Skip to main content
English French German Italian Spanish

Mk2A Ignition switch

Forums

During almost 30 years of owning my Mk2A Commando it has consumed 5 Lucas ignition switches! It must be the least reliable item for what is a very basic role in life - with not even a starter motor to energise. Does anybody have any experience of an alternative i.e. better ignition switch for the Commando?

Permalink

One of the problems with the commando wiring is that the lighting supply passes through the ignition switch.I use the switch light feed to operate relays for the headlamp, with a separate relay for dip and main.This also save the contacts in the dip switch.

 

 

Permalink

Absolutely love it John. Sound engineering principle and a clear route to achievement. My plan is to embody this mod together with Paul's advice on the use of relays and look forward to never buying another Lucas switch again - particularly as I have just found an old one, bizzarely in a drawer in the workshop! I think my plan at the time was to dismantle it and see if it could be repaired rather than simply sling it. On that basis I probably have a couple more knocking about somewhere...

Permalink

Hi,

This article (or something very similar) appeared in issue 355 of Roadholder.

I have undertaken the mod. The only tricky bit was fixing it all back in place because the material from which the pressed case is made is quite brittle.

In addition to fitting a relay to operate the high / low beam, I fitted one for the horn. I didn't fit a relay for the headlamp  on/off however, since there is also a switch in the headlamp and provided the lights are switched off here when the ignition switch is moved to the lighting position there should be no arcing within the ignition switch, but within the toggle switch when it is activated.

Keith

 


Norton Owners Club Website by White-Hot Design