The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area The Electrical Bay Ignition Problem after re-wire

I have 1960 Chevy Stepside that I just rewired from front to back with original style wiring harnesses from Classic Parts. When I turn the key (to the first position) the starter kicks in, although nothing should happen until the second position (i.e, hold until start). I'm confident everything under the hood is wired correctly. I have a wiring diagram and have double and triple checked everything, so I have to believe it is a problem under the dash.

Interestingly enough, the new underdash wiring harness has a purple wire that runs to the starter (from the switch) but also has a "loop" in it (with a jumper), which I assume was an option for a neutral safety switch. In any case if I pull the jumper from the loop the engine doesn't turn over. I'm not sure this is relevant but at least I know it is the starter wire.

Any help would be greatly appreciated. I'm dead in the water at the moment... Thanks.

Sounds like your purple wire is on the "run" terminal of the switch instead of "start". Double check your wiring at the switch and yes, it sounds like the jumper is a neutral safety switch bypass that needs to be there if not running an AT.

Recheck your diagram at the switch. I believe the problem must be there. On a positive note, at least there is no smoke!

I have finished my wiring and am waiting on the Fire Marshall before I hook up the battery.

Waldo53 nailed it! They had reversed the purple and pink wires on the harness. All is good. I took my first test drive since June as she underwent wiring, new rear axle, disc brakes, bucket seats, new rims and rubber and a few other odds and ends. Other than a soft brake pedal (due to a leak) she is running like dream.

Thanks for your help!