Wire disconnected at foot starter - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Michel · 12-05-2014, 07:43 AM

It's very cold here in north of France actually, my truck didn't started yesterday evening. I have completly drain the battery. When removing the battery for recharging I have noticed that the violet wire which should be connected to the foot operated starter was disconnected and taped. So it has been disconnected intentionaly.
By searching the wiring harness connecting diagram, I found that this wire goes to the ignition switch.
What is the function of this wire, the starting motor is foot operated.
Any idea?
If I reconnect it, what is the risk? What should I check before reconnecting it?
I am not able to discover by myself what it the use of this connection.
Thank you for you support.
Michel

**G&R's57GMC** · 12-05-2014, 12:28 PM

Its function is to supply full bat voltage to the coil when cranking .

The ignition coil has a resistor in line for running, the violet wire bypasses it. In the run position the resistor drops the voltage to the coil protecting the points from burning and keeping the coil happy.

Get a wiring diagram and trace the circuit to be sure that the other end of the violet wire is connected to where it belongs. Ya never know what has been done to a 60+ year old truck.

BTW if the coil has been changed to an internal style resistor by someone then the violet wire would have to be hooked up to the + side of the coil to function as origianlly intended.

No if someone installed an electronic ignition system (such as a Pertronic's) the violet wire wouldn't be used and the resistor would have been bypassed.

I hope this helps you out.

OrrieG · 12-05-2014, 03:56 PM

Here is the wiring diagram for the six (foot starter).

Michel · 12-08-2014, 07:45 AM

Thanks for your replies. With you explanations, I have been able to find out why the wire was disconnected. The main switch is faulty between IGN1 and IGN2 position as no continuity when switch ON. The violet wire was disconnected from the main switch and connected to the light green (high beam !) wire in the harness.
I have seached for a new main switch on the internet but not found. I will try to dismantle it and repair.
G&R's57GMC you are fully right, who knows what has been done on a 60 year old truck. My ignition coil is with no internal resistance so is in the same a in the diagram.
OrrieG : thank you for the diagram.

I am learning every day with your help !

tinyjaime · 12-09-2014, 06:05 AM

might be a little late but last year I made this I basically copied a wiring diagram and wrote it out. It was for my 1956 3100. Maybe someone can use it.

Original Factory Wiring
Headlamps…………………………………………………………………………………………………………
High Beam 20 Ga. Light Green Light green from “U” on the dimmer floor switch
Low Beam 20 Ga. Tan Tan from “L” on the dimmer floor switch
Ground 20. Ga Black To the ground chassis
Parking/Turning Signal Lights…………………………………………………………………………………...
Park Lamps 20. Ga Violet From the “PK” on light switch
Horn………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..
Horn 14 Ga. Black From terminal “H” on the horn relay
Lighting Switch Assembly………………………………………………………………………………………...
Terminal “GRD” 20 Ga. White Plain wire to the dome light
Terminal “D” 20 Ga. Orange Ribbed wire to the dome light
Terminal “T” 20 Ga. Black To the tail lamps
Terminal “BAT” 14 Ga. Red From the terminal “BAT” on the ignition switch
Terminal “BAT” 16 Ga. Red To acc. jct. block
Terminal “S” 20 Ga. Orange To the brake petal switch stop lamps
Terminal “PK” 20 Ga. Violet To the parking lamps
Terminal “H” 20 Ga. Light Blue To the floor dimmer switch Headlamps
Terminal “PL” 20 Ga. Gray To the 5 instrument lights (3 in the cluster, 1 in the
ignition, 1 in the heater control panel, & 1 in the
cigarette lighter)
Terminal “PL” 18 Ga. Gray To the acc. jct. block
Brake Petal Switch ………………………………………………………………………………………………
In 20 Ga. Orange From Terminal “S” on light switch assembly
Out 20 Ga. Nat. White To stop lights
Floor Dimmer Switch……………………………………………………………………………………………..
Terminal “BAT” 20 Ga. Light Blue From terminal “H” on the light switch
Terminal “L” 20 Ga. Tan To the low headlight beams
Terminal “U” 20 Ga. Light Green To the high headlight beams
Terminal “U” 18 Ga. Light Green To the high beam indicator light in cluster
Temperature Gauge
In 20 Ga. Pink From terminal “IGN1” to the temperature gauge
Out 16 Ga. Dark Green From the temperature gauge to the sending unit
Gas Gauge Tank Unit…...………………………………………………………………………………………...
Gasoline Meter 20 Ga. Brown Attaches to the bolt on sending unit from the gas meter
Ground 20 Ga. White Attaches to screw on sending unit to the ground chassis
Stop Lights…………………………………………………………………………………………………………
In 20 Ga. Nat. White From the brake petal switch
In 20 Ga. Black From terminal “T” on the light switch assembly
Cigarette Lighter…………………………………………………………………………………………………..
In 16 Ga. Red From the terminal “BAT” on the ignition switch
In 20 Ga. Gray To light
Ignition Switch…………………………………………………………………………………………………….
Terminal “BAT” 16 Ga. Red To cigarette lighter
Terminal “BAT” 14 Ga. Red To terminal “BAT” on lighting control assembly
Terminal “IGN2” 20 Ga. Dark Green To the coil and resister on the fire
Terminal “Start” 20 Ga. Violet To the solenoid switch on the starter
Terminal “IGN1” 20 Ga. Brown To the resistor on the fire wall
Terminal “ACC” 20 Ga. Pink To flasher
Terminal “IGN1” 20 Ga. Pink To gasoline gauge
Terminal “ACC” 14 Ga. Pink To the acc. jct. block

