BigDaddyRich

What components are actually powered by the ignition switch?

I assume the starter is obvious

Does the IG switch also provide power to the MAIN RELAY or ECU?

Im troubleshooting a ignition problem and so far the main relay tests out good.
I will use a test light and probe the harness for a hot wire going into the main relay.


Does that wire going to the Main Relay come from IG switch? via the fuse panel or something?

Anyone have a schematic layout of the IG switch?

EE_Chris

The ignition switch provides power to the Main Relay which in turn provides power to the ECU, injectors, IACV.

What car are you working on? I have schematic diagrams for the 6th gen Civic.

BigDaddyRich

96 Integra LS 5spd.. if you can post it I can get a better idea of what to check later tonight. that would be great. or if you want to PM me a link thats fine too!

EE_Chris

Viola'.

JimBlake

Are you looking for ANYTHING that comes from the ignition switch?

I believe the black/yellow distributor wire comes from the ignition switch, NOT via the main relay. That would be shown on the ignition drawing, not the PGM-FI drawing. There's probably more, like alternator excitation (charging system drawing), oil pressure idiot light (instrument cluster), maybe others?

The ignition switch itself only has 1 common feeding 3 circuits. It's really simple. So it has to branch apart to all these different things somewhere. Like fuse/relay box?

BigDaddyRich

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by JimBlake &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Are you looking for ANYTHING that comes from the ignition switch?

I believe the black/yellow distributor wire comes from the ignition switch, NOT via the main relay. That would be shown on the ignition drawing, not the PGM-FI drawing. There's probably more, like alternator excitation (charging system drawing), oil pressure idiot light (instrument cluster), maybe others?

The ignition switch itself only has 1 common feeding 3 circuits. It's really simple. So it has to branch apart to all these different things somewhere. Like fuse/relay box?</TD></TR></TABLE>

Gotcha... I know they have 12 feeds (7-pin and 5-pin connector) coming from the switch. I will follow the steps in the chilton manual to test the switch. and see if is good/bad. I'll also probe the main relay incoming harness to see if it actually getting power.

I'll take it from there.

BigDaddyRich

I have concluded that the ignition switch is faulty.

According to Chiltons Manual section 12-6:

Acc Mode = 3 & 11 continuity ------ FAILED.
ON Mode = 3 & 8,9,11 continuity -------- FAILED
Start Mode = 1&3 continuity (FAILED) 1&8 continuity PASSED

I looks like Pin #3 (Fat black/white wire) is not functioning as anything associated with #3 and continuity fails.

I will order a switch tomorrow and install and test.... hopefully this is it

BigDaddyRich

Anyone have a Helms testing procedure for ignition switch? Chilton procedure seems to be misleading me. Thanx!

EE_Chris

96-00 Civic procedure:

BigDaddyRich

EE_Chris.... Thank you so much....... ran the tests and my Ignition switch is fine!

so far Main Relay tested ok IG switch tested ok, only thing left is the computer or intermediate wiring?

Problem was Haynes manual doesnt specific socket side or wire side of connector.

BigDaddyRich

Question is........

If my Ignition switch is good and my relay is good, When i turn the ignition on, why doesnt my relay click on/open?

EE_Chris

Do you have voltage at pin 5 of the Main Relay with the key in 'on' or 'start'?

The ground side of the coil that pin 5 is feeding is using the thermostat ground - so make sure that is in good order.

BigDaddyRich

I know I have voltage at pin #1. I will test the other pins tonight. I'll also shove a wire into the ground ping and check with testlight from pin5 to ground pin.. make sure the ground wire from harness is actually grounding.

BigDaddyRich

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by EE_Chris &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Do you have voltage at pin 5 of the Main Relay with the key in 'on' or 'start'?

The ground side of the coil that pin 5 is feeding is using the thermostat ground - so make sure that is in good order.</TD></TR></TABLE>

I tested that....... you were right PIn #5 was not getting power.

I traced it a short and blown 15a fuse on upper right corner of fuse panel. I fixed the short at the rear of the panel and replaced the 15a fuse with a temp 10a fuse.

Car started right up.


Went and bought some correct fuses at PEPBOYS. On the way back..I got on it and down shifted and threw the RPMS to 4000-4500. ------------- CAR DIED.

I checked the 10a temp fuse ---- it popped (obviously from being too small). I replaced it at the side of th road with a new 15a fuse. Car started right up again. How many amps should my ignition be pulling?

THis time I decided to really get on it. got the RPMS up to 5500 6000 on shifts and down shift ---------- No blown fuse.

Hopefully this holds and the crimping I did behind the fuse panel holds.


I would personally like to thank you, EE_Chris and JimBlake for contributing very useful information in helping me sort this problem out. You help is, and will be greatly appreciated!!!!