re:DML:How can I put an ignition kill switch in my truck?

From: Mike Schwall (mschwall@flash.net)
Date: Thu May 04 2000 - 00:49:53 EDT


At 09:08 PM 5/3/2000 , you wrote:
>Actually,I`ve tossed this idea around myself.The 12 volts going to the
>ignition coil should be low current (should be able to use a small
>switch to break that),and mount it in the glovebox.Use a push-on
>push-off switch,mount it like a trunk open switch in a car.Who would
>check the glovebox if they can`t get the truck started? Also,it wouldn`t
>take a lot of wire because the glovebox is pretty close to the ignition
>coil.My preference would be a black switch for camouflage.(camoflage?)SO
>YOU CAN`T SEE IT.That I can spell.

Yeah that's one way to do it, but you may end up causing the computer to
throw a code, requiring a reset.

Breaking the power to the computer is the same as turning the key
off. Only thing affected is the computer. No radio station presets lost
or making the computer re-learn everything every time the power is
re-connected when using a battery disconnect device, as someone else mentioned.

I personally like the 12V switching. I don't know how much voltage is
being sent to the coil primary, but as a relay is used, the contacts
oxidize, increasing resistance over time. So your ignition coil primary
voltage will drop over time as the resistance created by the contacts of
the relay increases to the point where spark becomes weak or erratic and
would be a headache to troubleshoot when it does. I don't know, I do
electronics troubleshooting for a living, I try to make things easier so
it's easier to fix down the road. Two good options to consider - computer
power or coil primary power. One relay or two relays....10ft wire, or two
feet wire....

Mike Schwall

__________________________
mschwall@flash.net



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