Ignition question

[John_Mc]

Here's my second post of three for the evening.

When I turn my ignition key counterclockwise, the starter runs but there is no ignition. Is this an electrical glitch (ie should the ignition key NOT be able to turn counterclockwise) or is this intentional design, perhaps to be used to turn and lubricate a cold engine without starting combustion? Again, thanks in advance for any input.

 

[Guest]

Geez, John, I think you are reading into that ignition question. Sounds like your ignition is broken. I don't think it is designed to do just that. Mine doesn't turn left at all.

Hmmmmm.


Bill

 

[jerrybny]

I agree with Bill. Mine doesn't turn left either.

 

[Adrio]

My TR4A ignition does turn left. But it does not turn on the starter when I do that. Without looking at the wire diagram but from memory when I put the wire loome in the car, I think the left turn is just for accessories and powers up everything except the ignition. This is so that the points don't wear out if you want the car electics on without the engine running. My guess is you have the input wire for your starter solenoid going to both the start and accessory posts of your key switch.

 

[Geo Hahn]

TR4 ignition also has the accessory position -- TR6 owners might re-check theirs as it seems odd they would add this useful feature, then drop it.

Mis-wired is one way, faulty switch is another.

 

[RomanH]

The accessory position on the 6 ignition is one click to the right from "OFF". The key should not be able to be turned counter clockwise from the off position.
The order of operation is 1) OFF 2) ACCESSORY 3) RUN 4) START.
Clockwise of course.

 

[Andrew Mace]

Roman-H is correct for the steering column lock/ignition switch. But the others are, I believe, also right for a 1969 TR6 and earlier TR4/4A. Granted, I'm not intimately familiar with ignition switches on the earliest TR4s, but other Triumphs with "FP" series keys did not have accessory positions on the ignition switch (said switch having screw terminals), but later cars with "FS" keys did (said switch having "Lucar" spade terminals).

Of course, those with sidescreen cars couldn't even start their cars with the key alone; they also needed to push the starter button or spin the "starting handle" (crank). /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif