• Mustang Forums
  • 1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk-
  • Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech

Can i install a push button start?

  • Thread starter Thread starter FrdMustangCpe
  • Start date Start date Jul 12, 2004
  • 1
  • 2
Next
1 of 2 Next Last

FrdMustangCpe

New Member
May 27, 2004
493
0
0
Sin City, NV
Jul 12, 2004
#1
  • Jul 12, 2004
  • #1
I was wondering if i could use a momentary switch to start my car. For instance you turn the key forward like you would regularly start it but you would have to push the button for it to crank. it would be kind of hidden so someone wouldnt know where to find it. or would a kill switch be better?
 

ECU5.0

Banned
Jan 10, 2004
1,803
1
0
raleigh, nc
Jul 12, 2004
#2
  • Jul 12, 2004
  • #2
my buddy has one that is in his cigarette lighter under the ash tray lid. i think its kind of cool
 

FrdMustangCpe

New Member
May 27, 2004
493
0
0
Sin City, NV
Jul 12, 2004
#3
  • Jul 12, 2004
  • #3
ECU5.0 said:
my buddy has one that is in his cigarette lighter under the ash tray lid. i think its kind of cool
Click to expand...

thats a good idea. do you know where he found the info on which wire to run it to?
 

blkstangman88

New Member
Apr 6, 2004
646
0
0
Jul 12, 2004
#4
  • Jul 12, 2004
  • #4
how would u wire this....with a push button?
 

HISSIN50

"How long does it take to get help in here?
15 Year Member
Nov 29, 1999
31,179
34
129
Jul 12, 2004
#5
  • Jul 12, 2004
  • #5
find a key on power supply. run that to the feed side of the momentary switch. on the output, run it to the starter solenoid, where the little slide on wire goes.

if you splice the second wire into the trigger wire before the clutch safety switch, you will retain that safety feature.

i might use blocking diodes on both circuits, but that is probably optional.
 

HISSIN50

"How long does it take to get help in here?
15 Year Member
Nov 29, 1999
31,179
34
129
Jul 12, 2004
#6
  • Jul 12, 2004
  • #6
note: blocking diodes would only be used if you retain the oem starting circuit too.
 

FrdMustangCpe

New Member
May 27, 2004
493
0
0
Sin City, NV
Jul 12, 2004
#7
  • Jul 12, 2004
  • #7
HISSIN50 said:
find a key on power supply. run that to the feed side of the momentary switch. on the output, run it to the starter solenoid, where the little slide on wire goes.

if you splice the second wire into the trigger wire before the clutch safety switch, you will retain that safety feature.

i might use blocking diodes on both circuits, but that is probably optional.
Click to expand...

'Key on power supply' That would mean when the key is on find a hot wire or......?

and what are blocking diodes?

sorry, kinda new to wiring.

thanx
 

HISSIN50

"How long does it take to get help in here?
15 Year Member
Nov 29, 1999
31,179
34
129
Jul 12, 2004
#8
  • Jul 12, 2004
  • #8
yep, a key on power supply is something that is only hot when the key is on. IIRC, there are two such wires under the ignition column, or use a key on circuit in the fuse box. this is goin to be a low amp switch/circuit.

blocking diodes are basically a one way valve (like a check valve). if you retain your stock wiring and just add your switch and wiring on (many do it temporarily when doing tune ups, etc on other makes of car).

so if you splice into an existing circuit, and then energize it (say, when you use your new pushbutton), the power will flow through the old wiring and to the ignition switch. i cant think of any problems this could create, but just in case, i might toss a blocking diode on each circuit (on each wire, just before the splice) to keep juice from contaminating the circuit you dont use. i know that probably does not make sense.

like i said, it is not necessary, but you can do it if you want. BD's are pennies a piece at Radio Shack, etc.
 
J

jerry beach

Founding Member
May 20, 2002
2,671
0
46
Ocala,FL
Jul 12, 2004
#9
  • Jul 12, 2004
  • #9
FrdMustangCpe said:
'Key on power supply' That would mean when the key is on find a hot wire or......?

and what are blocking diodes?

sorry, kinda new to wiring.

thanx
Click to expand...

