Ignition switch

[HawaiiSpiderman]

While replacing the PO installed aftermarket ignition switch in my 1979 2000 with a nice original replacement, I am faced with a couple of mysteries that I'm hoping the great Fiat minds here can answer:

1. The new ignition installed very easily however, the key goes in upside down (teeth up and ring hole up) and the text on the switch also reads upside down. Is this correct? and, if not, how can it be turned?

2. The PO had disconnected the big brown wire on the corner of the main ignition connector. Once it was pulled out, the corner where the brown wire connects, on the female (car) side, is browned from overheating. Even the middle connector, with blue and blue/red together, is browned. Which circuit is the big brown wire and what may have caused the overheating at the plug?

3. PO banged up the metal around the switch pretty badly. Is there a trim piece missing that covers the metal part of the ignition switch?

Thanks.

[JohnMc]

Teeth up on keys initially is right - at least on mine.
Do a search on 1979 Fiat wiring diagrams - there is a good one: https://www.schiminsky.de/fileadmin/pix ... 9_1980.pdf

The brown wire presumably is the one that has a lot of current go through it when starting. You can search the "brown wire fix" or better yet install a relay so that the brown wire is activates the relay and does not use the brown wire for the actual major current. Installing relay for the starter is great!

If I see the car running around the Big Island I will waive. I am leaving tomorrow for 10 days of sightseeing and scuba with my son - we are restoring a 1970 124.

[HawaiiSpiderman]

Thanks John. I ordered a relay kit from Vicks and will see if one of those works. I'm still green on the relay thing...more mechanically inclined than electrically...but will learn. Meanwhile, think I'll do the extra wire thing and eliminate the connector so I can drive it.

Have a great Aloha time while here. If I see someone frantically waving at me I'll turn around to see if it's you!

[HawaiiSpiderman]

Update on this project...new ignition switch is in and both plugs connected, brown wire fix completed to 2nd 30 terminal, and brown wire has been connected directly to 30 terminal circumventing the plug connector.

Engine starts and runs, a little brighter headlights, wipers slower than IDK what, hazards stopped working (but emerg brake light switch is broken and think it is in the same circuit), horn normal, no gauge lights, courtesy light on dash, door/key buzzer started working, no trunk light despite it being new.

Noticed an unconnected yellowish wire in the trace that includes the ignition wiring to the starter. And 2 wires cut together, purple/white and another one I can't tell the color over by the brake booster.

ANYONE KNOW WHAT THESE ARE?