Ignition switch gray wire?

[thescifiguy]

I had to do the dreaded turn signal switch collar replacement on my '72 GT in order to fix a busted white nylon switch thingy. I obtained a used collar from a friend and did all the manuevers to disassemble the steering, remove the ignition switch, remove the wires from the white and black connectors, etc.

During reassembly, I snapped off the prong for the red wire on the turn signal switch, but was able to solder it back on. Then I noticed a gray wire, coming out of the bundle of ignition switch wires, hanging loose, and a vacant ignition switch terminal that looked as though something had snapped off of it. So I soldered the gray wire coming from the gray-sleeved bundle of ignition wires to that terminal.

I then noticed, as I was installing the ignition switch and lock cylinder, that there was another gray wire coming from the lock cylinder housing that ended up in the vicinity of where I'd soldered the other gray wire on the ignition switch.

The wiring diagrams lead me to believe that these wires are part of the "buzzer" circuit. I guess this was a buzzer for seat belts or something.

The car never "buzzed" before I did this repair. The original seat belts are long gone. The steering column had been taken apart before by someone, who may have disconnected these gray wires.

What are these gray wires for and do I need them? Should I remove the one I soldered to the ignition switch and tape them both off? Should I solder them to each other?

[Redskinsjbs]

Originally Posted by thescifiguy The wiring diagrams lead me to believe that these wires are part of the "buzzer" circuit. I guess this was a buzzer for seat belts or something.

From what I understand, there were two separate 'Buzzer' circuits; one for the driver's door and one for both seat belts. The Gray wire that you found in the steering column I believe is from the driver's door buzzer circuit.

Originally Posted by thescifiguy What are these gray wires for and do I need them? Should I remove the one I soldered to the ignition switch and tape them both off? Should I solder them to each other?

If you have never heard a buzzer before, nor would ever like one, it should be safe to tape those wires up and never think about them again. I think that the wire going to the lock cylinder housing is simply a ground for the driver door buzzer circuit.

HTH

[hrcollinsjr]

Looks like Jay has you covered with his answer. The gray wire is for the key in the ignition warning buzzer to remind you to take the key out when exiting the car.

Harold