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General Forums => VW Club Corner => Topic started by: blarneyman on May 02, 2006, 09:34:25 PM

Title: Current Thru Ignition Switch?
Post by: blarneyman on May 02, 2006, 09:34:25 PM

Does anyone know what kind of current goes through the ignition switch on a 73 beetle when starting? 10A, 20A, 30A? Wire size I'd say 30A.

Title: Current Thru Ignition Switch?
Post by: AlanU on May 02, 2006, 10:19:58 PM

to eliminate the higher current to drive the solenoid at the starter just install a bosch relay

30  -  12volt constant
87  -  Starter solenoid
85  -  Trigger (from ignition switch)
86  -  ground

That'll increase the life of the ignition switch behind the tumbler.  

Title: Current Thru Ignition Switch?
Post by: Bruce on May 03, 2006, 12:03:09 AM

I doubt it's 30A since you are only powering the solenoid, not the windings of the starter motor.

Title: Current Thru Ignition Switch?
Post by: blarneyman on May 03, 2006, 06:51:44 AM

Quote

to eliminate the higher current to drive the solenoid at the starter just install a bosch relay

That'll increase the life of the ignition switch behind the tumbler.

The ignition switch is already shot. That is why the question came up. I'm looking at (at least temporarilly) installing a push button under the dash. The PO had aready hacked the wiring so it wouldn't be much worse than what is already there.