Ign Sw as ground probe

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boschbabe
Posts: 112
Joined: Sun Jun 30, 2013 11:35 am
What year is your cabby?: 1993
Do you own a Cabriolet?: Yes

Ign Sw as ground probe

Post by boschbabe »

In the process of looking for a KEY ON power source in the aftermarket radio harness to tap into for my D+ rerout, all I found was HOT always connections. I know for a fact that the radio turns off with the car, so I was perplexed. I was using the ign keyhole as a ground because it held the probe. Today I used a different ground point and I found a KEY ON source. I tried the keyhole again and that source became hot. Please explain.
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Briano1234
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What year is your cabby?: 1992
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Re: Ign Sw as ground probe

Post by Briano1234 »

The ignition switch has constant power, it may not be on with the key out, but when you insert the key, you allow the path of voltage to start.

If you look at the ignition switch there are no grounds on it, only different voltages depending on where the switch is as in off, start, or run.

If you got voltage, when using it as a ground path then you where back feeding it from somewhere.

Always use a Frame ground.

If you are looking for a switched power for your Radio use the black/yellow wire on your defrost switch.
Briano

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boschbabe
Posts: 112
Joined: Sun Jun 30, 2013 11:35 am
What year is your cabby?: 1993
Do you own a Cabriolet?: Yes

Re: Ign Sw as ground probe

Post by boschbabe »

I fliggered it out. Inserting something in the keyway turns on the accessory circuit. The aftermarket head unit beeped when I pulled the key out, not when I shut the engine off.
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