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Hot Wire - Button Start Question; Do I Need a ground
Topic Started: Apr 15 2014, 08:33 AM (1,555 Views)
chapel.hill.dave
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Chapel.Hill.Dave
[ *  * ]
I just bought my second metro, and 1989 4 door 1.0 turd. You have to put the key in, then hold two wires together for a second to start it. The previous owner did this so he didn't have to hunt down the exact right wire under the dash I guess, but starter/coil sort of work is not in my wheel house.

I'd like to replace the hot wire method with a push button or aviator switch. My questions are:
Would either option be better than the other significantly?
If I put on an Aviator switch, do I toggle it up for a second, then toggle it back down once it's started?
Lastly, if I do either, do I need to add a ground to make it safe?

http://smile.amazon.com/Aircraft-Carbon-Automotive-Toggle-Illuminated/dp/B0078ZM7EM/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1397568156&sr=8-1&keywords=aircraft+switchPosted Image
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razr769
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Got boost?

use a momentary switch so you don't leave the starter on once the car starts.
http://www.amazon.com/Amico-Momentary-Round-Button-Switch/dp/B0097A8PK6/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1397570667&sr=8-1&keywords=momentary+switch

You don't need to ground it. 12v source -> switch -> solenoid on starter.
Of course it's better to find the cause of the problem, but that'll work.

I was using this button to start the car until I found that the wire that goes to the starter solenoid had pulled out of the plug under the dash. Popped it back in and now I can just use the key.
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Edited by razr769, Apr 15 2014, 09:14 AM.
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myredvert
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myredvert

I'm not an "electrical guy," but I do know what you're looking at is a two position switch (guarded to OFF) that is probably not spring loaded to OFF or momentary ON. Those types of aircraft switches are also available usually use either of those terms and are not just described as "toggle." you may not be able to find one of those unless you use a real aircraft switch as opposed to an aircraft 'style" switch.

You want a switch or a pushbutton where you hold it in the "start" position to activate the starter, then release it to disengage the starter, just as you would with the key. A starter that does not automatically disengage should never have a switch that can stay ON by itself. And the starter switch should be wired through the normal key switch so the starter is not hot at all times.

If you "have to put the key in and turn it," then you might/should be able to use a good quality, momentary on switch or pushbutton. The illuminated ON part is pretty much "bling" for a starter, since you should know when you are holding it in the ON position and the engine is turning over. If you're also looking to replace the normal key functions with an additional switch, there are all kinds of new cans of worms opened up there with respect to "theftability."

You can see quite a few types of switches here. Aircraft Spruce - Switches

Most momentary ON aircraft switches typically aren't guarded, but guards usually can be added to them if you are concerned you might accidentally reach over, grab the switch, and hold the switch ON and activate the starter. Guards may provide some protection from an inadvertent activation by bumping, depending on location and orientation. And guarded switches mounted on a vertical panel for any other system or component other than a starter opens up all kinds of cans of worms because of the ability of the guard to "snap closed" when bumped or hitting a good sized bump or pothole.
Edited by myredvert, Apr 15 2014, 11:06 AM.
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chapel.hill.dave
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Chapel.Hill.Dave
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Should This Work?
http://www.amazon.com/JR-Products-12815-Mom-On-Switch/dp/B002UC6QY0/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top
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David95237


yes
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Metromightymouse
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Powdercoat Wizard

With a relay so the full voltage is not running through that small switch.
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Stiffchezze
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Sir Metrologist

:gp

AND a fuse. Unless you enjoy car fires. :bananaburn

Use a momentary switch. It's MUCH safer. The switch you posted would work fine to turn the ignition on. You'll need another MOMENTARY switch for your starter.
Horn buttons work great! :D
Link--->Horn Buttons :whistle
BTW
You will need to run a ground for that switch IF you want the light inside it to work.
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rmcelwee
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Use a relay and some arcade push buttons. I got a lot of nice comments on mine.

(FWIW, that panel is a clipboard)

Posted Image
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Metromightymouse
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Powdercoat Wizard

Stiffchezze
Apr 15 2014, 10:48 PM
:gp

AND a fuse. Unless you enjoy car fires. :bananaburn

Use a momentary switch. It's MUCH safer. The switch you posted would work fine to turn the ignition on. You'll need another MOMENTARY switch for your starter.
Horn buttons work great! :D
Link--->Horn Buttons :whistle
BTW
You will need to run a ground for that switch IF you want the light inside it to work.
Ya looked to quickly Stiff, that is a momentary switch. :whistle
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Stiffchezze
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Sir Metrologist

Metromightymouse
Apr 16 2014, 05:17 AM
Ya looked to quickly Stiff, that is a momentary switch. :whistle


Was talking about the switch in the first post. The conversation moved on; I didn't. Sorry. :smackface
Just saw the second switch. Yep, it should work WITH a relay and fuse.

rmcelwee, Very nice. :drool
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chapel.hill.dave
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Chapel.Hill.Dave
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Any suggestions for the relay and fuse? I am useless with electrical stuff, but my car is very cleared out so I have empty fuse slots for sure. I have no a/c system at all.
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metroschultz
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Please just call me; "Schultz"

Mine is hooked up 2 ways.
The switch works/acts exactly as it should,
then,
I have a second, momentary push-button on the dash for the starter. They are wired in parallel, so you could use either one to turn the starter.
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Metromightymouse
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Powdercoat Wizard

Something like this should work nicely.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/1Pcs-12V-30A-4-Pin-Car-Fuse-ON-OFF-Automotive-Relay-Spotlamp-Fog-Light-Lamp-/271330700885?
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rmcelwee
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Advance Auto has the relay and fuse holder you need.
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Old Man


chapel.hill.dave
Apr 15 2014, 11:38 AM
Here is the one I would use.
http://www.amazon.com/Dodge-Challenger-2008-2011-Button-SWITCH/dp/B005F5LM3O/ref=sr_1_10?s=automotive&ie=UTF8&qid=1397802429&sr=1-10&keywords=push+button+start
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