Gasoline Meter…………………………………………………………………………………………………….
In 20 Ga. Pink From the terminal “ACC” on ignition switch
Out 20 Ga. Brown To gas sending which attaches to the bolt
Instruments Lights 4 lights in gauge cluster…………………………………………………………………….
20 Ga. Gray From the terminal “PL” on light switch
Acc. Jct. Block…………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 16 Ga. Red From terminal “BAT” on the lighting switch assembly
14 Ga. Pink To terminal “ACC” on the ignition switch assembly
20 Ga. Gray From the terminal “PL” on the lighting switch assembly
Horn Button……………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 20 Ga. Tan From the terminal “S” on the horn relay
Horn Relay…………………………………………………………………………………………………………
Terminal “H” 16 Ga. Black To the horn
Terminal “B” 14 Ga. Red From terminal “B” on the voltage regulator
Terminal “S” 20 Ga. Tan To the horn button
Voltage Regulator…………………………………………………………………………………………………
Terminal “B” 14 Ga. Red To terminal “B” on the horn relay
Terminal “B” 12 Ga. Red To ammeter
Terminal “A” 14 Ga. Brown From terminal “A” on generator
Terminal “F” 20 Ga. Dark Blue From terminal “F” on generator
Turning Signal Assembly in Steering Column…………………………………………………………………..
20 Ga. Yellow From the flasher
20 Ga. Dark Blue To the right front turn signal
20 Ga. Dark Blue To the right front turn signal indicator
20 Ga. Light Blue To the left front turn signal
20 Ga. Light Blue To the right front turn signal indicator
20 Ga. Pink To the white stripe wire going to the left stop lamp
20 Ga. Purple To the white strip wire going to the right stop lamp
20 Ga. White To the stop lamp floor petal switch
Flasher……………………………………………………………………………………………………………...
20 Ga. Pink From terminal “ACC” on the ignition control switch
20 Ga. Yellow To the turning signal assembly in the steering column
High Beam Indicator light in Instrument Cluster………………………………………………………………
18 Ga. Light Green From the wire attached to “U” on the dimmer switch
Coil…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
Positive 20 Ga. Dark Green From Terminal “IGN2” on ignition switch
Negative 20 Ga. White To screw terminal on distributer body
Ammeter…………………………………………………………………………………………………………...
Positive 12 Ga. Red From terminal “B” on the voltage regulator
12 Ga. Black To the battery terminal on the starter solenoid
Resistor……………………………………………………………………………………………………………..
20 Ga. Dark Green To the coil and to the terminal “IGN2” on ignition
20 Ga. Brown From terminal “ACC” on the ignition switch
18 Ga. Brown To the windshield wiper switch
Generator…………………………………………………………………………………………………………..
Terminal “F” 20 Ga. Dark Blue To terminal “F” on the voltage regulator
Terminal “A” 14 Ga. Brown To terminal “A” on the voltage regulator
Starter……………………………………………………………………………………………………………...
Solenoid Winding 20 Ga. Violet From terminal “Start” on the ignition switch
Battery Terminal 12 Ga. Black From the ammeter
Battery Terminal 4 Ga. Black From the battery
Starter Body 6 Ga. Copper Strap to chassis
Battery……………………………………………………………………………………………………………...
Positive 4 Ga. Black From positive side to the battery terminal on the starter
Negative 6 Ga. Copper Strap Negative side of battery to the chassis
Deluxe Heater/Vent/ Blower……………………………………………………………………………………...
Switch Red From acc. jct. block
Switch Brown To blower motor
Windshield Wiper…………………………………………………………………………………………………
18 Ga. Brown From resistor to the windshield wiper motor

Michel · 12-09-2014, 08:56 AM

tinyjaime, thank you for that interresting list. Is this for a 6 with foot starter?
On my ignition switch, there is only IGN2, BAT, ACC and START but no IGN1
I will try to make the same list this evening and make comparaison with yours.

