Trying to help a friend out with his '78 DL wagon, we have ran into a wiring snag. We need a switched ignition wire and have no idea where to start looking. I know these old cars are pretty simple, but there are still a ton of wires and we dont have a wiring diagram. If someone could tell us the color and location of a switched ignition wire that could hold an extra ~500mA to 1A it would be GREATLY appreciated.

 

If there arent any wires that can hold the extra amperage, then ANY switched ignition wire would do, and we can add a relay.

 

Thanks!!!

DD the best place to make this tap

is under the dash

 

You will see a connector whose harness goes to the ignition switch.

 

Probe the wires in this connector - you will find a switched ignition hot wire

capable of handing the current you require.

 

Adding an inline fuse is no doubt in your plans

as this wire will be protected by a relatively high amperage

fusible link.

 

 

Hope this hel.ps

Your just saying use the actual ignition switch (where you plug the key in)?

Your just saying use the actual ignition switch (where you plug the key in)?

Well, that is the source of ALL ignition-switched power.

 

You didn't mention if this device was going to be wired into the passenger compartment or the engine compartment, and if you want it switched on ACC and IGN or just IGN.

Ya, it will be in the pass. compartment.

 

And it doesnt have to be working on Accessory...just whenever the car is "on"

 

I figure I can get it working...I just wanted to find out if there was an "extra" wire lying around or if tapping into the ignition is the easiest/simplest way.

 

Thanks!

Another simple way of doing this is to get a fuse tap at a parts store and then tap onto one of the fuses for the extra device. There are fancy taps available that you replace the original fuse with the tap and then plug the original fuse in the main slot and another for the extra load. There is a wire with a butt splice to make the connection.

 

Well I went eenie meenie miney moe and picked the blue ignition wire (next to the yellow/black wire that goes to the starter). It works, but I dont know if its draining power while its off.

Use a test light or voltmeter to see if there is voltage on the wire while the ignition is off.