Ignition key position I

[DrasticplastiC]

Only setting II works on my '95 400, and III to start. I checked the wiring and could only see 3 wires to the ignition switch, nothing evidently to position I. Is this common?

I would like to put the radio and boot lock solonoid on position I. Please can somebody tell me if this is a simple job or not? Is there a spare connector on the back of the Vauxhall switch for position I? Has anyone done this themselves?

[Dalamar]

Same situation for me with a 1995 4L Chimaera. I would like to have the same set up as you with the radio coming on with position 1.

[bobfather]

They're all like this, it has been covered before on here, someone figured out how to reinstate the aux power

[Steve_D]

That switch position is not wired in a TVR but could be if you wanted.

Steve

[DrasticplastiC]

Do you mean there is a free spade connector terminal for position I ? I'm guessing being Vauxhall parts bin there must be, although I couldn't easily identify any such thing on my initial inspection. Does the ignition switch plug just pull off?

[bobfather]

DrasticplastiC said:

Do you mean there is a free spade connector terminal for position I ? I'm guessing being Vauxhall parts bin there must be, although I couldn't easily identify any such thing on my initial inspection. Does the ignition switch plug just pull off?

I think you have to do more than just use a spare terminal, I can't recall the whole thing but I believe there's a bit of modification required

[phillpot]

bobfather said:

I think you have to do more than just use a spare terminal, I can't recall the whole thing but I believe there's a bit of modification required

It looks like the ignition switch has to be opened up and a piece of plastic cut out?

The link doesn't work and once I found the "Chimaera Pages" I couldn't find the article . . . . . .

https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?t=95...

https://www.chimaerapages.com/

Edited by phillpot on Friday 24th September 09:32

[DrasticplastiC]

Maybe I need to look into getting a new Vauxhall plug with a fully functioning position I connector...

[Pink_Floyd]

phillpot said:

It looks like the ignition switch has to be opened up and a piece of plastic cut out?

The link doesn't work and once I found the "Chimaera Pages" I couldn't find the article . . . . . .

I did the mod and yes you do have to take the switch apart, remove a bit of plastic and then reassemble. I can't find the instructions that I followed, did it some 10 years ago.

[Zener]

Wasnt an option on GM cars either IIRC switch can be modded however to function on pos 1 Vauxhall/GM cars from that era head units powered up even without key in ign switch bloody annoying that

[Dalamar]

I always thought it wasn't good to leave the ignition on with the car not running e.g. listening to the radio while waiting for someone. Was it the ignition coils that burned out or is that a problem no longer with newer coils. Just something I remember my dad talking about years ago.

[TwinKam]

'Pos I' didn't power up the ignition, it was pretty much only for sitting in cars listening to the radio, on some you could open the windows, but not more.
On Vauxhalls of that era it didn't even power up the ciggy socket, and nor did advancing to 'Pos II'... the engine had to be running and the alternator actually charging for that.

[2 sMoKiN bArReLs]

I was disappointed to find the rear wiper switch didn't do anything either.

My Chims all came wired as standard as radio on with ignition. I did have one changed so it came on with the accessory click, but that seemed to mess up the 6310i phone kit (remember them!?)

[Steve_D]

Dalamar said:

I always thought it wasn't good to leave the ignition on with the car not running....................

That was back in my day when igniton systems had 'Points' in the dizzy. If the engine stopped with the points closed then current would constantly flow throuigh the coil when ignition was on. It would burn out the coil (and careless mechanics hands).
Ignition amps stay open circuit until triggered.

Steve