1948 8n Ignintion Switch..

Need to buy a new ignition switch...to get some new keys..
The old switch has 3 wires coming off it...new switches seem
to only have 2...I believe the 3rd one goes to the ammeter. Can I take that wire and hook it to the terminal block common to where the new wire will be attached? Run the 2nd new wire to the other side of the terminal block. thx..

(quoted from post at 08:32:59 04/28/18) Need to buy a new ignition switch...to get some new keys..
The old switch has 3 wires coming off it...new switches seem
to only have 2...I believe the 3rd one goes to the ammeter. Can I take that wire and hook it to the terminal block common to where the new wire will be attached? Run the 2nd new wire to the other side of the terminal block. thx..

Click to expand...

f you "believe" that it won't make smoke & fire, you can. More seriously, I can't help you without knowing where each of those 3 wires connect at the other end.

Best of my knowledge the OEM ignition switch for the 8N is 2 wires.The previous owner must have replaced with another switch.

(quoted from post at 06:32:59 04/28/18) Need to buy a new ignition switch...to get some new keys..
The old switch has 3 wires coming off it...new switches seem
to only have 2...I believe the 3rd one goes to the ammeter. Can I take that wire and hook it to the terminal block common to where the new wire will be attached? Run the 2nd new wire to the other side of the terminal block. thx..

Click to expand...

Google 8n wiring diagrams and look for the one by JMOR and select the one for your tractor and wire as per the wiring diagram. It takes all the doubt out of it.

There should only be two wires off the ignition key switch on the FORD Tractors, 39-64. You have some type of aftermarket device. Leave guessing to your pick on lottery numbers. Mechanical and electrical information is supported by data. As mentioned, get a copy of 'WIRING PICTOGRAMS by JMOR' and get out your I&T F-04 Manual and/or original 8N Operator's Manual to see the correct wiring schematic. I suggest when working on anything electrical you first disconnect the battery ground cable to eliminate any accidental short that will certainly let the smoke out of something. Here is a LINK to a reliable parts supplier who offers a Dennis Carpenter made OEM key switch with original style cloth covered wires. Yeah, there are other key switches sold, cheaper both in price and material as they have vinyl covered wires. My experience has shown these don't last long, and when the wires rub against the toolbox or dash, will wear thru easily and short out. I don't how many cheap key switches I went thru before I sprung for an exact-as-original (see LINK) way back 2003 and it is still on and functioning perfectly.

Tim *PloughNman* Daley(MI)
OEM KEY SWITCH

(quoted from post at 07:36:13 04/28/18)

(quoted from post at 06:32:59 04/28/18) Need to buy a new ignition switch...to get some new keys..
The old switch has 3 wires coming off it...new switches seem
to only have 2...I believe the 3rd one goes to the ammeter. Can I take that wire and hook it to the terminal block common to where the new wire will be attached? Run the 2nd new wire to the other side of the terminal block. thx..

Click to expand...

Google 8n wiring diagrams and look for the one by JMOR and select the one for your tractor and wire as per the wiring diagram. It takes all the doubt out of it.

Click to expand...

What is that next to the ammeter that the 3rd. wire is going to?

(quoted from post at 10:51:28 04/28/18) What is that next to the ammeter that the 3rd. wire is going to?

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Beats me...knurled nut comes off and there is a cylinder on the backside...thought it might be a fuse but its not..

Went ahead and ordered a 2 wire..will attach without the 3rd wire..see how that works...

thanks anyway...

There is no fuse in the N electrical circuit, only on the light switch if lights are used and installed correctly. BTW, Lighting Kits were never factory OEM equipment on N's -only dealer supplied optional accessories. Your pictures confirm your switch is some aftermarket type, and as already stated the correct ignition key switch will only have TWO WIRES. While waiting for the new switch, go thru the entire wiring and verify it is correct first. Disconnect battery before doing any work.

Tim *PloughNman* Daley(MI)

What is that next to the ammeter that the 3rd. wire is going to?

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I believe at one time it was a "Key On" monitor light. If the body is empty, someone removed the bulb and spring or led.

(quoted from post at 03:17:47 04/29/18)

What is that next to the ammeter that the 3rd. wire is going to?

Click to expand...

I believe at one time it was a "Key On" monitor light. If the body is empty, someone removed the bulb and spring or led.

Click to expand...

Thanks Dollar Bill..that's exactly what that is..just wasn't sure. So If I leave it off the new ignition switch, it won't hurt anything...
Appreciate everyone's input...red1

Yes, the indicator light was added on by PO and is not required.