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Maybe I'm retarded after being in the sun all day but...

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Old 07-13-2011, 03:09 AM
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Default Maybe I'm retarded after being in the sun all day but...

As some know I run a LeMons car (90 Miata) and in the Lemons series you need a cut off switch on the dash, this year we are going to run Chump car race at VIR and they want another switch near driver...fine. As we all know the switch should shut off car and ours does. Today I installed a 2nd switch and moved the alternator wire to it from the old switch to the new switch because it is closer to the battery, now car will not shut off?

Attached is the worst drawing ever to try and illustrate the setup I have.

So why is it running?

Help!

PS: if i'm retarded I'm good with that just need this to work.

No joking my drawing skilz
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wtf.pdf (92.8 KB, 223 views)
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Old 07-13-2011, 04:17 AM
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Not to sound like an ******* but have you checked the new switch? Staring at the drawing, which isn't that bad, it seams like the actual switch is the only variable. Multi-meter the thing. Could be as simple as the switch isn't turning off when turned. Or if you've already checked for this feel free to belittle me.
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Old 07-13-2011, 11:13 AM
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Originally Posted by TorqueZombie
Not to sound like an ******* but have you checked the new switch? Staring at the drawing, which isn't that bad, it seams like the actual switch is the only variable. Multi-meter the thing. Could be as simple as the switch isn't turning off when turned. Or if you've already checked for this feel free to belittle me.
Will be checking that today, Its brand new so I was not expecting it to be an issue but you never know. I will report back.
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Old 07-13-2011, 02:56 PM
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Why did you bother changing the first switch's wiring again?

Wouldn't it have been fine to have simply spliced the new switch into the line from the battery to the existing switch? That would've given the desired effect but taken < 5 minutes, was this against the rules?

As you are now the original switch only cuts power to the starter (unless there is a secondary way the starter can get power) not the alternator and whatever else.

I agree with the above that unless there are other wiring issues the switch it's self may be the culprit.

BTW your pdf is upside down.
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Old 07-13-2011, 05:07 PM
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Ummm,

Alternator is spinning right?

Alternator is a dynamic battery, when it spins it produces power. When you turn off the switch between the battery and the alternator (your switch A) all you are doing is stopping the battery from charging.

I bet you can't start the car with switch A off.

Move the wire from the alternator to the other side of switch A.
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