Is my ignition switch bad?

Cougar Community Classic Cougar Maintenance Restoration and Repair
1

How can I test if my ignition switch is bad, or the starter solenoid is bad. It may take me 10-15 key turns before the starter engages. Each time I turn the key, there is no click noises, just silence, until the starter engages. Usually once the car has been running, restarting is not an issue.

2

A multi meter will tell you which is bad.

3

Here is my writeup on a 1967 Cougar or Mustang ignition switch.

Ignition switch testing

The switch has the following contacts

  1. A - Accessory this is the stud mount in the center of the switch
  2. B - Battery
  3. I - Ignition
  4. S - Start Terminal
  5. P - Proof, note on the outside of the switch itself
  6. G - Ground, this is the switch body itself

Switch Position Continuity exists only between

Accesory B and A
Off No continuity between any two terminals
On B and I, B and A, A and I
Start B and S, B and I, S and I, P and G
Proof P and G, B and I

Proof Circuit - Switch Position between ON and START. At a point past the ON position and before the Start position there is continuity between the proof terminal and ground P and G (via the switch body). This continuity between P and G continuity is maintained through the START position and no continuity when returned to the Run position.

Note on a 1970 switch there are 2 Proof attachments although they both do the same thing, attach to ground

This link ShopTips5-3 has a good diagnostic write up for an ignition switch

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