I just notice that I have made a mistake in my previous reply. The ignition switch is faulty between IGN2 and START and not IGN1 and IGN2 because there is no IGN1 on my switch.

tinyjaime · 12-09-2014, 01:59 PM

No in 1956 truck was a 12 volt system that's what I based that wiring diagram off of your truck is a 1955 second series and I assume yours was 12 volt since the 1955 first series was 6. But the diagram I made is for a 12 volt systemgood luck with your wiring in at least I hope that can help somebody

Highsider · 12-09-2014, 02:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tinyjaime

No in 1956 truck was a 12 volt system that's what I based that wiring diagram off of your truck is a 1955 second series and I assume yours was 12 volt since the 1955 first series was 6. But the diagram I made is for a 12 volt systemgood luck with your wiring in at least I hope that can help somebody

I owned a 55.2 in 1968 and hooked up my 8-track 12v stereo, so I conclude it was a 12v system!

EDIT: Mine was a 6-cyl with floor starter button. (not saying this will help Michel)

Michel · 12-09-2014, 03:09 PM

My meaning was a 6 cylinders with a foot operatated starter motor. For sure my truck is 12 Volts

tinyjaime · 12-10-2014, 12:13 AM

Ooops

I was focused on the electrical. Mine is a 235 chevy 6 cylinder.

Sorry.

12-05-2014, 07:43 AM	#1
Michel Registered User Join Date: Mar 2014 Location: France Posts: 63	Wire disconnected at foot starter It's very cold here in north of France actually, my truck didn't started yesterday evening. I have completly drain the battery. When removing the battery for recharging I have noticed that the violet wire which should be connected to the foot operated starter was disconnected and taped. So it has been disconnected intentionaly. By searching the wiring harness connecting diagram, I found that this wire goes to the ignition switch. What is the function of this wire, the starting motor is foot operated. Any idea? If I reconnect it, what is the risk? What should I check before reconnecting it? I am not able to discover by myself what it the use of this connection. Thank you for you support. Michel __________________ '55, Chevy 3600, 2nd serie, 3/4 ton, 235, 4 speed Muncie SM420, 4.57:1 rear axle

12-05-2014, 12:28 PM	#2
G&R's57GMC Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Shasta Lake, CA. Posts: 1,619	Re: Wire disconnected at foot starter Its function is to supply full bat voltage to the coil when cranking . The ignition coil has a resistor in line for running, the violet wire bypasses it. In the run position the resistor drops the voltage to the coil protecting the points from burning and keeping the coil happy. Get a wiring diagram and trace the circuit to be sure that the other end of the violet wire is connected to where it belongs. Ya never know what has been done to a 60+ year old truck. BTW if the coil has been changed to an internal style resistor by someone then the violet wire would have to be hooked up to the + side of the coil to function as origianlly intended. No if someone installed an electronic ignition system (such as a Pertronic's) the violet wire wouldn't be used and the resistor would have been bypassed. I hope this helps you out. __________________ Glen & Jane's Rides ‘57 GMC NAPCO Long Bed V8 4 speed Bought 2008 7 other cars & trucks , 5 trailers '56 Chevy Long Bed I6, 4 speed Bought 1990 Sold 8.22.2020 ’56 GMC Suburban Pickup V8, 4 speed Hydramatic Bought 1996 Sold 10.11.2020 My Other Tinkerings http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...75#post8967275 Last edited by G&R's57GMC; 12-05-2014 at 12:45 PM.

12-05-2014, 03:56 PM	#3
OrrieG Registered User Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Idaho Posts: 8,800	Re: Wire disconnected at foot starter Here is the wiring diagram for the six (foot starter). Attached Images __________________ 1959 Chevy Short Fleetside w/ 74 4WD drive train (current project) OrrieG Build Thread 1964 Chevelle Malibu w/ 355-350TH (daily driver) Helpful AD and TF Manual Site Old Car Manual Project

12-08-2014, 07:45 AM	#4
Michel Registered User Join Date: Mar 2014 Location: France Posts: 63	Re: Wire disconnected at foot starter Thanks for your replies. With you explanations, I have been able to find out why the wire was disconnected. The main switch is faulty between IGN1 and IGN2 position as no continuity when switch ON. The violet wire was disconnected from the main switch and connected to the light green (high beam !) wire in the harness. I have seached for a new main switch on the internet but not found. I will try to dismantle it and repair. G&R's57GMC you are fully right, who knows what has been done on a 60 year old truck. My ignition coil is with no internal resistance so is in the same a in the diagram. OrrieG : thank you for the diagram. I am learning every day with your help ! __________________ '55, Chevy 3600, 2nd serie, 3/4 ton, 235, 4 speed Muncie SM420, 4.57:1 rear axle

