Bench testing 71 IGN switch, ACC position question (SOLVED)

[Midnight_Rider]

Quick question -- shouldn't I have continuity from the RED power wire to the BLACK accessory wire in both RUN and ACC positions? (full CCW)

Using a multimeter, I have tested 3 ignition switches (all out of the car) - from a 71 RR, a 72 Satellite, and a new aftermarket replacment - and none of the 3 have continuity between red & black in ACC. They do in RUN.

Continuity is good/as expected in all other positions/wires, on all 3 units.

Edited to add:
SOLVED -- see post #6

 

[Beekeeper]

ACC is open in the start position closed only in the on/run position

 

[Midnight_Rider]

ACC is open in the start position closed only in the on/run position

Thanks for responding.

The ACC (black wire) has continuity in run... but not in the 'accessory' (full CCW) position. Doesn't make sense to me, and it's like that on 3 different ignition switch units, including a new one.

I have to be missing something here, I don't see all 3 being otherwise good except for that?

 

[Nacho-RT74]

Weird… it should get continuity in both.

I guess you are testing against THICK black wire. I meant because later replacements get an extra thin black wire.

 

[Midnight_Rider]

Weird… it should get continuity in both.

I guess you are testing against THICK black wire. I meant because later replacements get an extra thin black wire.

Yes, thick black wire. My understanding, from internet searching, is the thin black wire on the replacement switch is a ground for (some?) C-bodies, and can be removed for A/B/E.

I ended up taking one of the old switches apart to see the inner workings. I could see no reason for a lack of continuity in ACC in the design, unless the copper wheel is somehow tilting in the housing & not making contact? Just weird all 3 were the same, and all were good everywhere else.

 

[Midnight_Rider]

Well, I've finally solved the riddle here.

Followed a hunch and installed the new switch in the column I'm rebuilding. And discovered there are FIVE key positions, not four as I thought.

ACC -- OFF -- ??? -- RUN -- START

Outside the column, I wasn't using enough force (for fear of forcing/breaking something) to get into the ACC position, but once in the column & working with the key cylinder, it rotated one more click CCW from what I'd previously thought was accessory.

Thanks for the replies, leaving this here in case it helps someone else down the road.

 

[72RoadrunnerGTX]

ACC -- Steering Wheel Lock -- Off -- Run -- Start.