If you have this question on your mind, what wires go to the ignition switch, you are probably replacing your ignition switch with a new application. Also, most cars or modern cars do not have switch mechanisms to crank the engine. Every simple push button or they can be cranked directly from the remote with a key. But if your car has a switch mechanism, here we will explain what wires go to the ignition switch.
Understanding the ignition mechanism
First of all, you need to understand the ignition mechanism that the different kinds of cars have. Also, you need to know that different kinds of cars may have different kinds of ignition mechanisms. And also, the colors of the systems and the colors of the wires may change according to the model and the car’s design. In this case, if there are differences between your system and despite, you need to take a look at the user’s manual of your car.
How does the ignition system work?
Once you insert your key to the slot, it is at position 0. At position zero, there is no connection between the electrical systems of the car and the battery of your car. Once you turn the key to clockwise rotation, it comes to position one. Deposition 1 only the electrical accessories at the interior will be activated. The engine will not be cranked.
In some models, position 2 is the starting and the cranking of the engine with the activation of the crank motor or starter motor. But also, in different kinds of diesel engines or high-performance engines, position 2 is only the activation of the fuel pump or the Diesel injection systems. In the second category of cars or vehicles, position 3 is the cranking of the engine.
If we take a look at this mechanism, we need four types of cables that connect to the ignition column that inserts your keys.
For position 0, there are no switch cables because there is no electricity coming from the battery of your car. The position one, only the accessory systems are activated by the battery. This means you activate the electrical current that comes from the battery that goes to the old accessory systems with one switch. Also, position 2 means you are activating the systems that regulate the fuel systems of the engine, such as the fuel pump or Diesel injection systems. Position 3, there is a specific cable that directly cranks the engine and directly provides the electrical current to the starter motor of your engine.
So, if you want to replace your ignition switch cables, you need to know which cables come from the batteries and go to the accessory systems that need to be linked correctly to the emission system of your key.
Disassembling the ignition key mechanism.
The ignition key mechanism is directly located at the side of the steering column. In most cars, the steering column is covered with a typical plastic. Plastic interior trims are generally connected with simple clip connections. But the connections may change according to the models of different cars. It’s important to behave gently while dealing with the interior trims to reach the electronic parts that lie behind these trims.
Please, gently try to remove the plastic trim that covers the ignition switch system. To achieve it, you can start by taking a look at the wiring mechanisms in the ignition switch.
What wires go to the ignition switch?
You do not need to be scared about the ignition switch mechanism because it has a very simple system that you can deal with. You will see that different kinds of cables, such as four or five cables, are attached to the ignition key mechanism.
We need to state that you need to turn your battery system off by removing the negative cable on your battery under your hood. The batteries are shown with negative and positive poles. Just need to remove the negative pole to protect yourself and the other accessory systems from any electric hazards.
BATT-Battery cable
Once you see all the cables that come to the ignition switch, it is very important to note the colors and codes of ignition switches and where they are connected at the ignition mechanism.
The first important cable that connects to the B or BATT slot is the battery cable. This cable connects the battery’s electricity to the ignition switch mechanism. It brings electricity to the older systems of cars, and you can connect the electricity to the accessory systems or the cranking mechanism systems of your car.
In general, the battery cable is a thick and red cable that you can easily detect among the others.
ACC accessory cable
This is the cable that provides the incoming electricity from the battery cable once you switch your ignition switch to position one. This will allow the electrical current to the accessory cable when you turn the key to position one.
You need to connect the accessory cable to the slot of A or ACC at the ignition switch mechanism.
In most of the cars, the accessory cable is in purple. However, these statements may change according to the type of car that you have.
ST Starter cable
This is the third cable that you need to place on the ignition system switch of the electrical system of your car. Understand from its name, it is the cable that activates the starter system of your car. Starter systems can include fuel pumps or diesel engine ignition systems. Once you turn your key to position two, the ignition switch will allow the electrical current to come from the battery cable to the starter cable. This powers your car to activate the fuel pump and the fuel systems or diesel engine system before starting your engine.
Almost all of the time, the starter cable will be in yellow or brown color. You need to connect this starter cable to the ST or S plug on the ignition switch mechanism.
IGN – Ignition Cable
Does the cable that starts your motor need to connect to the ignition switch mechanism of your car? Understand from its name, it’s just the cable that connects the battery’s electricity to the starter motor of your car. Once you turn your key to position three, the starter motor will activate, and the engine will be cranked to start.
Most of the time, the color of the ignition cable is red or yellow. You need to connect this cable with the IGN symbol of the switch mechanism.
Test your system
Once you replace the ignition system of your car, you need to check if it works properly. Attach the negative pole of your battery safely while your ignition key position is at the 0 position. Then rotate the key to position one and see if the accessory system will be activated.
Rotate to position two to see if the fuel pump system or the diesel engine ignition system works properly.
Then rotate the key to position three to check if the cranking mechanism works properly.
Reattach the plastic trim
If your system works properly, you can reattach the plastic trim system to its position back without any hesitation.
Bring your car to an electrician
But if you are familiar with simple mechanics or electronics or car electronics or electrics, it is very important to bring your car to an electrical technician or car electric expert. The consequences of the ignition switch mechanism failing will not be as dire as you might expect from a major failure in your car.
Also, selecting the proper ignition switch mechanism for your model is very important. If you decide to solve your problem by yourself, it is essential to research and buy the OEM part for your car.
Conclusion on what wires go to the ignition switch
You may find very detailed content on the internet about this question, but we know that you need a simple solution for it. This is the most straightforward explanation that we can provide about which wires connect to the ignition switch.
Do not forget to leave your comments and questions about the ignition switch mechanism and the replacements of the ignition switch systems in your cars below. We will try to explain and answer these questions.
Also, check additional topics about car electrics and electronics below.
Minimum Ignition Energy – What is That?
Ignition Switch Wiring Color Code Identification – How to Do?
