Ignition Switch

tgell001

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I have an Stingray 180RX and i'm trying to wire up a new ignition switch and there are 2 purple wires a red and a red with a yellow stripe. Its 4 position with an accessory but theres no dead give away which does what since the all disappear into the gages. Anyone have a wiring diagram for this or know off hand what to do
 

Silvertip

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Re: Ignition Switch

You need to move this to the Volvo section of the I/O forum. Yes -- the question is electrical. But the question is also specific to Volvo I/O.
 

tgell001

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Re: Ignition Switch

You need to move this to the Volvo section of the I/O forum. Yes -- the question is electrical. But the question is also specific to Volvo I/O.

ok well let me put this better in a more generic sense....

I went out there with a voltmeter and i think i pinned down which wires do what (and was not what i expected based simply on gage). But here's how i got here, my boat will start but not while the key is in the START position. I have to crank it for a random amount of time based on how warm it is and when i back off to the ON position itll start.

Does this pretty much HAVE to be internal to the switch? i'm unsure how these switches work internally. I bought an aftermarket ignition switch from sierra and i'd hate to install it if i'm chasing the wrong problem.
 

Silvertip

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Re: Ignition Switch

You STILL have a wiring situation unique to VOLVO. You are posting questions in a general electrical section. You have not indicated WHY you replaced the ignition switch and if it is the same type as you had before. How about telling us how many terminals are on this switch, what the letter is next to each one and what the wire color is. If you have an ACC position on the switch there should be an "A" terminal. You also didn't tell us what year this engine is and whether it is a points style ignition or electronic. Points style ignitions have a ballast resistor in the harness that needs to be bypassed for starting (handled by the starter solenoid) when cranking. If that circuit isn't working the engine would fire off when the key was released (maybe). If the engine has an electric fuel pump the oil pressure switch may wired incorrectly since the pump will not run until oil pressure builds. So you see why you need to be in the VOLVO I/O section. That's where the experts are. OFF on the switch opens a connectin between the "B" (battery) and the "I" (ignition) terminals (whatever those wire colors are). The on (RUN) position closes that connection so the ignition is powered. The START position connects the B, RUN and START (S) terminals so the ignition is energized and the starter spins. The ACC position would connect the "B" and "A" terminals and feed only accessories.
 

tgell001

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Re: Ignition Switch

I said its a 4 position switch Acc-Off-On-Start so therefor has 4 terminals Power In-Acc-Sol.-Ign. I haven't changed out the switch yet, i said i bought one and wasn't going to put the new switch in until i was sure that what it is. I dont see how the functionality of an ignition switch is a problem specific to volvo considering the one in my car performs the same function.

Its a 2010 but its not an electronic ignition. No electronic fuel pump. To clear up the rest, my current OEM ignition has no identifiers on the terminals its simply a plug with 4 wires (like i stated) coming out of the back.

My question is simply, how does the ignition switch operate from START to ON. Since theres a single wire per action there has to be something internal to the switch that links ON and START and is it possible that whatever links those two is not happening.

This is the second thread that i've been talked down to for asking a question. If i had all the answers i would be asking.... and i posted this question here because the guy in the volvo forum does exactly what is being done now and its frustrating
 

tgell001

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Problems with ignition switch?

Problems with ignition switch?

2010 volvo 3.0L, carb, w/ distributer

So currently my issue is when i crank the boat it does not start when i'm cranking the motor but immediately upon releasing the key to the ON position itll start and stay on.

The ignition switch is a 4 position (Acc-Off-ON-START) and the plug on the back had 4 wires. So given the one-for-one ratio of wires to positions (IN, IGN, SOL., and ACC) does the switch inherently have to have something internally linking the ON and START functions for the engine to start while cranking? I bought an after market switch from sierra and before i go replacing the switch, and i right that this is likely the problem?

Also, the boat "chimes" when initially turned to the ON position and this function has been hit or miss since this problem was noticed. Also if it doesn't chime, it wont even start when returned to the ON position after cranking.
 

Don S

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Re: Problems with ignition switch?

Re: Problems with ignition switch?

It's possible the ignition switch is defective. There really shouldn't be anything hooked to the accessory terminal on a marine engine.

does the switch inherently have to have something internally linking the ON and START functions for the engine to start while cranking?

Yes, that is what they do. If the ignition part of the switch is intermittent, it will cause your problem.
 

tgell001

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Re: Problems with ignition switch?

Re: Problems with ignition switch?

My radio is hooked to the ACC terminal on my switch. I very well could have put on a separate switch but that was volvo's idea, and i'm no trying to reinvent the wheel just get my boat 100% for this season. If the stock switch has gone bad in two season i'm more than happy to replace it with a higher quality part.

BTW the impeller you helped me with is working great with no leaks, replaced all the internal parts. After pulling it apart i realized that the "washer" at the end of the shaft that turns the impeller was not in place (i.e. missing) so i appreciate it.
 

Don S

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Re: Problems with ignition switch?

Re: Problems with ignition switch?

That wasn't Volvo's idea, that was either the boat manufacturers idea, or a previous owners.
Radio's should be on the accessory fuse panel, not on the engines wiring harness.
 

Don S

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Re: Problems with ignition switch?

Re: Problems with ignition switch?

I just put both of your thread together. No one is talking down to you, I answered your question about the switch and it connecting internally. That is what ignition switches do. They connect different wires together internally for what is called for by the position of the key switch.

What are you really trying to find out, are you putting in a new switch or do you have a new ignition switch you are trying to install?

This is why it's not good to post the same problem in two or more forums.
 

tgell001

Petty Officer 1st Class
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Re: Problems with ignition switch?

Re: Problems with ignition switch?

This is why it's not good to post the same problem in two or more forums.

I posted it again because the guy from this forum told me my problem was specific to volvo. I disagreed because the ignition switch is specific to stingray and the question is generic to all ignition switches so i posted it here from the beginning.

My question was, and always has been, am i on the right track? Will changing out the ignition switch likely fix my problem?

I posted here because i dont know the specifics of what happens internally to the ignition switch, clearly the rotation of the key engages certain contact points, but i was unsure how exactly the ON and START were linked and if they are linked by static contacts how is it possible that this link is severed?

I was seeking confirmation that i wasn't barking at the wrong tree and this connection, internal to the switch, could indeed be the issue. How does my second post to this thread not clear state my dilemma and plan of action?
 
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