ignition
Let me re phrase. Is the only time I should get current at ign. switch terminal ign 2 (at brown wire), , when I turn key to start position. I should not find current there in run position (ign.1) Right ...????
In Start position, there is a direct connection to the brown wire through the ignition switch.
In Run postion, the connection to the brown wire is through the ballast resistor.
* When
current is flowing through ballast resistor, there will be a voltage drop.
* With the engine off, I can't think of anything that would draw current through the ballast resistor once the coil is saturated.
Then I went back and checked for voltage at under hood bulkhead at the brown wire location, ( ign 2 start), when the key is in ign 1 position (run) NO current.
Are you confusing current and voltage? Voltage measurements do not indicate current flowing unless its going through resistance.
When I turn key to start ( ign. 2) I get the same 9.5 v. at bulkhead.
Sorry if confusing!!!
In 'Start', the starter will draw considerable power and the system voltage will noticbly drop. But even so, 9.5 Volts is low. The question is whether the system voltage dropped to 9.5 V during start, or are there voltage drops.
Lets talk voltage and current for a minute.
Voltage is the driving force. If everything is off, the voltage is still present in all the wires connected wires. Its like the water pressure in your house. All the pipes have pressure in them, which can be measured. If no water is flowing, the pressure is the same everywhere.
If there is resistance to flow, it won't show up as a voltage difference with everything off. It only shows up as a voltage drop when current is flowing through the resistance.
So this
I have traced voltage as thus: Replaced the ingnition switch, and checked v. there. At the terminals of the switch I have 12.5 v. there at hot black wire terminal. AT switch .
This tells us there is continuity from the battery to the ignition switch.
WITH ign. on and checking at post for IGN.2 ( key on ign.1 spot) it tests 6.5 volts. Cranking, at same post ign, 2 it reads just 9.5, should be 12.5 correct? . THIS is a new switch. Is this reading of 6.5 v. at ign. 2 terminal in RUN position ( ign.1) correct or is that a tip off that I have a short in the pug that pugs into the switch??
This is a little confusing. If you know what the battery feed (hot black wire) read during those two tests, then you will know if there is resistance in the connector or switch. In Run, Ignition 1 should be at the same voltage as the battery, and ignition 2 should be lower.
If your Lancer has an ammeter, glance at it. With the engine off, key in Run, there should be just a few amps flowing from the battery.
