on the switched side of that key switch...it's a real prehistoric system.

Does this make it more clear...or not!

Stuart

Last edited by atomarc; 04/29/2008 3:18 PM.
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You answered my question perfectly. Thanks.


Moderated by  Jon G, Rusty Rod 

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