[DoubleSun]

I'm trying to figure out the ignition switch conditions of my 70 Challenger. Conditions meaning what gets connected to what when in run, start, acc., etc.

My last project was a 71 Camaro and the GM wiring diagram gave a nice description of switch condition. The drawing I have for the Challenger doesn't give me this. It's very valuable info and wondering if anyone can help me out here.

One of the images below shows the GM/Camaro wiring with text describing the switch. Which I like. The other is what I have for the Challenger.

Many thanks!

 

[dodge man2]

Are you having a specific problem. I remember having to fix a wiring problem in my steering column. I remember a red wire, I think the main hot wire being partly burned. I also remember a problem with the turn signal switch causing all sorts of problems you wouldn't think would be related to it.

 

[DoubleSun]

No specific problem at all. Actually, trying to avoid them. If I can understand the function of the switch at its positions I can understand the entire wiring scheme better.

For instance, I believe "Ignition 1" actually bypasses the ballast resistor at start up (start position only). I think I've read that it gives full power to the coil for easier starting, but whatever. If I examine the entire car circuit with this in mind I think I can see that happening. I'd love to back it up though.

If I knew what the switch did it lets me understand the entire circuit. Which I find absolutely necessary in restoring and probably modifying.

 

[dodge man2]

Based on experience the wiring can be a major headache on older cars so it doesn't hurt to stay ahead of it.

 

[DoubleSun]

O yeah. I'd rather have the tires smokin' than the dash.

 

[mrhemihead]

I have swapped several 70 Challenger dashes and ignition switches. On most every MOPAR I purchased the wiring harness was butchered in some way.
Dodge issued a book of wiring diagrams which was very helpful but I never found anything from them that explained how it functioned....had to figure that out for myself.

And yes when the ignition switch is in the the start position the ballast resistor is bypassed.

This is one site that may answer your questions.
http://www.auto-wiring-diagram.com/561-electrical-wiring-diagram-of-1970-dodge-challenger.html

The weak point with the challenger was the firewall connectors. High resistance connections would cause it to overheat. Honestly if you are restoring a car I would purchase a new reproduction dash and engine compartment harness.

 

[DoubleSun]

I caught the "start position/ballast bypassed" in some general reading and it struck me. The wiring diagram would appear to confirm it if the switch worked like I thought. Thanks for the confirmation. I think I can reverse engineer the rest of the switch functions.