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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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Registered
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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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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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Registered User
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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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