Modern day parlance, a VOM is a multimeter. Didn't you go 'round with this previously? I thought you found it? Or thinking of someone else?
Here is how this works
I ignition switch is the "key" to the whole car. It is not magic, and it only has so many inputs and outputs
Input--Power to the switch comes from the ammeter circuit and is HOT all the time
OUTPUTS. In the "start" position, there are two separate switches (contacts) in the ignition switch that operate together, but which are isolated to prevent feedback. This is the "S" "start" contact, and the IGN2 bypass circuit. The S circuit goes (originally) through the seat belt interlock on 74 only, and with the clutch depressed, or the automatic in park/ neutral, the "start" fires up the start relay
The bypass circuit does ONE thing. It runs a wire from the IGN2 contact, through the bulkhead connector, to the coil + side of the ballast resistor, IN OTHER words, it feeds full battery power to the coil + during start
When the key is released to the "run" position, TWO OTHER circuits come alive which HAVE BEEN DEAD during start/ cranking
These are the ACCESSORY circuit which feeds things like the radio wipers heater, etc, and the RUN circuit.
The RUN circuit comes from the key, also feeds circuits in the cluster and warning lamps, and goes through the bulkhead to power the ignition box, and the end of the coil ballast which then drops down to the coil
IF THIS IS DEAD during START, HOW DOES THE ECU get power?
Again, in start, the IGN2 feeds full power to the coil+. THERE IS NO OTHER POWER coming from the ignition switch. This power feeds BACKWARDS through the ignition resistor/ ballast, and powers up the ECU through the ballast. In other words, the ECU power wire DOES NOT receive full battery power when starting
