The ignition switch switches on the circuits or signals that start the process of causing the vehicle to start.
You must replace the ignition switch when you have to struggle to turn on the vehicle’s electrical system or when it doesn’t signal the starter to stop turning over once the engine is happily running.
You never know when that will be closed, so you should learn how to wire an ignition switch. Thank heaven it is a simple task once you know how.
This article will describe the steps you need to take to wire the ignition switch of your vehicle. But first let us look at the wires that go to the ignition switch.
What wires go to the ignition switch?
Most new modern cars will have four wires in the ignition switch. So if you’re in this category, then your new modern “ride” will have four wires in the ignition switch, and they will be;
- BATT (Battery). This is the terminal to which a thick wire with a red coating is connected to. It always has electric flow.
- IGN (Ignition Input). The terminal which controls and distributes power to the ignition and other car electronic components. This is commonly connected with a red, or yellow wire depending upon your car.
- ST (Starter). The terminal sending electric flow to the starter solenoid. This wire is commonly yellow, or brown coated depending upon your car.
- ACC (Accessory). The terminal which transmits power to the car accessories like the radio, the lights, the windshield wiper, and many others. The ACC, usually has a purple coated wire.
It’s a good Idea to know which wire goes where in the ignition switch if you are planning to troubleshoot or replace it. The wire color will depend upon your car “make” and model.
It is thus essential you go on where the wires are connected and not the colors. The “BATT” generally has a red wire, while the other three wires may have green, white and black colored wires.
How to wire ignition switch step by step
Here is how to wire the ignition switch yourself. However, sometimes, the push-button starter switch wiring diagram would be needed.
Step 1: Parking the Vehicle.
Your vehicle should be parked on a steady ground before you shut the engine off.
Step 2: Determine the Terminals on the Ignition Switch.
Identify and find the pins on the back of the ignition switch of the vehicle. You should find four terminals on them.
They are labelled as “BATT”(Battery), “ST” (Starter), “IGN”(Ignition input), and “ACC”(Accessory). You can confirm that from the car’s repair manual or from the manufacturer just to be on the safe side.
Step 3: Remove the Battery Terminal.
Disconnect negative terminal on the battery. There are always two terminals on your vehicle’s battery that are labelled positive (+) and negative (-).
Loosen with a wrench the bolt before you disconnect battery terminals. Ensure that you tie the negative safely so that it does not come in contact with one of the two terminals when you begin to wire Ignition.
Step 4: Take away any trim that there is on the steering wheel.
You may have to do that by taking off from it clipping it with plastic, securing with, or unfastening, screws or bolts. When you are done, put it away somewhere safe, from damage.
Step 5: Disassemble The Steering Wheel.
Take off the steering wheel. Some vehicles do not have their ignition switch on their steering wheel, and in some cars, the ignition switch can be found right on the dashboard.
Wherever it is, you stand a better chance at this task if you first remove the steering column, making your task much easier.
You might choose to do this for your own convenience with the steering wheel puller. Make sure to consult the repair manual for your vehicle before doing this step or better still; get an ignition switch panel wiring diagram for your car.
Step 6: Free Up the Ignition Module Cover.
Unlock the hooks of the ignition module cover. This will enable you take away the cover so you can access the ignition switch. There should be some releases on the ring-like hook you just unhooked There should be some releases on the clip, and you may need to use the screwdriver in conjunction to press down the release on the hooks.
Step 7: Keep the Keys in the Right Position.
Set the key in the ignition and turn to “accessory” position this is important because this is the only way to release it from the ignition module—but if you can’t reach your car key at the moment, just use a flathead screwdriver instead!
If you must use the flathead screwdriver, be careful. Find the release pin inside the hole on the ignition module and press it down with the screwdriver. There should be a tiny hole to put the screwdriver inside and press down the release pin inside.
Step 8: Release the Pins.
The release pin that locks the ignition switch is released; now you can pull it out of its position.
If you’ve done the first five steps right you’d be able to pull it out with ease. Check, however, that you are pressing the release pin down firmly enough, in case of resistance.
Step 9: Take a Look at the Ignition Switch.
This is where you check the switch to see what is wrong with it. You’d need a test light for this. Depending on the manufacturer, the dealer involved and your specs, you may want to either rebuild the ignition, or get a whole new ignition switch instead.
Step 10: Check the Wires.
Ascertain what the positive power lead from the battery to the car’s ignition switch is. It is usually a thick red wire that is always hot.
After you have found it, all you do is fit the correct terminal end onto the power lead wire with the terminal multi-tool and connect the power lead at the “BATT” terminal of the switch.
Step 11: Connect the Accessory Wire.
Run the accessary lead wire to the “ACC” terminal of the ignition switch. This wire makes hot all the car’s accessories when the switch is turned to “ACC” position.
Step 12: Connect Starter Relay Wire.
Fit the starter relay wire at the “ST” terminal of the ignition switch. The “ST” terminal makes only when the switch is turned to “START” position.
