Turn key, battery goes flat, ignition switch smoky. Options

[jaredmcginness]

Me again.
It’s gonna be one problem post a day, until next years Octeener fest. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/idea.gif)

So close here to firing this motor (in the car)(works fine outside of it)
I’m thinking I have a short somewhere in the ignition, but everything seems to check out.

Notes:

Early car, early VW style switch. (After market)
Turn key, ACC works fine, fuel pump relay clicks, all electrics work.
12v to coil, 12v to starter, power supply relay is good.

Turn key to run, Nothing - power goes flat, as long as I hold the key down.

Messing around a bit, tried again and the ignition switch/column starts
smoking and the IGNS wires are warm.

I believe once she smokes she’s done.

I’ll buy a new switch tomorrow, but I’m trying to probe if this sounds like more than a switch.



All my wiring matches the bowlsby pages. Battery is new.
Switch was new (but probably Taiwan crap), new ground to battery and new ground strap. Cleaned every ground I can find. Does not even considering the idea of cranking.
Starter cranks fine when manually jumped.


Now that my smoke is out, queue the ‘Replacement Can’ comments. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/bye1.gif)

[Superhawk996]

I’m thinking I have a short somewhere in the ignition, but everything seems to check out.

Me too.

You posted a lot of other good info on what parts you have but the only thing that really matter is wheter or not the Digital Multimeter says things check out.

DMM and wiring diagram are your friend. All else is speculation. Let me find the link to half split troubleshooting method I've previously posted.

Post #6
http://www.914world.com/bbs2/index.php?showtopic=340700

[jaredmcginness]

the only thing that really matter is wheter or not the Digital Multimeter says things check out.

DMM and wiring diagram are your friend. All else is speculation.

I've never heard of the half split method. I just read a few articles and will apply this tonight. I Prime same-day ordered a better DMM with continuity. Probably much over due from the POS $7 Harbor freight one I've had for years.

Always appreciate your advice.