Hi,


I'm wanting to install a hidden switch to cut the Ignition circuit, the switch is 10amp so i'm guessing that I can just use the switch connected to the ground wire.
Please can someone tell me if this would work and which colour wire I need to wire to my switch.


thanks from Luke ( 77 Camaro )

 

ok there are 2 common hidden switches

1. power to coil wire this will make the car not run at all, will crank but no start this switch will be wired in series with the power wire to coil

2. starter exciter switch, this is wired into the exciter switch (usually a purple wire to starter or yellow on the column there are variations though) will only make it so the car will not crank i have this type in my car and i wired it so when i disengage the starter i engage the horn, so if i fail to flip switch before cranking the horns will go off

after that hiding the switch and different designs are up to you just make sure to match wire size going to a smaller wire in the starting circuit is asking for a fire

 

Thanks for the reply

is the 10amp switch ok to use on the purple wire?. It won't be switched when the wire is live, but will still have quite a bit of current going through it when starting the car.
I thought it would be best to switch the ground wire, as your not got all the current going through it

 

I usually break the wire going to the solenoid terminal marked "S". I also break the wire going to the coil. So I use a 2 pole switch that both wires can go through to stop the engine from starting, or cranking. A 10a switch will handle both wires easily.

 

The wire that I have is slightly smaller diameter than the original, but is rated at 17amps. I'm guessing that this will be ok?


Thanks from Luke

 

Same current goes through the ground wire. That's why it's called a circuit.

 

Thanks for all your help, I've now sorted it and my hidden switch is working great!. I used the purple / white wire from the colume, so there is no crank until you flick the switch on.

Cheers from Luke

 

I would place a relay on the starter wire to break the circuit. Use your switch to energize relay

Get a good quality relay

Cut purple or yellow wire at steering column

Terminal 87A and 85 goes to starter wire from column

Terminal 30 goes to Stater wire towards starter

Terminal 86 goes to ground, Take one lead from switch and connect to terminal 86. Take other lead from switch and go to ground.

When you flip switch nothing will happen and no drain on battery. When someone tries to steal car and ignition switch is turned to start position, relay is energized and starter wire connection is opened so car will not start.
Once ignition switch is released no drain on battery.