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Toggle Switch integrated in with Ignition ?

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Old Oct 31, 2010 | 05:23 PM
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Toggle Switch integrated in with Ignition ?

This may sound like a stupid idea, and make no sense what-so-ever, so if you want to ask why I'll go ahead and tell you I really don't have a "logical" reason.

So here we go...I'm going to have a remote start put on my truck. Once the truck is started, before you can hit the brake to put it in gear, you have to turn the key to "run". I want to be able to rig up a toggle switch next to the steering wheel that I can flip that will act as the "run" position so I will not need a key...however I still want the key to work also. Is there a way I could tap into the ignition to be able to do this? If that's possible, I would also like to be able to have a switch for every single key position. Can this be done?

<code><a href="https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1005521-toggle-switches-for-ignition.html">Here's</a></code> a link to my original post in the electrical/wiring forum and the guys there just kept trying to tell me why not to do it. If it can be done, that's all I want to know. Please leave the "why's" and "why not's" up to me.
 
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Old Oct 31, 2010 | 05:24 PM
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Oh and I also would like to know about that other guy's post about how to disengage the steering lock.
 
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Old Oct 31, 2010 | 05:38 PM
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I can't for the life of me fathom WHY you'd want to override your ignition switch with a toggle switch. But, double or triple up your theft insurance and knock yourself out.

BTW: As far as I know, the steering wheel lock is mechanically activated by the ignition lock cylinder, so you can't override it.
 
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Old Oct 31, 2010 | 05:51 PM
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Originally Posted by dchamberlain
I can't for the life of me fathom WHY you'd want to override your ignition switch with a toggle switch. But, double or triple up your theft insurance and knock yourself out.

BTW: As far as I know, the steering wheel lock is mechanically activated by the ignition lock cylinder, so you can't override it.
I don't get what the difference in having switches for the ignition would be and having a key pretty much in the ignition like I do now...as for as insurance goes anyways. If a guy breaks in my truck with the intent to steal it, he's going to get it no matter what. Plus, toggle switches are mostly wired to accessories. I can't think of anyone who would look at a toggle switch in a vehicle and think that it could possibly be hooked to the ignition. It would probably be the last thing they would try. And even if they figure out the switches are hooked to it...at best they can just simply listen to the radio...you still have to have a way to turn the engine over. If they can figure that out then the truck was going to be theirs anyways. I don't think it would make the truck anymore susceptible with this modification than without it. The only time it would be more likely to be stolen is if the truck is cranked by remote start and then someone breaks in it at that point, and then they still have to realize that the truck has toggle switches for the ignition.
 
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Old Oct 31, 2010 | 06:43 PM
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turning the engine over only takes a few inches of wire to jump between the starter 12v post and the solenoid post...

it's keeping the ignition and all of the necessary components to run the vehicle hot that is the trick... your switch would bypass all of the hard part.
 
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Old Oct 31, 2010 | 08:53 PM
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Yes, you can do it. If you want the key to still work you would have to use a series of relays. I dont see the point, like many others, but it is doable. I could draw out a relay diagram of what you would have to do, but wont unless requested and I can find some spare time.
 
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Old Oct 31, 2010 | 08:59 PM
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My personal opinion is this... Yes, the whole idea is retarded, but thats the OP's business and maybe he has reasons for it that we dont know about. BUT, it is safer than leaving a key in the truck. I personally believe that anyone who would leave a key in a vehicle is stupid for doing so, but once again, thats only an opinion.
 
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Old Oct 31, 2010 | 09:29 PM
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the wire you would want to put a toggle in line with is the wire that goes from the brake switch to the remote start box. if you interrupt the signal from the switch the remote starter never sees the brake being hit, and it does not kill the truck, however, you would be at the mercy of the timer shutting the truck off while you are using it. I personally would NOT do this, typically when you monkey rig switches and stuff into your ignition is when you have an ignition problem and a "no start" condition at the worst possible time. My question is, if you have your keys to remote start the truck, then why would you need to be able to run the truck without the keys? and yes, the steering lock is disengaged by a tang in the ignition cylinder, its mechanical. while I dont advocate leaving a key in the truck, I would keep a key hidden somewhere in the cab rather than hack the ignition up
 
