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| Gary H 1978 911 SC Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Fort Worth  Texas 
					Posts: 1,306
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				Cessna ignition switch
			 
			My 54 C170 ignition switch lost a mag check function and had key wobble like a worn 915. The new switch A510-2 has a diode for the start relay to ground. Question is the old switch did not have a diode so is it necessary?
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|  08-18-2011, 06:51 PM | 
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| Registered | 
			The diode should not effect the normal operation of the switch.  It's like a one-way gate in the circuit, allowing the current to flow from positive to negative.  It has a value when you switch off allowing the current stored in the relay coil flow harmlessly to ground.  I know it's like this in automotive use, I can't imagine your vintage Cessna is any different.  If it were my C170 I would run this question by your A&P, just to be sure.
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|  08-19-2011, 04:49 AM | 
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| Gary H 1978 911 SC Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Fort Worth  Texas 
					Posts: 1,306
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			My IA is going to check my work Saturday but is not aware why mine needs a diode hence it did not have one out of the factory. I called the switch maker and their answer was some don't have them but it would not hurt to install the diode.
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|  08-19-2011, 12:56 PM | 
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| Registered User | 
			The diode is for surge protection, its a safety device.  Check the AD's you may have to change over anyway
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|  08-19-2011, 01:50 PM | 
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