The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area The Electrical Bay Ignition switch wiring

Hi everyone,
My son and I are trying to wire in the ignition switch for our 1950 Chevy 3600 truck.
We have some discrepancies here that you guys may be able to help us figure out.
We have identified the terminals according to the pictorial shown. "A" is at the top left. "I" top right. "B" bottom (in regards to the Y shaped embossment).

Now looking at the old ignition switch (photo shown). The thick red battery line wire appears to HAVE BEEN connected to the A terminal, not the bottom B terminal, where we think it should be.

Was it correct before, or do we have the right idea now?
Now that I think of it, the original switch didn't work (hence why we're replacing it) and also, if I recall correctly, the old thick red battery wire was a little "crispy".

Thanks in advance.

Pictorial
http://i1023.photobucket.com/albums/af352/vincentmilone/IMG_1350.jpg

Schematic
http://i1023.photobucket.com/albums/af352/vincentmilone/IMG_1355.jpg

Old ignition switch for comparison. Taped terminal is where the red battery wire went previously.
http://i1023.photobucket.com/albums/af352/vincentmilone/IMG_1351-1.jpg

When I wired mine the heavy wire from the battery went to the bottom pole which is B Terry

B=Battery

I=Ignition

A=Accessory

Hope this helps

Its had to tell from your pic without seeing how the key slot is oriented,

comparing your pic to mine it looks like the battery should install on what you have labeled as "B"

Oh man, I'm losing my mind. When I labeled that picture I wasn't thinking. A is correct. Then where B is labled, I should have labeled it "I". And then where C is, I should have labeled it "B".
I'm pretty sure the B cable goes to the bottom of the Y shaped embossment. Right? According to that pictorial diagram. I guess what was there was previously wired wrong then? What would happen if the B wire went to the accessory terminal?
The switch never worked right since we got the truck.

Sorry for the confusion.

Thanks guys.

the battery post will be at the bottom.

in your pic the post you have labeled "B" will be at the bottom when installed.

a simple continuity check with a meter will confirm.

I'm just going by the wiring harness pictorial and the ignition switch. See this photo.

http://i1023.photobucket.com/albums/af352/vincentmilone/ScreenShot2012-07-16at122038PM.png

I have them oriented the same. Labeled correctly.

Is that right? Thanks DADS50.

compared to my switch it looks like your holding yours 180.
to avoid confusion install the key, hold it in the off position and the battery post will be at the bottom

Ignition switch is installed, key in off position, and red thick wire is on the bottom terminal. Closest to floor.

I think we're good. Thank you!

Sounds good
Here is what mine looks like
...pic...

Mine is just a 2 position switch
I have seen Post where there was another type that you could remove the key and still go from on to off.

Yep we have the switch where you can remove the key and still go from on to off.
What's interesting is that according to this pictorial. Your A and I terminals are reversed.
Another wrench in the gears. Your set up obviously works though, which is good. We have it wired according to the pictorial. So basically compared to yours, our A and I terminals are reversed.
What's the deal with that?
See here
http://i1023.photobucket.com/albums/af352/vincentmilone/ScreenShot2012-07-16at113817PM.png

Sorry about the confusion
I re-wired mine the way I found it, (may have been changed over the years)

Your diagram is correct.
The factory assembly manual confirms that

Both the I and A terminals are hot with the key on.

Okay, sweet! Thanks again!

so, where does the Ignition wire connect to??? the coil?

so, where does the Ignition wire connect to??? the coil?

It all depends on your set up
If you have a factory wiring set up go by the wiring diagram for your year truck.

If you have a aftermarket harness go by the diagram provided.

My truck is not factory.