How do I hook up ignition switch for key?

Wizard · 10-31-2009, 08:37 AM

I have a 48 PW and original ignition key switch is shot. I bought replacement for it P/N# KS6181 from NAPA which is a echlin switch. I tried to match up wire for wire before I dissasembled the original then hook up new switch. The original only had 3 posts on it for wires. New switch has 4. I have it hooked up but only the lights come on and will not crank over with floor starter. Which posts on new switch do I want to use and which one should have no wires hooked up to it. Believe new switch only says bat and starter.

wizard

Charles Talbert · 10-31-2009, 10:59 AM

We use KS6181 switches all the time. They have 4 terminals, Battery, (power supply coming into the switch, HOT WIRE), usually only 1 wire hooks here. Ignition,(lead going out of the switch to the coil positive or coil resistor if your truck has one, energizes the coil when switch is turned on). These are the only 2 terminals that would be used in your situation most likely. The other 2 terminals are the "accessory" and the "start". No wires hook to the start, (center) terminal if you are using the foot pedal start. Nothing hooks to the accessory terminal unless you have components such as a radio that you wish to use when the engine is not running. The terminals are clearly marked on the back of the switch, should be very simple to wire.

Other wires that would hook to the "ignition" terminal would be to energize gauges on the dash, windshield wiper motors if yours are electric, (lead that powers up the wiper switch), heater blower motor, (lead that powers up the blower switch), if you have one, etc. Basically speaking, anything that needs power only when the ignition is turned "ON".

Let me know if I can help you further.

Wizard · 10-31-2009, 04:41 PM

Thank you much. Will go out and give it another go.

Wizard

Tom Petroff · 10-31-2009, 05:28 PM

You obviously have other issues if the foot starter does not work. The key switch has nothing to do with the foot start operation.
Better check connections at the starter switch and battery. could also be switch itself.
The headlights are not wired through the key switch, so they should work weather the ign. switch is installed or not.

The power feed is from the ammeter and should be a 12ga brown wire.
The ign. wire is 14 ga Red wire to the coil.
The third wire goes to the fuel gauge and is a 12ga Blue wire.
TGP

Wizard · 11-02-2009, 12:21 AM

I'll check the grounds and see what happens when I hook up the new ignition switch.

Wizard

10-31-2009, 08:37 AM	#1
Wizard Registered Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Wellsville, PA Posts: 32	How do I hook up ignition switch for key? I have a 48 PW and original ignition key switch is shot. I bought replacement for it P/N# KS6181 from NAPA which is a echlin switch. I tried to match up wire for wire before I dissasembled the original then hook up new switch. The original only had 3 posts on it for wires. New switch has 4. I have it hooked up but only the lights come on and will not crank over with floor starter. Which posts on new switch do I want to use and which one should have no wires hooked up to it. Believe new switch only says bat and starter. wizard

10-31-2009, 10:59 AM	#2
Charles Talbert Subscriber Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Norwood, N.C. Posts: 1,850	Very simple We use KS6181 switches all the time. They have 4 terminals, Battery, (power supply coming into the switch, HOT WIRE), usually only 1 wire hooks here. Ignition,(lead going out of the switch to the coil positive or coil resistor if your truck has one, energizes the coil when switch is turned on). These are the only 2 terminals that would be used in your situation most likely. The other 2 terminals are the "accessory" and the "start". No wires hook to the start, (center) terminal if you are using the foot pedal start. Nothing hooks to the accessory terminal unless you have components such as a radio that you wish to use when the engine is not running. The terminals are clearly marked on the back of the switch, should be very simple to wire. Other wires that would hook to the "ignition" terminal would be to energize gauges on the dash, windshield wiper motors if yours are electric, (lead that powers up the wiper switch), heater blower motor, (lead that powers up the blower switch), if you have one, etc. Basically speaking, anything that needs power only when the ignition is turned "ON". Let me know if I can help you further. __________________ www.mseriesrebuild.com Charles Talbert

10-31-2009, 05:28 PM	#4
Tom Petroff Subscriber Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Fairview Hts IL. Posts: 289	You obviously have other issues if the foot starter does not work. The key switch has nothing to do with the foot start operation. Better check connections at the starter switch and battery. could also be switch itself. The headlights are not wired through the key switch, so they should work weather the ign. switch is installed or not. The power feed is from the ammeter and should be a 12ga brown wire. The ign. wire is 14 ga Red wire to the coil. The third wire goes to the fuel gauge and is a 12ga Blue wire. TGP __________________ WDX & Misc. Pics. http://www.t137.com/cpg/index.php?cat=10010 "47" WDX "52" M-37 "77" Chev. K-30 "84" Chev, K-30 Cummins 6-BTA "99" Dodge Durango "99" Dodge 3500 CTD 4x4

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10-31-2009, 04:41 PM	#3
Wizard Registered Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Wellsville, PA Posts: 32	Thank you much. Will go out and give it another go. Wizard

11-02-2009, 12:21 AM	#5
Wizard Registered Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Wellsville, PA Posts: 32	I'll check the grounds and see what happens when I hook up the new ignition switch. Wizard