12-09-2014, 06:05 AM	#5
tinyjaime Registered User Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: Henderson Nevada Posts: 76	Re: Wire disconnected at foot starter might be a little late but last year I made this I basically copied a wiring diagram and wrote it out. It was for my 1956 3100. Maybe someone can use it. Original Factory Wiring Headlamps………………………………………………………………………………………………………… High Beam 20 Ga. Light Green Light green from “U” on the dimmer floor switch Low Beam 20 Ga. Tan Tan from “L” on the dimmer floor switch Ground 20. Ga Black To the ground chassis Parking/Turning Signal Lights…………………………………………………………………………………... Park Lamps 20. Ga Violet From the “PK” on light switch Horn……………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. Horn 14 Ga. Black From terminal “H” on the horn relay Lighting Switch Assembly………………………………………………………………………………………... Terminal “GRD” 20 Ga. White Plain wire to the dome light Terminal “D” 20 Ga. Orange Ribbed wire to the dome light Terminal “T” 20 Ga. Black To the tail lamps Terminal “BAT” 14 Ga. Red From the terminal “BAT” on the ignition switch Terminal “BAT” 16 Ga. Red To acc. jct. block Terminal “S” 20 Ga. Orange To the brake petal switch stop lamps Terminal “PK” 20 Ga. Violet To the parking lamps Terminal “H” 20 Ga. Light Blue To the floor dimmer switch Headlamps Terminal “PL” 20 Ga. Gray To the 5 instrument lights (3 in the cluster, 1 in the ignition, 1 in the heater control panel, & 1 in the cigarette lighter) Terminal “PL” 18 Ga. Gray To the acc. jct. block Brake Petal Switch ……………………………………………………………………………………………… In 20 Ga. Orange From Terminal “S” on light switch assembly Out 20 Ga. Nat. White To stop lights Floor Dimmer Switch…………………………………………………………………………………………….. Terminal “BAT” 20 Ga. Light Blue From terminal “H” on the light switch Terminal “L” 20 Ga. Tan To the low headlight beams Terminal “U” 20 Ga. Light Green To the high headlight beams Terminal “U” 18 Ga. Light Green To the high beam indicator light in cluster Temperature Gauge In 20 Ga. Pink From terminal “IGN1” to the temperature gauge Out 16 Ga. Dark Green From the temperature gauge to the sending unit Gas Gauge Tank Unit…...………………………………………………………………………………………... Gasoline Meter 20 Ga. Brown Attaches to the bolt on sending unit from the gas meter Ground 20 Ga. White Attaches to screw on sending unit to the ground chassis Stop Lights………………………………………………………………………………………………………… In 20 Ga. Nat. White From the brake petal switch In 20 Ga. Black From terminal “T” on the light switch assembly Cigarette Lighter………………………………………………………………………………………………….. In 16 Ga. Red From the terminal “BAT” on the ignition switch In 20 Ga. Gray To light Ignition Switch……………………………………………………………………………………………………. Terminal “BAT” 16 Ga. Red To cigarette lighter Terminal “BAT” 14 Ga. Red To terminal “BAT” on lighting control assembly Terminal “IGN2” 20 Ga. Dark Green To the coil and resister on the fire Terminal “Start” 20 Ga. Violet To the solenoid switch on the starter Terminal “IGN1” 20 Ga. Brown To the resistor on the fire wall Terminal “ACC” 20 Ga. Pink To flasher Terminal “IGN1” 20 Ga. Pink To gasoline gauge Terminal “ACC” 14 Ga. Pink To the acc. jct. block Gasoline Meter……………………………………………………………………………………………………. In 20 Ga. Pink From the terminal “ACC” on ignition switch Out 20 Ga. Brown To gas sending which attaches to the bolt Instruments Lights 4 lights in gauge cluster……………………………………………………………………. 20 Ga. Gray From the terminal “PL” on light switch Acc. Jct. Block…………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 16 Ga. Red From terminal “BAT” on the lighting switch assembly 14 Ga. Pink To terminal “ACC” on the ignition switch assembly 20 Ga. Gray From the terminal “PL” on the lighting switch assembly Horn Button……………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 20 Ga. Tan From the terminal “S” on the horn relay Horn Relay………………………………………………………………………………………………………… Terminal “H” 16 Ga. Black To the horn Terminal “B” 14 Ga. Red From terminal “B” on the voltage regulator Terminal “S” 20 Ga. Tan To the horn button Voltage Regulator………………………………………………………………………………………………… Terminal “B” 14 Ga. Red To terminal “B” on the horn relay Terminal “B” 12 Ga. Red To ammeter Terminal “A” 14 Ga. Brown From terminal “A” on generator Terminal “F” 20 Ga. Dark Blue From terminal “F” on generator Turning Signal Assembly in Steering Column………………………………………………………………….. 20 Ga. Yellow From the flasher 20 Ga. Dark Blue To the right front turn signal 20 Ga. Dark Blue To the right front turn signal indicator 20 Ga. Light Blue To the left front turn signal 20 Ga. Light Blue To the right front turn signal indicator 20 Ga. Pink To the white stripe wire going to the left stop lamp 20 Ga. Purple To the white strip wire going to the right stop lamp 20 Ga. White To the stop lamp floor petal switch Flasher……………………………………………………………………………………………………………... 20 Ga. Pink From terminal “ACC” on the ignition control switch 20 Ga. Yellow To the turning signal assembly in the steering column High Beam Indicator light in Instrument Cluster……………………………………………………………… 18 Ga. Light Green From the wire attached to “U” on the dimmer switch Coil………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… Positive 20 Ga. Dark Green From Terminal “IGN2” on ignition switch Negative 20 Ga. White To screw terminal on distributer body Ammeter…………………………………………………………………………………………………………... Positive 12 Ga. Red From terminal “B” on the voltage regulator 12 Ga. Black To the battery terminal on the starter solenoid Resistor…………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 20 Ga. Dark Green To the coil and to the terminal “IGN2” on ignition 20 Ga. Brown From terminal “ACC” on the ignition switch 18 Ga. Brown To the windshield wiper switch Generator………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. Terminal “F” 20 Ga. Dark Blue To terminal “F” on the voltage regulator Terminal “A” 14 Ga. Brown To terminal “A” on the voltage regulator Starter……………………………………………………………………………………………………………... Solenoid Winding 20 Ga. Violet From terminal “Start” on the ignition switch Battery Terminal 12 Ga. Black From the ammeter Battery Terminal 4 Ga. Black From the battery Starter Body 6 Ga. Copper Strap to chassis Battery……………………………………………………………………………………………………………... Positive 4 Ga. Black From positive side to the battery terminal on the starter Negative 6 Ga. Copper Strap Negative side of battery to the chassis Deluxe Heater/Vent/ Blower……………………………………………………………………………………... Switch Red From acc. jct. block Switch Brown To blower motor Windshield Wiper………………………………………………………………………………………………… 18 Ga. Brown From resistor to the windshield wiper motor

