choke light stays on even with key off

[jeno]

1989 cheiften 454 with carb choke light on dash stays on even with key off. if i unplug wire to choke on carb light goes off. any help would be greatly app. thanks jeno

[Rickf1985]

It sounds like the ignition is staying on. Do any of the other accessories that would normally only work with the key on now work with it off?

[Wbago]

i messaged you, few maybe's to try, but SOUNDS like the ignition switch is shorted out, leaving the connection live. .... mine was brass dust from the key barrel had worked itself through to the switch, making it connect badly, but similar would leave a connection  ....
jiggle the key in the barrel a bit and see if it goes off, or get a tester on the wiring from it to check .. .

[jeno]

that could be it. ill try that thanks

[engineer bill]

I recently had this complaint but then realized that I was turning the key past the "off" position into the "accy" position. Fooled me because you can pull the key out in either position. Hope this helps.

[Oz]

Very good tip.  That's something one wouldn't normally think about or maybe even know.

[Stripe]

Agreed, I drained my poor battery once because of the very same thing..

[Rickf1985]

Leaving the key on accy would not, or should not, turn on the choke light. It should not energize any engine functions.

[Stripe]

Leaving the key on accy would not, or should not, turn on the choke light. It should not energize any engine functions.

Never underestimate the idiotic things some Previous Owners can/WILL do with their wiring..  

Just Sayin'

[Wbago]

just to be straight here, guys  ... .the left urn of the key to the ACC setting.. .it still uses the chassis battery for power, right?. .

[Stripe]

Right.

[Wbago]

Cool
just checking lol

[engineer bill]

I recently had this complaint but then realized that I was turning the key past the "off" position into the "accy" position. Fooled me because you can pull the key out in either position. Hope this helps.

Would, could, should? Regardless, like I said,  on my Winne, if you turn the key all the way to the left, the choke light turns on (bulb check?), the HVAC fan will run (PO wiring problem?) and who knows what else is drawing power, so note to self: [Do Not Turn the Key All the Way Left and Remove it from the Lock] Also sounds like I'm not the only one. This means it could drain the battery dead. In my case it had me chasing a phantom problem with the Choke.


Another querk with Chevy, if you're not familiar with it, they wire the cig. lighter socket always hot so if you have a gps or radar detector etc. plugged in it will continue to draw power.