2002 F250 convert to simple push button start?
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Mountain Pass
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2002 F250 convert to simple push button start?
2002 F250 7.3 diesel plow truck (yard truck) ignition switch is janky and I would prefer to just ditch the key. Can I just remove the ignition switch and wire up a toggle switch (ignition on) and momentary button (start)? Will removing the ignition switch from the column prevent the steering wheel from locking? I see they sell fancy computerized push button start kits but I just want dirt simple and reliable mechanical switches.
Cargo Master
Joined: Nov 2007
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Assuming there's not an issue with the actual ignition switch, just drill out the center of the cylinder so all the tumblers fall out then it'll turn free and never lock again. If it's the actual switch that has issues, I'd just unplug the harness from the switch on the column under the dash and tap in there, instead of tearing the column apart.
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Mountain Pass
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The issue is I have to frig with the shift lever to get the key to the off position. Then once it's off and the key is out it still thinks it's switched to the first position and the chime dings until I jiggle it just right and once when I slammed the door it started chiming again. I wasn't going to tear the column apart as it was my understanding the ignition switch is super simple to remove. I wanted to know if I could remove it (and not replace it) then wire things up they way I described... which from what you describe could be done to that harness connector.
Hotshot
Joined: Jan 2004
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From: St Louis
Install a "race car" style switch panel. You'll need to dig up one that has the switches you need and that can handle the high current circuits and then wire it up to duplicate the original functions of the ignition switch.
Cargo Master
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 2,238
Likes: 475
The issue is I have to frig with the shift lever to get the key to the off position. Then once it's off and the key is out it still thinks it's switched to the first position and the chime dings until I jiggle it just right and once when I slammed the door it started chiming again. I wasn't going to tear the column apart as it was my understanding the ignition switch is super simple to remove. I wanted to know if I could remove it (and not replace it) then wire things up they way I described... which from what you describe could be done to that harness connector.
Hotshot
Joined: Jan 2004
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From: St Louis
The key cylinder is usually a pain to get out.
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Mountain Pass
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Hotshot
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 19,768
Likes: 1,082
From: St Louis
also just learned about the loose shift lever common issues/fixes so I'll check that too.
Are there high currents? I figured the ignition switch would feed relays for anything with a large draw.
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