41 Dodge - what’s this switch/ ignition lock question

[GTfastbacker]

Hello,

 

i try to get our new acquisition a 41 Dodge running.

No success so far.

 

Wondering what’s this little switch under ignition lock for?

 

Also what’s the correct key position to get ignition? i assume it’s right?

 

Thank you

[JohnTeee]

It's been a minute since I've been in my '47, but in it, that is either the cabin light (dome light if you have a hard roof) or the dash light.

 

John

[Doug&Deb]

From what I remember the key switch should be on the right side of the steering column. Where your key switch is should be a push button for the starter. Perhaps the toggle switch is the starter switch now.

[vintage6t]

The switch is dash lights. My 41 Plymouth has a stomp starter, Dodge could be the same. Look for a round pedal just above the gas pedal. If it's there you push it in with your foot to engage the starter.

[oldodge41]

Yes, the toggle switch is for your dash lights. The key is in the proper place. Turn clockwise for ignition. Stomp starter pedal to right of gas pedal.

[GTfastbacker]

Thank you!

The starter pedal is working, maybe the Battery was a little low.

Was wondering since the starter turns in every ignition key position?

Will try it tomorrow again and check for spark.

The accelerator pump in carb works fine, so fuel is not the problem.

 

Joe

[Sniper]

3 minutes ago, GTfastbacker said:

Was wondering since the starter turns in every ignition key position?

 

Normal, the only thing making it turn is you stepping on the foot pedal, there is nothing else involved.  So the assumption was, I guess, that you wouldn't do that unless you were trying to start the car.

[chrysleritis]

3 hours ago, GTfastbacker said:

Was wondering since the starter turns in every ignition key position?

Often on these things, the starter will spin no matter what position the switch is in, but the ignition switch switches on the ignition. So unless the ignition switch is in the "ignition" or "run" position (clockwise, right), there's no current flowing through the ignition coil to make spark, so it will not fire up. Little toggle switch under the dashboard there should control the brightness of the instrument panel lights when the headlights are on. It's usually 3 positions: off, dim, and dimmer. Assuming the instrument panel bulbs and the wiring are still good... 

[greg g]

Battery under the floor?

[oldodge41]

1 hour ago, greg g said:

Battery under the floor?

On my '41 Coupe the battery is under the hood. 

[greg g]

Bypass the ign switch with a jumper wire from battery negative to coil negative. Alligator clips work for easy shut down.  This will help locate the fault.  If it starts and runs the problem is in the ign switch or its circuit.

[GTfastbacker]

Gentlemen, i got the car running.

It purrs like a car and drives like new.

Thank you for your support!