Im looking at this from Craigslist. Key lost/dead batteries/unknown history, so I know its a pig in a poke. I can buy a new switch/key but I want to see if it will ‘come alive’ before I sink any $$$ into it.
3 wires on back of ignition switch-whats the pin-out?
What is this car again? Your topic line does not make sense.
If batteries are dead, then you will need more than just a key to get it to light up.
Usually three wires on the key, but only two wires in the harness going to it.
Jump those two together.
On the switch. the center pin is usually the common. One of the outboard pins is connected when the key is rotated one way, and connects the other pin when rotated the other way.