I took the car out for a drive today. It started and ran well. When I got home and turned off the car, the radio came back on. I originally thought it was the Key/switch and I simply missed Off and turned it to accessories. But that was not to be the case. I turned the car back on...and tried again. This time after turning the key "off"the engine kept running and the gauges and lights stayed on...

I finally disconnected theDist. and stopped the car.

I checked the key switch, restarted the car and the same thing happened, except this time I got some smoke from the dash. (smelled like phenolic resinburning as opposed to plastic).

I now have the dash opened, steering wheel off, instrument cluster off. There don't appear to be any fried wires I can see. I could not check the fuses as it is now dark and I didn't want to get into it tonight.
Looking for any information or suggestions.

Rick

 

Start with the easiest I would say. Check your fuses although I highly doubt, have you done any work recently, crossed wires? Or installed something?

I don't believe its the switch, worst comes to worst you buy one for $20.

 

I would say, if the engine keeps running with the switch off, the switch would be a logical suspect. 2cents.

Tommy

 

After taking apart the dash, steering column and removing the ignition switch, I traced a toasted wire from the switch (looks like the ground) to an unused plug by the glove box, back to the instrument cluster plug- Totally melted. Fortunately I was able to salvage the rest of the wiring harness's.

Fuses are gone too.
The question now...was it the switch? or did the switch fail from something else?

More to follow,
Thanks for the advice.

Rick

 

question is did you change/do anything before it happened? sounds weird that somethign like that happend out of the blue.
What could have happened as well is that a cable was rubbing against ground and finally rubbed through the insulation.
12v+ connected to ground and fried the cable.

Check on the fried cable: where exactly from the switch is it coming? does it have a letter next to the cable on the swithc, like A or S ?
what color is it? once we know which cable you're talking abou twe might be able to locate it on diagram to check where it SHOULD go and when to carry what voltage

 

Thanks-
I removed the Ignition switch and it was broken (the anchor for the connecting shaft had disintegrated!. The wire from the metal contact plate (in contact with the sheering column) was fried, the mating wire was fried too (thankfully the connector was intact) the wire according to my 1970 shop manual is #57-A,B,and C depending on its termination. The fried wire goes from the Ignition switch connector, to the connection for clock (not used) and returns to the connector for the Instrument Panel circuit board. The other wire out of the same connector point looks OK.

I have a complete Steering Column on its way which I will use what I can.

Hopefully, after replacing the toasted wires, Ignition Switch and fuses, I will be OK.

I will keep you all posted- thanks for the suggestions.

Rick

 

Follow up...
It was the switch. the plunger/slide just plain wore out. Finding the problem is easier than fixing it...The Ignition Switch DOAZ-11572-B is of course obsolete by Ford and apperently ALL aftermarket suppliers. I had to salvage the connector from the burnt out switch and rig it to the new switch (plentiful but with shorter leads and incorrect connector).

If anyone has or knows of a spare Ignition Switch for a '70 302 or Cougar, please feel free to drop a note.

To those that offerd advice and help...Thanks

Rick