Thread: Advice needed about how PLC-6 Ingition Switch should work? (80"/88")

(First part question for owners of this switch, second part for 88" owners who installed this switch)

Hi,

I recently purchased a NOS PLC-6 ignition/light switch. Of course I paid through the nose for it... but hey it came in its original box still in the brown oiled paper wrapping and looks great.

But does it!?



Anyway, I want to install this switch and replace the series 3 switch (ignition only) I have there now.

The thing is that when I have the switch in my hand and test its functions I am not sure if it is OK.

So, how should the ignition switch work??????

When inserting the key (which corresponds to the barrel number) I turn the key right but find no obvious clicks or resistance. I am used that once the engine starts you let go of the key and a spring pushes it back to the running location. I believe any ignition should have the following positions:

Off - Electricals On - Ellectricals On and Running - Ignite Engine
or
Off - Ellectricals On and Running - Ignite Engine

If the key is on a heavy keychain it should not push itself back into the Off position. Or since it is here located in the middle of the light switch I could accidentily touch it moving it back. This should be done by hand. And for this to work I believe there must be some resistance inside the ignition to keep it in its place.

Maybe through internal spring balls, or...???? Does anyone know the inside of this switch, or how to access it? How to remove the tail knob, the top, etc.?

And what about the starting procedure.... should a spring push the key back to its running position??? Or is this how the switch normally works?

Anyone who has a working PLC-6 Ignition switch please comment and advice!

Oh, and the light switchs part of it seems to be ok.

Off - S - H
(I think: Off - Small lights - Head lights)

It has a nice tail knob which switches with resistance and keeps itself in place.

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This question is for those who have this switch in their 88" vehicle. I have an 88" and have been looking everywhere for a new light/ignition switch in accordance with the parts book (picture below). Unfortunately I couldn't find anything. Thus I wanted to replace my series 3 (ignition only) switch with the PLC-6 (see above). Of course we have different instrument panels and the ignition whole in the panel is much smaller than for the 80" oval panel.

However, I did take some sizes and it is seems possible to fit the PLC-6 switch in there. It would mean cutting out a larger whole which edges comes very close to the speedometer and other instruments gauges.

I have a spare panel and am going to try this as I can revert back to original later if I find the right switch.

Did anyone else put a PLC-6 switch in their instrument panel? If so, what are your experiences and suggestions on how to go about this?



Thanks for anyones advice!

Kris
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The first switch, for an 80", is working perfectly as described. It has two positions - off and on - with little resistance between. If you bump it, it turns the vehicle off. If you catch it while adjusting the light switch, it turns the vehicle off. You should not have a heavy keychain hanging from the key. Just a light keyring. The engine cranking function is provided by a heavy push contact on the firewall. There is no start solenoid.

The above also applies for the 88" switch.

Aaron.