Ignition Switch

rwbow1969 · Post by **rwbow1969** » Mon Apr 18, 2011 1:18 pm

Hello All,
I was looking under the dash and saw a wire not connected, it comes from the ignition switch, it has a Douglass connector about six inches form the switch and then a 90 degree metal peice with a hole in it. I looked at the manuals and it says #85 open end connector. What is the purpose of this?
Thanks, Rob

MODIFIED · Post by **MODIFIED** » Mon Apr 18, 2011 1:41 pm

Is this the modern 4 wire switch that takes the "Packard" Rubber connectors or the older "Potted" switch ? If "Packard" modern Switch, it is an Auxilliary "hot" for add-on items such as a heater, turn Sigals(possibly), Aux-light switch, etc.

Post by **wesk** » Mon Apr 18, 2011 6:26 pm

On those switches with a wire #85 that wire is an accessory wire. It should not be grounded thru a 90 degree metal plate though. Perhaps that is on an insulating mounting for stowing the extra wire when it is not needed?

The general evolution of the M series master switches (called ignition by some) is a two wire switch (Douglas)(11 & 12), a three wire switch (Douglas) (11, 12, 27) and a 4 wire switch (Douglas) (11, 12, 27, 85) and I believe the 3 and 4 wire also came in Packard connectors starting around 1960.

rwbow1969 · Post by **rwbow1969** » Mon Apr 18, 2011 9:22 pm

The wire and the small 90 degree metal peice are just hanging around, attached to nothing. I will have to test it for power just to be safe.
Thank You All, Rob

Post by **wesk** » Mon Apr 18, 2011 11:47 pm

2 wire Douglas OFF - ON

2 and 3 wire Douglas OFF - ON

4 wire Packard to Douglas OFF - ON with stowage bracket for spare lead.

Greek surplus 4 wire Packard with Douglas adators

3 wire Packard with OFF - ON - START

rwbow1969 · Post by **rwbow1969** » Tue Apr 19, 2011 2:17 pm

Wes,
It is the four wire Douglass Off - On. Just as pictured above the greek.
It has the same metal peice on the end. Do you know what this metal peice might be connected to and its use. On another note I purchased some M - series radio installation paperwork it has diagrams and dimensions for all types of parts and covers about 15 different radio setups up to 1957. It's about 35 pages at least and is on 8 1/2 x 18 paper. If you think you want a copy let me know.
Thanks for the INFO,
Rob