Four terminal key switch instead of five

FiremanJohn · Aug 26, 2021

I am rewiring a John Deere 316 with the Kohler motor. You should have to take a test to earn crimping pliers but that is another story. Everything is perfect except I have one question. The key switch I got does not have the fifth terminal for the wire from the regulator. Without the reg terminal can I use this switch, and which terminal do I hook the wire to? It is a plug on the motor and two wires go to the stator so I assume it is that third wire I hook up. My early guess is I go to the acc. Terminal. But I am not too familiar with these systems and dont want to fry anything. Thank you in advance.

J Hamilton · Aug 26, 2021

I don't think you have the correct switch. I've had several John Deere tractors like that and all had a 5 terminal switch

Wisconsin Cowman · Aug 26, 2021

I agree you dont have the correct ignition switch it should be a five terminal ignition switch John Deere part number AM103286.

gregww · Aug 27, 2021

Trying to "make do" with the wrong switch could be very costly.

steve_in_mo · Aug 27, 2021

Like the other guys said. Wrong switch.
NAPA sells one. Probably cheaper from a John Deere dealer.

T.R.K. · Aug 27, 2021

These guys are on the right track. You need the correct switch.

I recall a few years back I was asked to 'stop by' and help get an old Craftsman going. The backyard mechanic had saved money by buying a 'look alike' ignition switch from a box store.

Fortunately, He had given me the model number of the mower and I just happened to have carried the correct OEM switch with me in my pocket. We plugged my switch in and it immediately solved all his electrical problems.

Mule Meat · Aug 28, 2021

If you have a Rectifier (also miscalled called a voltage regulator) that looks like this..

The two outside wires. Usually red if not faded over time comes from the alternator. The center one, usually white goes to one side of the Ampmeter and out to the starter solenoid battery + side or to the battery + itself. They are self exciting systems and feeding power to them from the key switch will damage them easily.

Edited to add... These systems alternator puts out about 28 volts to the rectifier when they are charging. So feeding that through the key switch. You can imagine what can happen if your 12 volt electrical system gets hit hard with 28 volts.

The older non self exciting system. The wire goes to the "R" on the switch. And like others have stated you need a 5 lug switch.

This post was edited by Mule Meat on 08/28/2021 at 07:30 pm.

Four terminal key switch instead of five

FiremanJohn

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J Hamilton

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Wisconsin Cowman

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gregww

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steve_in_mo

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T.R.K.

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Mule Meat

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