Ignition Switch Positions

[anonymous-user]

My radio / cd only work when ignition switch is in position 2 ( ignition light on ).

Is this correct or should it work in position 1.

If position 2 is correct does that mean the coil and ignition circuit is getting power all the time.

Can any one advise please.

[BrianMillar]

The Vauxhall switch that TVR used for some reason is designed such that the aux position does not operate.

Some time ago I did a modification to the switch and placed a write up of it with photos in the Chimaera pages web site.

Enable accessories to be powered in the ignition Aux position

I have done this mod twice now as I had to replace my ignition switch recently

Edited by BrianMillar on Thursday 13th January 07:45

[spend]

TVR typically didn't connect anything to the AUX (pos 1?) terminals, some owners have modified wiring to supply the radio...

How would the car run if the coil wasn't getting power all the time the ignition was on?

[BrianMillar]

Yes, part of the mod is to rewire the radio/CD to position 1(Aux) but there is a section of plastic moulding inside the switch that prevents the wiper contact from supplying power to the Aux connector. This has to be removed to make it work.

Edited by BrianMillar on Thursday 13th January 07:52

[anonymous-user]

Thanks Brian.
You have answered that question very well, and very good link.
I will consider that mod in the future.
Cheers Neil.

[anonymous-user]

Thanks also Spend.
Maybe i should have asked that question in a different way. I did know that the coil needed the power for the car to run.
But can the coil overheat or any other damage be done by sitting with the ignition on but not starting the engine.
Cheers Neil.

[phillpot]

Neil400 said:

But can the coil overheat or any other damage be done by sitting with the ignition on but not starting the engine.
Cheers Neil.

Back when I were a lad I was taught that leaving ignition on certainly could damage the coil but would like to know if this still holds with modern electronic systems ( although I guess the coil is still getting a feed ?)

Do others leave ignition on if you want radio on while cleaning the car for example ?

[spend]

The ignition feeds mine through a relay, which I can flick a switch to activate - then it is perm live. Most of the time I still prefer the radio to cut when I switch off the car..