If you’re working on your car’s ignition system, you may need to know how to wire ignition switch. The ignition switch is responsible for sending power to the car’s starter, which allows the engine to start. It’s a simple process, but you need to know which wires go to the ignition switch.
How to wire ignition switch step by step
Assuming you have a basic understanding of wiring and electricity, take the following steps to wire your ignition switch.
1. Strip ½ inch of plastic off the end of the red wire using a wire stripper. Do the same to the end of the black wire.
2. Connect the red wire to the terminal on the ignition switch labeled “ACC.”
3. Connect the black wire to the terminal labeled “ground.”
4. Strip ½ inch of plastic off the end of the remaining wire, which is most likely blue.
5. Connect the wire to the terminal on the ignition switch labeled “START.”
Step 1: Park the Vehicle
Assuming you would like tips on how to wire an ignition switch, the first step is to park the vehicle. Once the vehicle is in park, locate the battery. The battery will be either under the hood or in the trunk. Once you have located the battery, disconnect the negative terminal. This is usually the black cable. Once the negative terminal is disconnected, move to the engine bay.
Locate the starter solenoid, which will be a large cylindrical object attached to the starter. The starter solenoid will have three terminals. The large battery terminal is usually labeled with a “B” or “BAT.” The small terminal is usually labeled with an “S” or “ST.” The third terminal is usually labeled with an “I” or “IGN.” The IGN terminal is the one you will be connecting the ignition switch to.
Before connecting the ignition switch to the starter solenoid, you will need to run a wire from the “BAT” terminal on the solenoid to the positive terminal on the battery. This will provide power to the solenoid when the ignition switch is turned on. Once the wire is connected, you can connect the ignition switch to the “IGN” terminal on the starter solenoid.
Step 4: Disassemble The Steering Wheel
Assuming you have already removed the airbag and steering wheel cover, you will need to disconnect the battery before beginning work on the steering wheel. To do this, simply unscrew the negative terminal from the battery.
Next, you will need to remove the plastic trim piece that is located behind the steering wheel. This is held in place by a few screws, so simply remove these and set the trim piece aside.
With the trim piece removed, you should now have access to the back of the ignition switch. There are four wires that are connected to the switch, so you will need to carefully disconnect these. Once they are disconnected, you can remove the switch from the steering wheel.
Step 5: Free Up the Ignition Module Cover
Assuming your vehicle has an ignition module, the next step is to free up the module cover. In most cases, this will simply involve removing a few screws. However, some models may require you to remove the entire ignition switch in order to access the module.
Once you have access to the module, you will need to remove the wires that connect it to the ignition switch. These will typically be color-coded, so it should be fairly easy to identify which wire goes where. Once you have the wires disconnected, you can remove the module cover and access the ignition module itself.
Step 6: Keep the Keys in the Right Position
The keys must be in the correct position in order to start the engine. The key must be in the “run” position in order to start the engine. If the key is in the “off” position, the engine will not start. The key must be in the “start” position in order to start the engine.
Step 7: Release the Pins
Assuming you have a standard 7-pin ignition switch, the first step is to release the three pins that hold the switch in place. These are typically located on the top and bottom of the switch. Once the pins are released, the switch can be pulled out of the dash.
The next step is to identify the wires that go to the ignition switch. There will be four wires total, including a ground wire. The ground wire will usually be black or brown, and it will be connected to a metal tab on the back of the switch.
The other three wires will be connected to the three terminals on the front of the switch. The terminal on the left is for the accessory position, the middle terminal is for the run position, and the right terminal is for the start position.
Once you have identified the wires, you can release them from the terminals. Be sure to note which terminal each wire was connected to. You will need to connect the wires to the new switch in the same order.
Finally, you can install the new switch in the dash and connect the wires to the terminals. Make sure the switch is in the correct position before reconnecting the pins.
Step 9: Check the Wires
Assuming you have your new ignition switch, the first thing you’ll want to do is check the wires. If they’re in good condition, you’ll be able to proceed with the installation. If not, you’ll need to replace them.
The wires that go to the ignition switch are usually color-coded, so it should be easy to identify which ones you need to check. Once you’ve located them, use a multimeter to test the continuity of the wires. If there are any breaks in the continuity, then you’ll need to replace the wires.
Step 10: Connect the Accessory Wire
Assuming you have already connected the main power wire to the positive terminal on the ignition switch, connect the accessory wire to the terminal labeled “ACC” or “Accessory.” This wire will provide power to the ignition switch when the key is in the “On” position, and will allow the engine to be started.
Step 11: Connect Starter Relay Wire
Assuming the vehicle has a standard starter relay, the relay will have four terminals: two large ones, which are the battery terminals, and two small ones, which are the starter solenoid terminals. The large battery terminal on the relay is connected to the battery positive terminal, and the small solenoid terminal is connected to the starter solenoid. The other large battery terminal on the relay is connected to the ignition switch, and the other small solenoid terminal is connected to the starter.
Step 13: Reinstall the Ignition Switch
Reinstall the ignition switch by reversing the steps you took to remove it. Make sure that the wires are securely connected to the terminals and that the switch is properly secured in place. Test the switch to make sure it is functioning properly before reinstalling the steering column cover.
Step 15: Reassemble the Car Parts
Assuming you have already reconnected the battery and reattached the negative cable, start by putting the key in the ignition and turning it to the “on” position. Then, reconnect the following in this order:
1. The shifter cable to the shifter arm
2. The shifter knob
3. The center console, if your car has one
4. The knee bolster
5. The lower instrument panel
6. The upper instrument panel
7. The steering column covers
8. The driver’s side airbag
9. The steering wheel
10. The horn wires
11. The positive battery cable
Now is a good time to test all of your lights and make sure the horn works. If everything looks and feels good, you’re ready to go!
FAQs:
Q: How do I wire an ignition switch?
A: The ignition switch is typically located on the steering column, just behind the steering wheel. It is a simple switch that is used to turn the engine on and off. The switch itself is relatively easy to wire. The most important thing to remember is to connect the ignition switch to the battery. This can be done by running a wire from the positive terminal of the battery to the ignition switch. Be sure to use a fuse in this wire to protect the circuit from any potential shorts.
Q: What wires go to the ignition switch?
A: The wires that go to the ignition switch are the power wire, the ignition wire, and the starter wire. The power wire provides power to the ignition switch. The ignition wire provides power to the ignition coil. The starter wire provides power to the starter solenoid.
Must Read
1. If you’re working on the engine, make sure to disconnect the battery first.
2. The ignition switch is usually located near the steering column.
3. Use a wrench or socket to remove the old ignition switch.
4. Take note of the orientation of the old switch before installing the new one.
5. Connect the new ignition switch and tighten it in place.
6. Reconnect the battery and test the new switch.
Conclusion
Thanks for reading our guide on how to wire an ignition switch! We hope that you found it helpful and that you were able to successfully wire your ignition switch. If you have any questions or comments, feel free to leave them below.
