Does anyone have an illustration or diagram of the back side of the ignition switch for a '56 Ford. I had one, now can't find it. Had a wire come off and can't figure out which post it goes  on. The car will start  and run until I realease the key then it dies. The wire that came off is   from the coil (I think) and I'm thinking it should be back on whichever post  is "hot" when the  key is in the start position. Just want to make sure. Thank again for your help.

Location:Washington,Ia

 

here you go.

marv

marvh, Thanks...I have this one...what I'm looking for is of the ignition switch itself, the back that shows the different posts...thank you.

Location:Washington,Ia

There were two types of ignition switches. Which one do you have?

One with a centre post and three surrounding on the perimeter or

4 posts on the perimeter

mine is the one with 4 posts on the perimeter

Location:Washington,Ia

Since the car starts, the wire does not go on the terminal that is hot in the start position.  If it is the power to the coil wire, it should be connected to the terminal that is hot when the switch is in the run position, but not hot in the accessory position.  The switch may be marked by raised letters in the bakelite, BAT or B, ST or S, IGN or I, ACC or A.  It is also possible that that wire is not the problem and the ballast resistor has failed or become disconnected.

John - "The Hoosier Hurricane"

Thanks a lot guys...thats just what I needed to know. I do know its not the balast resistor since I don't have one. The other night I couldn't figure out why the generator lite was  "glowing" with the key off and battery unhooked...then I realized that the trouble lite that was on and laying on the drivers side floor was coming through...thats they type of electrical genuis I am...thanks again...should have it running tonigt.         

Location:Washington,Ia