To Group, I am having issue’s with  the starter wiring. I am using an
after  market ignition switch from the auto parts store. It has four
terminals on it. They are marked as follows; Batt., Acc. , Ign., Str.
There were no instructions in the package. I also have an amp meter
that ties into the ignition switch. I have power from the buss to the
Batt. terminal, and I have another powered wire from one side of the
amp meter. This second wire is as per the amp meter instruction, only
it does not say which terminal to attach it to; so I have put it on
the ignition terminal. The third wire involved in the switch goes
from the terminal marked Str. to the starter solenoid.

Now the problem; when I turn the ignition switch to start, the engine
will turn over. This occurs regardless of whether the primary buss’s
switch is on or off. I know that the wire from the amp meter is hot,
so I probably have it connected to the wrong terminal; only which one
does it go to. Any suggestions. Frank


Use an ohm meter to check out the key switch and see what terminal
becomes hot when you turn the key to start.  Now connect that
terminal with 16 gage stranded wire to the starter contacter. That is
the small cylindrical  device on the top of the starter. The
contacter is just a heavy duty relay.


The key switch is connected to any source of 12 volts.

Al least one terminal connects to all others from time to time
depending on the position of the key. That is the common terminal and
that is what is connected to the 12 volt supply.

A push button switch on the instrument panel will work as well.


Paul Lamar



   Frank, some suggestions when adding electrical components. Think of the heavy current path from the battery to the starting motor to ground - everything to handle this large starting current will be the large cable. Sounds like the terminals on your ammeter are large [ 1/4 inch or so ] therefore it can be wired in series in the starting circuit - but you may want to monitor your electrical load with the ammeter all the time - not just when cranking the engine, so it could be wired from the battery to the electrical bus. [ Briefly touch the terminals to see the polarity of which way the needle swings if analogue type ammeter, before bolting on. ]

   The ignition switch is a separate, much lower current circuit. The ignition switch would operate a relay, which would switch on the heavy duty cranking current to the starting motor. The relay is where the heavy current and lower current circuits meet and would have both large and small terminals. If the ignition switch hasn't been disconnected, tag each wire for future reference. With the ignition switch in the " Off " position,  one contact will show battery voltage, this is your common.  It might be helpful if you draw yourself an electrical diagram of your starting circuit, before making changes.

George M