starter switch

[bolegs]

1979 fiat spider 2000
Starter switch is missing keys and burnt wires. Has anyone used a universal switch inplace of OEM and if so how do i wire it up and also eliminate the load on the brown wire?

[baltobernie]

Complete ignition switches with keys are available from the usual sources, if you want to go that route.

Here is a schematic of the ignition switch:
http://www.got.net/~danj/fiat/ign_switch

If you use an aftermarket switch, you will of course lose the steering wheel lock, which is about the only useful theft deterrent on the Spider, if that is of any concern.

Electrically, you can't gain much using an aftermarket switch. Circuit assignment is a function of the fuse panel, not the ignition switch. Reducing the load on the brown wire is a great idea, but you'd need to go further "upstream" to accomplish this.

Unless you want to rewire the entire car, perhaps the most prudent approach is to replace the ignition switch with an OEM unit, and clean up/repair your existing circuitry to factory specs.

[mdrburchette]

Be aware that it's near impossible to remove the ignition switch without a key. Maybe drilling the tumblers out would do it?

[bolegs]

Thanks for the advice guys. as a follow up has anybody taken the head light load off of the brown wire with a relay? and if so how far up stream?

[mdrburchette]

Here's one from James Seabolt. There are probably other write ups on this procedure:

http://users.chartertn.net/jseabolt/elect.htm

[mbouse]

you can throw some relays into the headlight circuit and draw operating power from the starter or alternator instead of from the dash wiring...

and/or perform BROWN WIRE SURGERY to add a fresh supply of 12 v directly from the battery

procedures for both are located in the tech session at:
http://flumichigan.italiancarclub.com/

i highly recommend some form of BROWN WIRE SURGERY and headlight relay additions. you will see immediate postive results in your headlights, wipers, blower motor, and dash lights.