Yes, that would mean find a source that is ONLY hot when the key is on. Do so on the back side of the clutch saftey switch, so you wont create a dangerous starting in gear scenario.

A blocking diode is installed inline in a circuit to protect it. Think of it as a one way check valve for electricity. I would not recommend you doing this if you are new to wiring. You may not be able to start it yourself one day. If you make nice tight connections ( solder, or at least some wire nuts and cable ties and tape) and do you research, you will be OK. If you have any doubts, leave well enough alone. You can install an easy to bypass kill switch in many ways.
 

FrdMustangCpe

New Member
May 27, 2004
493
0
0
Sin City, NV
Jul 12, 2004
#10
  • Jul 12, 2004
  • #10
can someone look at this under Fig. 35: Wiring Diagram-1987 Mustang 3 of 4 and tell me what wire i need to tap into. for the ignition switch? and then i would have to run my own wire to the stater solenoid right?

thanx a lot

i think im just confusing myself. im trying to make it sound simplier (sp?)
 

HISSIN50

"How long does it take to get help in here?
15 Year Member
Nov 29, 1999
31,179
34
129
Jul 12, 2004
#11
  • Jul 12, 2004
  • #11
FrdMustangCpe said:
can someone look at this under Fig. 35: Wiring Diagram-1987 Mustang 3 of 4 and tell me what wire i need to tap into. for the ignition switch? and then i would have to run my own wire to the stater solenoid right?

thanx a lot

i think im just confusing myself. im trying to make it sound simplier (sp?)
Click to expand...
it is a very easy thing to do. i would take Jerry's good advice. forget the BD.

find the neutral safety switch. find the side of the switch that is hot when the key is turned to crank (dont press the clutch). one wire will show 12 volts, the other wont - with no one pressing the clutch pedal).

the hot wire is what you tap into. red/lt is the color of both the input and output, per AZ's diagram. so that does not help much. but testing it will tell you which one to use.

BTW, you dont need to run a wire to the solenoid, as you will be tapping into the wire that already runs there, but at the clutch switch.

sound good, Jerry?
 

FrdMustangCpe

New Member
May 27, 2004
493
0
0
Sin City, NV
Jul 13, 2004
#12
  • Jul 13, 2004
  • #12
HISSIN50 said:
it is a very easy thing to do. i would take Jerry's good advice. forget the BD.

find the neutral safety switch. find the side of the switch that is hot when the key is turned to crank (dont press the clutch). one wire will show 12 volts, the other wont - with no one pressing the clutch pedal).

the hot wire is what you tap into. red/lt is the color of both the input and output, per AZ's diagram. so that does not help much. but testing it will tell you which one to use.

BTW, you dont need to run a wire to the solenoid, as you will be tapping into the wire that already runs there, but at the clutch switch.

sound good, Jerry?
Click to expand...

Sounds easy, one question. Find the hot wire @ the clutch safety switch w/o pressin the clutch. Tap into it by installing the switch to that wire. Then i can turn the key 'on, press the clutch, and push the button right?
 
M

Matts89LX5.0

Founding Member
Nov 1, 2002
1,314
0
36
Long Island, NY
Jul 13, 2004
#13
  • Jul 13, 2004
  • #13
easiest way i think to do it would be a push button with two wires going to the solonoid. So it would be like jumping the solonoid when your car won't start by key. You would just turn the key in the ignition without cranking, push button, and there ya go lol
 

jrichker

StangNet's favorite TOOL
In Remembrance. Thank you for your contributions
Mar 10, 2000
27,512
2,813
234
Dublin GA
Jul 13, 2004
#14
  • Jul 13, 2004
  • #14
What seems to be missing is the fact that the ignition switch has two circuits, Run & Accessory. The Accessory circuit is NOT powered on when you turn the key to the start postion. This reduces the electrical load on the battery. Ever notice that the stock radio goes off when you crank the engine? that's why.

If you use a push button, you will have defeated all the safety interlocks and allowed the accessories to draw power when you crank the engine. Not a good plan, especially when it is a cold winter day and your battery is a little on the tired side.
 
E

eddienyr

New Member
Jun 22, 2003
433
0
0
Marysville, Washington
Jul 13, 2004
#15
  • Jul 13, 2004
  • #15
What year is your car? I have an engine start switch in my 95gt. It is a start switch from an S2000. Looks sweet.
 

