Centech ignition switch

[Stevenb]

Hello again. Hopefully this is my last question on this.

Just finished with the harness. It’s cold outside and I’ve been freezing. But. Finishing up. Go to test. Small draw. Go look inside. Everything is off. But it acts like the key is in ”run” position. With or without the key in or in any position. Is it just a bad switch? Is there another possibility? The Centech kit didn’t come with a new one. I reused my old one (probably not smart) because it worked before. I’m thinking I should just go grab a new one and swap it out. Any other ideas? Thank you. Happy new year!

 

[SevenT]

I installed a Centech harness back in 2017/18 and did not use the supplied switches (they looked cheap). I would try another ignition switch. Good luck. Happy New Year.

 

[SteveL]

Make sure all the blades are lined up on the back.

 

[DirtDonk]

Did you verify that the wires from the Centech harness are lined up properly with the wires for the ignition switch? Presumably you use their adapter?
Verify the colors.

 

[DirtDonk]

Also, since it acts like the key is on, do things like the heater and radio work? Turn signals?
Not much else works with the key. Horn, headlights, brake lights, flashers. All work, no matter what.

 

[Stevenb]

I swapped the switch out for a new one. Local parts store actually had one! It fixed the issue. After testing everything again, the Bronco started right up. I’m pretty happy. Wayyyy too many hours researching answers that could have been written in the manual, but thankfully this place exists. I found answers from DirtDonk back in 2010 that helped so much, as well as the rest of you chiming in. I’m pretty happy that I got it done with only that one small issue. Everything works again! I did laugh that they send solder and say to solder every weather pack connector after you crimp it, but I looked at so many of theirs and not one was soldered. Same with the RJM harness. No solder to be found. I don’t know why. It’s so easy with a soldering station. Takes seconds per crimp. Now I need to add a secondary fuse panel for things like lights and arb compressor. Anyone have any recommendations? Thank you all again.

 

[DirtDonk]

Let’s hear it for easy fixes!
The first time I ever had to buy an ignition switch, the local auto parts store had it as well. Not too surprising I suppose, back then, because even though Broncos hadn’t been in production for several years, and were not sold in high numbers, we expected (more like hoped!) them to have that kind of stuff back then.

Glad that was it. Puts it in the category a “coincidental failure“ once again.