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Push button start/ Toggle ignition: How To

37073 Views 6 Replies 5 Participants Last post by  DR7429
I have a 93 Bronco. These are super elementary instructions. I am no rocket scientist, and not even a good mechanic, but this is what I have. I hope it helps others trying this. The ignition switch on mine was busted out when I got the truck, and it already had a half ass push button start. I cleaned it all up and figured I would post this since it may help some others. My reason for doing it:



First, look at the wire color on the wire running to the small stud on the solenoid (I know, its actually a relay). Mine is red w/ a green stripe.



That wire and all others on here come out in your dash between the steering column and the fuse box:



Starter solenoid wire:




I didnt test any wires since I was cleaning up what someone else had done, but I think this is the power wire( Large black wire w/ a green stripe):



Various wires tie into the hot wire for power. I am not sure what all they are. I tied them all together and ran a single to the wire nut connecting everything that needs constant power, a constant wire to the push button start(IN), and a single wire to the ignition toggle(IN). Better defined on schematic drawing on down the page:





From the toggle(out) there are several yellow wires that tie in, I would assume they run to the fuse panel or actual ignition switch and out from there to everything needing power:



Then tie a wire from the push button (OUT) to the red and green stripe wire running to the small stud on your starter relay.



Here is a schematic I sketched of the wiring, its crude but accurate:



I hope this helps. I am sure there are way easier ways, but ths is what was in my truck. It isnt the best instructions, but its what I have. I forgot to take a pic of the final product with the toggle and push button. I can add one if anyone is interested.

I hope this helps anyone that was as confused about it as I was yesterday.
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That sucks on the key tumbler busting out. I have converted mine over to push button start.Just causes its cool.Still Have to have the key to start (run position)and to unlock column.Then I installed a flip up safety toggle and button to start.The toggle switch has to be up (ON) to start with the button ,but once started doesnt matter what position the toggle is in.I sure like it that way.Saves wear and tear on the crappy pot metal key tumbler.:)
what if your key tumbler has some movement in it. when i go to start my bronco the key turns more then the tumbler does or vise versa. sorry to HiJack.

Great Tech, if mine continues down a path of inop i may do this mod.
what if your key tumbler has some movement in it. when i go to start my bronco the key turns more then the tumbler does or vise versa. sorry to HiJack.

Great Tech, if mine continues down a path of inop i may do this mod.
Sometimes it's your lock cylinder going bad. You'll know cause when you have the truck running you can pull the key out and it will run till you shut it off, but still needs the key to start again. Ford used to sell the ign cylinder, doors, tailgate, and glovebox on some vehicles as a kit. It was expensive but other than the doors that's the only way you could get it. Now, they have gone to the brillant idea of "only" offering a rebuildable kit to manually put all the pins & springs etc in and build it depending on what yours has in it. So instead of a kit with a new key you measure and match the cylinders yourself to your key cut pattern and figure it out, even worn down key cuts, yourself. Plus, you need one expensive kit "per" cylinder!! Almost easier & cheaper to find someone parting out their rig or going to a yard and finding a set to pull....just my opinion :thumbup -Kevin-
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what if your key tumbler has some movement in it. when i go to start my bronco the key turns more then the tumbler does or vise versa. sorry to HiJack.

Great Tech, if mine continues down a path of inop i may do this mod.
Dude, If the key still works without any issues and has no mechanical failure then I would keep it in place. Reason being is that anyone can start my truck. I am going to put a separate switch under the hood between the ignition and starter solenoid, And another one between the power and the ignition switch. Hide them both real well and hope for the best. But even if I run to a gas station, any asshole can crank it right up... something to think about. I have heard of someone running it to the windshield washer fluid switch wires and using it. Something to think about.
Yeah, looks cool on the newer vehicles but they have a "key fob" that you put on your key ring that receives & completes a signal so the vehicle will start. Unlike the "push button" race car type set-ups that anyone with a finger can start...:thumbup -Kevin-
Yeah, looks cool on the newer vehicles but they have a "key fob" that you put on your key ring that receives & completes a signal so the vehicle will start. Unlike the "push button" race car type set-ups that anyone with a finger can start...:thumbup -Kevin-
I know this is an old thread, but... If you wire it correctly, a push start button will only work when the key is in the 'run' position in the ignition cylinder. Or alternatively, as yogib described, install a flip-up toggle that will complete the connection between the ignition switch and the start button.

I'm contemplating installing a start button because my actuator>ignition switch rod is bent, and the PO had the same problem. They bent it back in to shape, but it bent again. With it bent, I can turn the ignition cyclinder (with key in, obviously) to turn the power on, but it won't start.

It seems to be a continuous problem and it's damn near impossible to find the part. :banghead

By installing a push button, I hope to not bend the actuator>ignition switch rod and retain the ability to start the truck. Will it be worthwhile? I don't know, but I hope so. :shrug

Just need to find out what the specs need to be on the switch.
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