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Old Oct 31, 2010 | 10:27 PM
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Originally Posted by 02mudbug
the wire you would want to put a toggle in line with is the wire that goes from the brake switch to the remote start box. if you interrupt the signal from the switch the remote starter never sees the brake being hit, and it does not kill the truck, however, you would be at the mercy of the timer shutting the truck off while you are using it. I personally would NOT do this, typically when you monkey rig switches and stuff into your ignition is when you have an ignition problem and a "no start" condition at the worst possible time. My question is, if you have your keys to remote start the truck, then why would you need to be able to run the truck without the keys? and yes, the steering lock is disengaged by a tang in the ignition cylinder, its mechanical. while I dont advocate leaving a key in the truck, I would keep a key hidden somewhere in the cab rather than hack the ignition up
You also have parking lights flashing and such....
 
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Old Oct 31, 2010 | 10:47 PM
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Originally Posted by AndeyHall
This may sound like a stupid idea, and make no sense what-so-ever, so if you want to ask why I'll go ahead and tell you I really don't have a "logical" reason.

So here we go...I'm going to have a remote start put on my truck. Once the truck is started, before you can hit the brake to put it in gear, you have to turn the key to "run". I want to be able to rig up a toggle switch next to the steering wheel that I can flip that will act as the "run" position so I will not need a key...however I still want the key to work also. Is there a way I could tap into the ignition to be able to do this? If that's possible, I would also like to be able to have a switch for every single key position. Can this be done?

<code><a href="https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1005521-toggle-switches-for-ignition.html">Here's</a></code> a link to my original post in the electrical/wiring forum and the guys there just kept trying to tell me why not to do it. If it can be done, that's all I want to know. Please leave the "why's" and "why not's" up to me.
Other than a push button start, I would NEVER Jack around with an ignition and expect it to work the same and be reliable. But if you decide to do it, pm me your address, as my grandpa's old truck "The Rooster" needs a full drop in motor swap. Lol, just kidding, but seriously, it wouldn't touch it.
 
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Old Oct 31, 2010 | 10:52 PM
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Originally Posted by Futuresweets-10
My personal opinion is this... Yes, the whole idea is retarded, but thats the OP's business and maybe he has reasons for it that we dont know about. BUT, it is safer than leaving a key in the truck. I personally believe that anyone who would leave a key in a vehicle is stupid for doing so, but once again, thats only an opinion.
Well it's actually the car industry's fault that I do it. I got in the habit of it when I had my Tacoma and it had that HUGE key with the chip in it, and then the keyless entry to go along with that. I'm one that can't stand having a ton of stuff in my pockets and that was just too much.
 
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Old Oct 31, 2010 | 10:57 PM
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Originally Posted by AndeyHall
Well it's actually the car industry's fault that I do it. I got in the habit of it when I had my Tacoma and it had that HUGE key with the chip in it, and then the keyless entry to go along with that. I'm one that can't stand having a ton of stuff in my pockets and that was just too much.
Good enough reason for me. I'm the same way, but instead of making my truck easier to take, I would lock up my keys in my locker or desk, etc. at work, and find a nice little hook to hang on the wall at home... just my opinion, though it might not be worth much to you.
 
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Old Oct 31, 2010 | 10:58 PM
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I don't see why the truck would shut off prematurely or anything. If it can be done the way I want it to be done, when I flip that switch, the truck and remote start both wouldn't know the difference between that and turning the key to "on".
 
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Old Oct 31, 2010 | 11:03 PM
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Originally Posted by o-SUPER_DUTY-o
Good enough reason for me. I'm the same way, but instead of making my truck easier to take, I would lock up my keys in my locker or desk, etc. at work, and find a nice little hook to hang on the wall at home... just my opinion, though it might not be worth much to you.
Would be nice but I'm hardly ever in one place during the day for more than and hour at a time. My pocket is the only place.
 
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Old Oct 31, 2010 | 11:14 PM
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Seems to me like the only thing you would need to do is run a 12v current through a toggle and into the wires on pins A1 A3 and A4. Someone please correct me if I'm wrong... Rebel, seems that you could decipher these charts and schematics... How would you bypass the steering wheel lock?
 
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