Ignition Switch Details?

**brianafischer** · 09-22-2006, 05:09 PM

I was wondering if the community hear could share some details regarding the operation of the ignition switch.

I purchased the Haynes repair manual for my 2002 Ford Explorer. I need some knowledge/advice regarding how to connect the wiring to my Opus 90W IT-401M DC to DC power supply.

1. When we are talking about the "ignition switch" for the Opus, what is the electrical behavior of this wire? From the Haynes manual, it looks like this wire should be +12V when the car is in start (crank) AND run.

2. It appears that the ignition wire goes from the ignition switch module to the central junction box. There is a ton of crap packed into the steering column. I have located the wire from the ignition switch, which travels into plastic loom in the steering column. Due to this, I can't locate the central junction box. Is it recommended to splice into the ignition wire in the steering column, or should I look elsewhere for the wire? What type of splice connector is reccomended?

Any advice is appreciated!

Thanks,

Brian

**Wiredwrx** · 09-22-2006, 05:16 PM

Originally Posted by brianafischer

I was wondering if the community hear could share some details regarding the operation of the ignition switch.

I purchased the Haynes repair manual for my 2002 Ford Explorer. I need some knowledge/advice regarding how to connect the wiring to my Opus 90W IT-401M DC to DC power supply.

1. When we are talking about the "ignition switch" for the Opus, what is the electrical behavior of this wire? From the Haynes manual, it looks like this wire should be +12V when the car is in start (crank) AND run.

2. It appears that the ignition wire goes from the ignition switch module to the central junction box. There is a ton of crap packed into the steering column. I have located the wire from the ignition switch, which travels into plastic loom in the steering column. Due to this, I can't locate the central junction box. Is it recommended to splice into the ignition wire in the steering column, or should I look elsewhere for the wire? What type of splice connector is reccomended?

Any advice is appreciated!

Thanks,

Brian

Wow dude, bought the hanes to find the accessory wire.

The accessory wire is ANY wire that has positive when in the run position, and none when off.

You can generally find circuits in the fuse box that are like that. They are much easier to tap into then taking the column off the steering wheel.

HOWEVER< since you are there, you can TAP into it anywhere. DO NOT CUT THIS WIRE, just Tap or T into it.

Michael

**brianafischer** · 09-22-2006, 08:10 PM

Originally Posted by Wiredwrx

Wow dude, bought the hanes to find the accessory wire.

It has been on the to-do list for a while. I would rather fix minor problems myself than go to an auto shop. $15 well spent IMHO.

The accessory wire is ANY wire that has positive when in the run position, and none when off.

Excellent. I know a lot about electronics, but am not extremely familiar with how auto electronics work (in terms of control/timing signals). I will tap into the radio power then. This way, the computer will not shut down until a door is opened!

Any reccomendations for T's into an 18-22AWG wire?

**Jahntassa** · 09-23-2006, 12:30 AM

If it's the ACC wire, it's probably more like 14-16AWG. You can get T-Taps for this, but a much more reliable method is carefully cutting the insulation off and soldiering right to it. Otherwise, i'd hit up a car parts store.

**brianafischer** · 09-23-2006, 09:32 AM

Originally Posted by Jahntassa

If it's the ACC wire, it's probably more like 14-16AWG. You can get T-Taps for this, but a much more reliable method is carefully cutting the insulation off and soldiering right to it. Otherwise, i'd hit up a car parts store.

Since I am going to T-off the radio power connection, I will most likely solder. However, I picked up a few of these just in case I needed them:

http://www.allelectronics.com/cgi-bi...CE,_BLUE_.html

Any reccomendations for reading material on automotive electronics/modifications?

**W3bMa5t3r** · 09-23-2006, 10:31 AM

Originally Posted by brianafischer

Since I am going to T-off the radio power connection, I will most likely solder. However, I picked up a few of these just in case I needed them:

http://www.allelectronics.com/cgi-bi...CE,_BLUE_.html

Any reccomendations for reading material on automotive electronics/modifications?

yep those will work. check out http://the12volt.com lots of good info for car electronics, etc..