Step 13: Attach the Ignition Wire.
Run the Ignition wire at the “IGN” terminal of the vehicle’s ignition switch. The center terminal is for serving the car’s ignition, wipers, accessories and other such operating features. It is in fact the normal run position of the ignition switch.
Step 14: Reinstall the Ignition Switch.
In order to install the new harness re-wired switch, you’d have to push on the release pin somewhat so that you can insert the new ignition switch. That done the new (or rebuilt) ignition switch can be inserted in the steering column. You want the line up of the shape of the cylinder, the position of the release pin, the coinciding grooves in the ignition module.
You’ll hear the click of the release pin as the ignition switch sets into place. Don’t stop pushing the ignition switch in until you hear the click from the release pin.
Step 15: Test the Ignition Switch.
When you’ve secured the ignition switch, next up is to test the newly wired ignition switch. For this, you’d have to reconnect the battery. There is no need to reassemble any parts until you are sure that the new ignition switch is appropriately working.
To restart the disconnected negative battery terminal, insert the key and try to turn the ignition. If the ignition is in good condition and you’ve done a good job with the wiring, the car should turn over quickly. If not, then you may have to repeat the process.
Step 16: Reassemble the Car Parts.
Once you verify the ignition switch in good working condition, next up is reassembling the parts. Shut off the engine before you disconnect the battery, as you did at the start of the procedure. You may have to refer to your vehicle’s repair manual, to get the vehicle’s pieces to fit back correctly again.
Whatever you do, just be sure that you’re putting in the right components in the right place; the screws, bolts, and clips attached as suggested in the car’s repair manual particularly if you have to deal with any of the installed devices on newer car models.
Follow these steps to this point and you will have successfully wired your ignition switch without much hassle.
How to find an affordable car Mechanic?
It’s one thing to find an affordable car mechanic and another to find an affordable and reliable car mechanic. Here are four proven ways to find affordable and reliable car mechanics and what you should know about each of them.
Contact your dealership
It’s no secret; car dealers charge more compared to a local mechanic. However, if your new ride is still under warranty, reach out to the dealership first or your extended warranty service provider.
You’ll pay little or no money if your vehicle is still under warranty. The best part? The dealership may provide you with proprietary information on the latest technology in your car that the local mechanic may not be aware of. Plus, you’ll be assured the best hands are open to fix your car.
However, the dealership will be expensive if your car is not under warranty. Check the other proven ways below if your car or the specific damage is not covered by warranty.
Ask a friend
Good service advertises itself. Asking a friend could be a game-changer to finding reliable and affordable car mechanics. When you have a good experience with an auto repair shop, won’t you refer your friend to that shop if he asks? You sure will!
Just as you asked your friend, he/she will also recommend you to a reliable auto service center.
Ask a mechanic online
Let’s get this clear; asking a mechanic online is like going outside the box. Your problem could just be a simple DIYers fix that anyone can fix with the right guide.
Most online mechanics will answer your queries and even give you guidelines on how you can repair the problem without heading to a repair shop. This way, you will fix your car, and pay no one.
Review mechanic profiles
Become your detective. Get a list of mechanics with low fees for maintenance and repairs, and check to see if they have reviews online.
Organizations such as Better Business Bureau, APA, CAA, and other trusted sources will show you mechanic service centers with good, bad, and ugly details.
FAQs.
Q: Where do ignition switch wires go?
The car’s ignition wire goes to the “IGN” terminal of the ignition switch. There is an important terminal because it is for the car ignition, wipers, accessories and so on. It is also the normal “run” position of the switch.
Q: What color do wires go to the ignition switch?
The colors going to the ignition switch are red, black, yellow, green, purple, white-red, White-black etc. The color you will find depends on model of car.
Q: Does the ignition switch need to be grounded?
No. Your car’s ignition switch won’t need to be grounded in order to start your car. This is because all the terminals in your car’s ignition switch should be isolated from the ground.
Once these terminals have been removed from the grounds, the rest of your car’s ignition switch has to serve mechanical functions.
Q: Can ignition switch cause car not to start?
Yes. It is one of the problems encountered when trying to start the car. This is because any hiccup of the ignition switch could be indicative of electrical problems.
If your car battery is in good condition and the car refuses to turn after a few tries, you can have some problems with the ignition switch.
Q: Can you bypass ignition switch?
Yes, maybe you can if you have the training and experience. If you don’t have these things, you can’t do it yourself because it is a technical procedure that may take more than a manual and can-do spirit. Your best bet is to get professional help to avoid complications that may arise.
Final Words
Arguably the most vital part of a vehicle’s electrical system is the ignition switch. Like vehicle components, they do wear out after repeated use. When an ignition switch fails, it can lead to inconvenience, which is why you need to learn how to wire an ignition switch.
This article has presented a series of steps that should help you wire your vehicle’s ignition switch should the need arise. All you will need to do is to follow them to the letter. I also advise that you get a universal ignition switch wiring diagram.