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TR6 71 TR6 Ignition Switch issues

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BJones

Senior Member
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All,

I have a new and interesting problem with my TR6. When I attempt to start my car, I turn the ignition and everything works as expected. When the car starts and I release the key to the ignition and the car immediately dies. It acts like I turned the switch to the off position. If I hold the key in the start position, I can rev the car and it will run. Obviously I don't want to do this as I can hear the starter running. But at least I know the car will run. Any help in figuring out if this is a switch or some other problem would be greatly appreciated. I just don't know where or how to begin troubleshooting.

Thanks,

Brent
 
well was the car starting ok before?
did you work on anything else electrical shortly before the problem started
if the answer to question 2 is no
then did the problem just start all of a sudden?
Have you been under the dash messing with wires close to the switch

maybe check all the spades and terminals going to the switch,
check all fuses with an ohm meter dont just trust that you dont see a burnt fuse

if that doesnt solve the issue then maybe the switch might have developed a problem and replacing the switch could be the answer

Hondo
 
Sounds like the classic "failed ballast resistor" problem, except that a 71 TR6 shouldn't have one. So unless your car has somehow been modified, I would guess that it is the switch. You could try temporarily installing a jumper at the switch, between the NW and W wires. If that keeps it running, the switch is the problem. (Don't forget you'll have to disconnect the jumper to stop the engine.)
 
Switch - replace it. TR6s are bad about the ignition sw's going bad. Watch where you buy a new one. Some of them are junk. They are marked wrong on the back and you have to "jiggle " them to make work.

Marv
 
Thank you all for the help. It wouldn't surprise me if the previous owner had mad changes to the wiring. I know he did rewire quite a bit of the car during the restoration. I will try testing the switch with a jumper and see what I get. Then I will look into replacing the switch. Thanks again for the help.

Brent
 
When I was much younger, my older brother had a TR6 -though I think it was newer than 71. Anyway, his did the exact same thing and it turned out to be a wire had fallen off the ignition switch. Plugged it back in and all was well.

Maybe you should check for 12v on the coil with the key in the on position. It's easier than seeing anything under the dash.
 
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