Gary Hedlin <ghedlin@theramp.net> wrote:
: I am seriously pondering the possibility of replacing the ignition key with
: a simple push button. I was wondering if there are any security features on
: the gen3's which would prevent me from doing this.
: I know this sounds screwed up, and theres nothing wrong with the ignition
: key cylinder... but i want to do this because I think it would be cool.
Doesn't sound screwed up at all - I've considered doing this in the
past myself. :-)
It depends on how you want to do it. If you want to eliminate the
key altogether or move the key to the dash, it could get a bit involved,
but if all you want to do is to replace the function of turning the key
to "start" with a button, then it would be pretty easy. (i.e. you get
in the truck, stick the key in the ignition, turn it to "ON", then press
a button on the dash to engage the starter) If you don't want to
insert the ignition key then things you need to think about are what
do do about the steering wheel lock, and does your Dak have encoded
keys? Some newer Chrysler products do, I'm not sure about Daks though.
Assuming you are planning to go the easier route:
As far as I know, all you would need to do is find the starter wire
in the bundle running down the steering column from the ignition switch.
It is usually yellow, but you can't count on that - check the FSM to
be sure. Essentially, you just need to either splice into that wire
or cut it. (If you want to still be able to start the truck by turning
the key, splice into the wire; if you want to only be able to start the
truck by pressing the button, cut the wire and tape up the end that
goes up into the steering column so it won't short if somebody turns
the key to start.)
Anyway, from the point where you spliced or cut into the starter
wire, run that to your SPST button, then run a wire from the other pole
of the button to +12V. If you only want to be able to engage the starter
when the ignition is on then be sure you select a switched +12V source to
tie into, otherwise if you want to be able to engage the starter when
the ignition is off (useful for bumping the starter to check compression,
turn the engine over slightly, etc.) then use a constant +12V source.
If the button you want to use is not rated for the current in the
starter wire, then use a relay in place of the button and use the
button to control the relay. I do not think there is too much current in
the starter wire because it itself is only used to control the starter
relay/solenoid, but if you are planning to use a small switch it
might not have the required capacity. I am not sure how much current
the starter wire carries, so you'll need to dig up that info somewhere
else, unfortunately.
Have fun! :-)
---Jon-
.---- Jon Steiger ------ jon@dakota-truck.net or jon@jonsteiger.com ------. | I'm the: AOPA, DoD, EAA, NMA, NRA, SPA, USUA. Rec & UL Pilot - SEL | | 70 Cuda, 90 Dak 'vert, 92 Ram 4x4, 96 Dak, 96 Intruder 1400, 96 FireFly | `------------------------------------------ http://www.jonsteiger.com ----'
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