12-09-2014, 08:56 AM	#6
Michel Registered User Join Date: Mar 2014 Location: France Posts: 63	Re: Wire disconnected at foot starter tinyjaime, thank you for that interresting list. Is this for a 6 with foot starter? On my ignition switch, there is only IGN2, BAT, ACC and START but no IGN1 I will try to make the same list this evening and make comparaison with yours. I just notice that I have made a mistake in my previous reply. The ignition switch is faulty between IGN2 and START and not IGN1 and IGN2 because there is no IGN1 on my switch. __________________ '55, Chevy 3600, 2nd serie, 3/4 ton, 235, 4 speed Muncie SM420, 4.57:1 rear axle

12-09-2014, 01:59 PM	#7
tinyjaime Registered User Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: Henderson Nevada Posts: 76	Re: Wire disconnected at foot starter No in 1956 truck was a 12 volt system that's what I based that wiring diagram off of your truck is a 1955 second series and I assume yours was 12 volt since the 1955 first series was 6. But the diagram I made is for a 12 volt systemgood luck with your wiring in at least I hope that can help somebody

12-09-2014, 03:09 PM	#9
Michel Registered User Join Date: Mar 2014 Location: France Posts: 63	Re: Wire disconnected at foot starter My meaning was a 6 cylinders with a foot operatated starter motor. For sure my truck is 12 Volts __________________ '55, Chevy 3600, 2nd serie, 3/4 ton, 235, 4 speed Muncie SM420, 4.57:1 rear axle

12-10-2014, 12:13 AM	#10
tinyjaime Registered User Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: Henderson Nevada Posts: 76	Re: Wire disconnected at foot starter Ooops I was focused on the electrical. Mine is a 235 chevy 6 cylinder. Sorry.



Register or Log In To remove these advertisements.

Register or Log In To remove these advertisements.