Ignition switch circuits in a Challenger.

Educate me. I want to be able to listen to the radio without activating the ignition box and electric fuel pump. Generally, nn ignition switch that does not turn backwards for ACCESSORY will be Off-Acc-Ign-(Start). I used the ACC spade terminal on the fuse block to power my electric fuel pump, and the radio is running on the factory orange radio power wire. Radio circuit seems to only work when the key is in Run. Fuel Pump on the ACC terminal also is only active in Run. What gives, and what circuits are active in the the first detent before Run? I'll use it as a trigger for a relay to power the radio without adding a current draw to whatever circuit is the donor.

Accessories are powered in run, the circuit you want for the fuel pump is IGN1. (blue wire)

Ok, so I move the pump to use IGN1 as a relay trigger. It already won't run on the first detent, the one I was formerly calling ACC.

Are these the 4 positions?
Off - Run - Ign1/Run/ACC - (Start)

That doesn't seem to work, because the engine will shut off when the key is in the second detent, (1st click forward from off).

Is the 1st detent to simply unlock the steering column and does nothing electrically? ACC terminal on the block ONLY has power from the 2nd detent on, not the 1st.

Thanks!

The 1st detent should be lock, and the only place you can remove the key.
The 2nd should be off.
The 3rd should be run.
The 4th should be start.
The ACC location on the switch is usually only accessible by turning the switch counterclockwise from the lock position.

If you want to listen to the radio and not have the ign turned on, why not run the radio directly to a fused battery plug? You will have to turn the radio off when you don't want it to play, or it will be on all the time. Gene

Thank you.

Lock - Off - Run - (Start)

No ACC position like newer cars. If I want the radio without cooking the ballast resistor and running the pump, it needs to have a 2-position toggle switch to swap the power feed from the key to a direct jumper to hot.

INCORRECT!

SINCE 70 at the time the ign switch was moved to the column, Mopars got ACC position on the switch step back position. This saves from feed ign circuit ( ballast, choke etc... ) using the Radio or any other acc.

If your Chally doesn't have it, something is mechanically wrong on key cylinder or switch itself

nacho is correct.

My Challenger is a '71, but I have never known the key to go backwards from Lock. Is there like a push/pull or something? It is a BASE model A93 Deputy package car. No console, no rear window regulators, /6 engine, manual drums, etc.

Put key in and, it should turn back for accessory like mentioned, or something ain't right.

The model makes no diff, is a standard feature. Nothing needs to be made that just simply put the key and turn it back from the lock position.

I'm assuming the rest of the ign/wiring is acceptable to you right now. what about running a wire from one of the always hot fuse box terminals to/thru an inline fuse holder and an on/off switch then to the radio, that way you could listen to it unimpeded/not have to change/figure anything else out.

that could be a... quick solution ?

Honestly I'd point out to the right fix: Cylinder key or ign switch. Maybe in fact the deal is so easy than just the key cylinder ( tipically ).

Will need to remove the steering wheel and middle column collar ( turning switch is enough to get it pulled and hanging out ). Then cylinder key is really EASY to remove. Then you can check the ign switch by itself being free to move to the step back on switch. If works, then cylinder key is the culprit and you will have it hands to fix or replace. If not, you are in the middle of the way to replace the switch

Mystery solved. Turn it backwards. This car sat for 32 years before I got it and made it my daily driver 3 years ago... I never applied enough force. I cranked on it just a few minutes ago, and sure enough it went. Now it goes with a nice easy click.

Thank you all. Now I just need to get the fuel pump moved over to IGN 1.