It just occurs to me that this post should more appropriately be under "Electrical". (How do I move it?)
Update:
So here are some additional observations/updates since my prior post, with the ignition switch removed. Based on having not been able to turn the running car off and finding that the fuel gage and generator light remained on even with the car off and the key removed, I expected that terminals 30 (power to the switch) and 15 (power to the coil) were not disconnecting in the switch. But that's not what I find on the bench. 15 and 30 do disconnect. Here is what I find on the bench.
In the key removed position, no switch terminals (P30, 30, 50, P and 15) are continuous. So the incoming power (30) doesn't go anywhere - as you would expect.
With the key in the number 1 position, the same is observed, i.e. no switch terminals (P30, 30, 50, P and 15) are continuous. That is also what I would expect since the owner's manual says this position is to remove the key and leave the steering unlocked (no electrical connections).
With the key in the number 2 position, switch terminals 30 and 15 are connected, feeding 12v to the coil - as you would expect. This position also provides power to all fuses except fuse 1, which is always powered. (This is the position that had to be connected for what I observed to be happening.)
With the key held in the 2+ (start) position, terminals 30, 15 and 50 (to the starter) are connected.
Terminals P and P30 don't appear to be influenced whatsoever by switch position - which seems particularly odd to me since they are terminals on the switch? I think I'm missing something there.
So, the switch nominally seems to be operating properly on the bench. If this is the case, how was terminal 15 getting power with the ignition turned off and the key removed?
Very puzzling.
Harry
