More wiring help needed please...

[Hoopy_Frood]

Due to what I assume is my own cack-handedness, I have once again broken something but I don't know what.

The facts:
I took my dash out and when I refitted it all, I turned the key and the dash lights came on dimly, the engine really struggled to turn over and then the ignition wire from the fusebox to the ignition began to melt pretty much all the way along it's length.

I replaced the wire running from A8 terminal in the fusebox to the 15 terminal on ignition switch plug but I still have no ignition. The van starter motor turns over normally but won't start.

The key is also stuck in the ignition and will not come out.

I can't see any blown fuses anywhere.


The problem(s)?
I messed up somewhere refitting the dash. I noticed that I had trapped some wires between the bolts for the steering column and the body work once the plastic on the ignition wire began to melt.
Could I have melted something inside the ignition switch, breaking it and trapping the key inside? I can move the key into position 1 and to the cranking position, but can't remove it from the barrel.

The solution:
I am ready to throw in the towel. If you have the name of a good mobile mechanic/autoelectrician in/near/around Manchester I will pay (gasp!) real, proper, honest money to anyone who can fix it (this week if at all possible). Hell, I'll throw in my wife and two children if it will sweeten the deal.

[itchyfeet]

pop the plug off the ignition switch and hot wire it to prove if it's the switch, I will pm you how for obvious reasons.

[Hoopy_Frood]

Thanks Itchy,

Those instructions are clear enough even for me to follow, much obliged mate.

[Hoopy_Frood]

It's the switch! I checked using itchyfeet's method and when the terminals are jumped, all is well with the ignition.

Itchy, I owe you a drink at the very least. Many thanks fella.

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