FrdMustangCpe

New Member
May 27, 2004
493
0
0
Sin City, NV
Jul 13, 2004
#16
  • Jul 13, 2004
  • #16
jrichker said:
What seems to be missing is the fact that the ignition switch has two circuits, Run & Accessory. The Accessory circuit is NOT powered on when you turn the key to the start postion. This reduces the electrical load on the battery. Ever notice that the stock radio goes off when you crank the engine? that's why.

If you use a push button, you will have defeated all the safety interlocks and allowed the accessories to draw power when you crank the engine. Not a good plan, especially when it is a cold winter day and your battery is a little on the tired side.
Click to expand...

Thats true. what about a kill switch? im sure thats easier to install. im not really looking for the cool factor. Im looking for if someone breaks into my car, it would at least slow them down some. how would u install a kill switch?
 
K

Kiknads

New Member
May 6, 2004
44
0
0
Jul 13, 2004
#17
  • Jul 13, 2004
  • #17
an easier option for your car would be to install a switch on your fuel pump, the relay is right under your seat so you wouldnt have to go far with the wires
 

TIMMY2734

Founding Member
May 17, 2002
1,330
1
36
Queens, NY
Jul 13, 2004
#18
  • Jul 13, 2004
  • #18
why not use the wire that runs to the solenoid? If you only want the button be activated when the key is turned to the ON position, thats probably easiest. Run the wire from the top of the solenoid to your push button and then back to the solenoid.
 
I

iwashmycar

20+ Year Stangneter
Apr 7, 2004
1,236
1
39
Columbus, Ohio
Jul 13, 2004
#19
  • Jul 13, 2004
  • #19
eddienyr said:
What year is your car? I have an engine start switch in my 95gt. It is a start switch from an S2000. Looks sweet.
Click to expand...

Those look soo sweet. Got any pics in your car? I detail cars at a Honda dealership and I love playing with the S2000's start button.

Hmmm....maybe I can score one from parts.

IS IT LIKE THIS??
 
S

Shibbydude529

New Member
Nov 29, 2003
40
0
0
Jul 13, 2004
#20
  • Jul 13, 2004
  • #20
i have a lil switch on my car that is by the gas pedal that you have to hold and crank the car over or it wont do anything was a killswitch that came with my alarm but the alarm was crap so i ripped it out and just keep the switch and it is the only way to start the car i love it it is like some james bond crap
 
  • 1
  • 2
Next
1 of 2 Next Last
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

Electrical problem plug in the drivers kick panel
  • Mindseye007
  • Aug 16, 2026
  • Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech
Replies
3
Views
139
Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech Aug 16, 2026
Mindseye007
Resolved 93 Mustang 5.0 - Cranks but does not start
  • dan50
  • Jul 18, 2026
  • Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech
Replies
6
Views
254
Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech Jul 18, 2026
dan50
8
Electrical Crank-no start ... no spark ... no injector pulse, was it something I did? (redux)
  • 85gtCOBRA
  • Oct 28, 2025
  • Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech
Replies
2
Views
601
Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech Oct 29, 2025
85gtCOBRA
8
L
1997 V6 Starting issue
  • leanzik04
  • Mar 20, 2026
  • SN95 V6 Mustang Tech
Replies
3
Views
270
SN95 V6 Mustang Tech Mar 20, 2026
Noobz347
L
Engine Why won't the motor start if I have spark and fuel
  • LeviAnderson
  • Nov 20, 2025
  • Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech
Replies
3
Views
449
Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech Nov 20, 2025
AeroCoupe
Share:
Bluesky Email Share Link
  • Mustang Forums
  • 1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk-
  • Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech
Menu
Log in

Register

  • Forums
  • What's new
  • Media
  • Resources
  • Contact
  • Sponsor
X

Privacy & Transparency

We use cookies and similar technologies for the following purposes:

  • Personalized ads and content
  • Content measurement and audience insights

Do you accept cookies and these technologies?

X

Privacy & Transparency

We use cookies and similar technologies for the following purposes:

  • Personalized ads and content
  • Content measurement and audience insights

Do you accept cookies and these technologies?