[don.vakarian]

Hey everyone.

I have a 1972 Mustang and there is an issue with that I believe is the ignition switch. It almost seems like the switch positions are "off by one".
For starters, when the key is removed from the car and the ignition switch is all the way off, the gauges are still getting power and there is a drain on the battery.
Run position is powered as would be expected.
Finally, when I twist it into the start position, the gauges all die, power is cut all together, and the starter doesn't even try to turn over.

I am able to drive the car just fine in the run position by bypassing the switch and firing it up from the solenoid (this is why I suspect it is the switch) and disconnecting the battery terminal when I am not driving so it doesn't die on me. Has anyone ever heard of something like this? Do I need a new ignition switch or did I maybe knock something loose?

Thanks in advance.

 

[crjackson]

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Someone will be along shortly to offer advice.

 

[Yadkin]

Sounds like your 51 year old switch needs to be replaced.

 

[Grimbrand]

Normally, for wiring stuff I suggest starting with cleaning your battery wires on both ends, checking your grounds, etc. but you're describing some pretty specific things.

I think Yadkin's right, here.

Best wishes, and welcome to AFM!

 

[massacre]

I'd suspect the switch as well. You can test this with a test light

 

[don.vakarian]

Hey everyone, thanks for the replies. It was indeed a faulty ignition switch!

For anyone who stumbles across this later: I started by replacing the lock cylinder, but that didn't fix the issue.
I had to drop the steering column to get to the ignition switch, which was actually really tough on the '72. 10 bolts had to be removed and I still had barley any clearance, but it was doable.