Weird wiring issue....

[-83MONTESS-]

I put my wiring harness in the car and got my gauges, etc wired up. Finally put a battery to it and I have power but my gauge lights and running lights are on as soon as I connect the battery. Doesn't matter what position the headlight switch is in. When I turn the key to "ON" the gauge lights get brighter. No matter what as soon as the battery is connected I have power to things I shouldn't until I turn the key or turn the headlight switch on.

The power for the gauges is coming off the gauge fuse and I also tried a number of other locations that should be key on but no change. I have the battery positive going to the "B" terminal as well as the positive lead for the fuse box. The smaller lead is on the "S" terminal. Ground is to the frame and there isn't an alternator on it yet. Starter works fine. I turn the key and it kicks on and off like it should. No headlights or taillights are in it. Just the license plate lights and rear marker lights. Its like the ignition switch is stuck on or something. This is the complete harness from my 83. All I did was cut off and tape up the circuits I didn't need.

Any ideas???

 

[Texas82GP]

Is the ignition switch from the 83?

 

[pontiacgp]

I would unplug the light switch, if the lights go out then the switch is the problem

 

[565bbchevy]

I thought they changed the wiring in 84' and up, I know the later steering columns are wired differently than the older models.
The wiper motors are also different.

 

[-83MONTESS-]

I guess I shoulda added more info.

Ignition switch and the steering column are from the 83. Everything was fine when the 83 was wrecked last october. I literally just transplanted everything into the aerocoupe shell.

And when I initially tried it I didn't have a headlight switch in it. I thought that was the problem so I put the switch in it. That doesn't change anything.

 

[pontiacgp]

is or was there an alarm system in the car?

 

[-83MONTESS-]

is or was there an alarm system in the car?

No not that I have ever known about or seen.

 

[-83MONTESS-]

Any ideas or places to start? What would cause me having power to everything as soon as the battery is hooked up? Ignition switch?

 

[pontiacgp]

the battery cable attaches to the starter and the two red wires with fusible links carry the power from there. I would start there and trace those two wires...

 

[Texas82GP]

Try unplugging the ignition switch and see if you still have power where it should be switched. That could eliminate or confirm the switch as the problem.