Ignition

[Harry]

1966 230SL.  I have my ignition switch out to see why the engine would stop running when I released the key to the run position.  I had hoped that the starting resistor might be bad and the circuit broken, but that doesn’t appear to be the case.
The switch has two terminals similarly marked - P30 and 30.  What is the difference in these?  Also, how is the switch itself disassembled?
Thanks!
Harry

[dirkbalter]

The switch is crimped in 3 places on the OD.
The crimps tend to get loose and the switch malfunctions or falls apart.
I repaired mine but they are available at reasonable prices as well.

[Harry]

Thanks Dirk - I'll have a look.

[dirkbalter]

You probably have that but it’s explains the connection. (Little fuzzy)

[BartSt]

You should have a look at the technical documentation

https://www.sl113.org/wiki/Electrical/IgnitionSwitch

Be well,

Bart

[Harry]

Thanks very much.  Good material to research.  I had some of this but not all.

[Harry]

BTW - the three crimps are on the ignition switch piece, securing the contact piece to the aluminum housing?

[dirkbalter]

Yes. That’s it. You can see the halve moon crimps in the pictures. In my case, the plastic housing was loose in both of the switches I repaired. If you decide to take it apart and repair it, ze German colleagues have good instructions on their side on how to do so.
Let me know.

[Harry]

Where are the switches readily available (in case I need one)?

Also, my switch has the following contacts in order (CCW) - 30, 50, P30, P and 15.  That seems odd based on the wiring diagram which seems to show that when the key is turned to start, power is provided to the "50" terminal.  When the engine is released to Run, the "15" terminal has power (to the Ballast Resistor").  Then there is the key position to just provide power to the radio.  So I'm a bit confused with the "P" and "P30" terminals.  What are those for?

[Pawel66]

I saw switch for 230SL at SLS. Later switch I would buy from Mercedes.

[dirkbalter]

The early one is not available from MB. SLS has them and I saw them with the US guys (K&K) at higher prices.

[Harry]

Thanks - I'll check.