If you’re looking for How To Wire Ignition Switch? Check out this article.
It will help to guide you through the process of wiring an ignition switch and teach you how to identify common mistakes that people make when doing so.
The ignition switch on an automobile is a vital part of the ignition system.
It switches power from the battery to the starter, which then gets the engine running, and it also powers accessories like the radio.
How To Wire Ignition Switch? Step by Step Guide
1. Gather Required Tools
The first step in wiring an automotive ignition switch is to prepare the necessary tools for the job.
The following tools will be needed:
- Wirecutter Or Stripper
- Large Flat-Head Screwdriver And Small Philips-Head Screwdriver. Knife
- Soldering Gun And Solder
- Heat Shrink Tubing (optional)
2. Locate Wiring Diagram
The next step is to locate the wiring diagram for your vehicle so that you know exactly which wires need to be connected and where they are located in the ignition switch itself.
A wiring diagram will also help ensure that even if one of the wires is loose, you can find where it goes back.
This may sound like overkill but taking your time, and doing it right the first time will save considerable money vs having to do it twice or worse!
The ignition switch wiring diagram is different for each vehicle so you need to find it online for your specific vehicle.
To give you context, this is how what Ford’s ignition switch diagram looks like:
3. Remove Key from Ignition Switch
Remove the key from the ignition switch. This is done by removing the key itself, which will release all tension on the switch and allow you to pull it out of its slot in the steering column or dashboard.
Most switches are held in place with metal clips that can be pried off with a flathead screwdriver, but some use an actual bolt to hold them in place.
Once you locate this screw, remove it using your Philips-head screwdriver. Be careful not to drop it into the mechanism underneath, if you do, wait until everything has stopped spinning before looking for it!
Locate each wire encased within blue plastic insulation (if applicable and disconnect them by pressing down on the release tab located on the side of each wire connector.
Let the connectors hang freely, away from any moving parts.
4. Locate Blue Plastic Wiring Harness
Locate the blue plastic wiring harness at the base of your old switch.
This is where all of your car’s electrical wires are connected to one another within a single plastic sheath, with adjustable releases that allow you to loosen or tighten them as needed without worrying about fraying.
Your new switch should have come with its own wiring harness, which you will need to attach to your vehicle’s existing one.
This is done by simply pressing down on the release tabs and sliding each wire off of its holding place beneath it (NOTE: remember which color wire belongs where!).
Then simply line up the release tabs on your new switch’s harness with the corresponding ones in your car’s and press each wire back into place.
5. Attach All Loose Wires
Attach all remaining loose wires to the contacts in their corresponding colors using either a soldering gun or a crimping tool, depending on what works best for you.
There will be several slots at the top of your switch where these can be attached along with bare-metal contacts that may be present near the bottom of it.
Once all of your loose wires have been connected to one another, strip away about 1/2 inch from them using your wire cutter or stripper.
These will need to be inserted into the slots located beneath each wire guide and connected to it by pressing down on the release tab and pushing them into place.
6. Re-Attach Loose Wires At Holding Point
Once you’ve installed all of your new wirings, re-attach your loose wires at their holding points using those blue plastic connectors.
Snap the key back into place and test your switch for proper function before replacing any screws or bolts that were removed earlier.
Now, follow these procedures:
- Attach the wiring harness from the old switch to the new one by lining up their release tabs and making contact with a slight push.
- Take another length of wire (usually black or white) and snap each end into its corresponding connections in both harnesses (the old one and the new one).
- Strip away about 1/2 inch of insulation from each end of this wire, attach it to any bare metal contacts underneath your ignition switch (usually located near the bottom), then connect them using a crimping or soldering tool.
- Use needle-nose pliers to adjust both wires until they are taut before cutting off any remaining excess material. The key should be inserted into the old switch’s slot, with the blue plastic connector protruding through its opening, before being snapped back into place.
- Test your new ignition switch for proper functionality by turning the key in either direction, making sure that it only goes one way!
If you have done well. Congratulations! The hardest part is now finished and you are ready to start up your car!
Frequently Asked Questions
Where do ignition switch wires go?
The term “IGN” is used to describe the terminal on your car’s ignition switch (or starter) where you connect wires for both functions. This specific wire goes from battery power and supplies current through different parts inside our vehicles like lights, wipers, etc., which allows us to start up engines with ease!
Can you bypass the ignition switch?
This depends on which car you have, whether the transmission is automatic, and what type of ignition it is, but in general yes. The most common switches are electronic ignitions so these types of switches cannot be bypassed.
What color do wires go to the ignition switch?
Red and white.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for wiring diagrams and installation instructions on How To Wire Ignition Switch? We’ve got them here.
Whether your car has a 2-wire or 3-wire system, this post will help walk you through the process of installing a new one without any problems.
Hi, I am Muhammad Daim – an automotive lover and researcher. I am a co-founder at AutomotiveGuider.com. I have a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science but cars and trucks have always been my passion. My goal is to always learn new skills and share my experience with the world.