Universal ignition switch - key position query

[Roy Kemp]

Hi folks,

Just a quick sanity check required here.

I've got a universal ignition keyswitch in the Phaeton as you might expect. I also have one of those fairly horrid fighter plane-style flip/toggle switch arrangements with push button start. Like this:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/12V-PUSH-BUTTON-START-STARTER-IGNITION-IS...

All very well and good and it does work, however...

On my keyswitch there are four apparent positions. Starting from the "12 o clock" position where you put the key in and everything is dead, you then go clockwise and the ignition / dash lights come on. At this point you use the toggle switch and push button to start the engine.

Clockwise from here you have the momentary springloaded contact that one would normally use to start the engine, but obviously the wiring for this has been transferred to the switch/button panel.

Makes sense so far.

However, I've got a position anti-clockwise of the start position. In this position the dash lights come on, but will not allow the engine to start. I wondered if it was for leaving sidelights on while the key is removed, but the key is trapped in this position.

This arrangement seems odd to me. Can anyone shed any light on what this may be for? It's not stopping me doing anything, it's just irritating me because I cannot think of a useful purpose for this.

Cheers in advance

[Roy Kemp]

Fair point, but why not have it as ignition position one? Seems weird to have it backwards of where you put the key in.

Anyway, so long as it's a common application and I've not got wire positions arse about tit I guess I'll just have to live with it as a foible of the car.