Putting in a switch for all power off/on

[Jason94sport]

Where would I connect a high amp toggle switch to so I could switch off all power to my X if I wanted to? + battery cable?

Basically I want to be able to turn off all power when I'm stopped, or parked, then flip the switch & turn it back on.

 

[sn0border88]

you mean turn off all power to the engine, radio, doors, windows, lights everything???? Thats insane, why would you need something like that???



Oh ya, its called the ignition.



If you want another, you will need to put a relay inline from the battery to whatever. If you put it first in the circut you can cutoff the power to everything. If you use a high amp relay you can run a lower gauge wire into the cab to a normal toggle switch. But what good would it do?

 

[trucku]

Where would I connect a high amp toggle switch to so I could switch off all power to my X if I wanted to? + battery cable?

Basically I want to be able to turn off all power when I'm stopped, or parked, then flip the switch & turn it back on.

I could use that hear in Queens. Cars are always taking a hike. A ringing alarm does nothing, so might as well kill all the power.

 

[bikeboarder]

can you use a starting relay and a togle swich under the dash?

 

[CodePoet]

http://www.jegs.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_10001_10002_745368_-1_10405

I plan to put one in my truck so I can cut all power in case of a roll

 

[Jason94sport]

you mean turn off all power to the engine, radio, doors, windows, lights everything???? Thats insane, why would you need something like that???

Yep. It's not for theft purposes, I just would like to be able to kill all power with a switch if I needed to from inside. A friend has 1 on his boat that got me thinking about it. His has a big relay run from the battery + into his cabin with a heavy duty toggle switch.

 

[sn0border88]

turn the ignition off. Presto, no power!


Im curious, why wouldnt the ignition be good enough?

 

[Jason94sport]

Cause I have things the are powered with the ignition off, as well as the lighter sockets & the lights still work.
It's an idea at this point not sure if I will do it.

 

[BrooklynBay]

I have this on my 88 van. It gets connected to the positive cable of the battery. The computer, and radio memory are bypassed. You could buy a high current version with a key from Harbor Freight for $3-$6, or from R & S Strauss for about $18. Some even come with a rubber cover to prevent moisture from entering while the key is removed.

 

[BrooklynBay]

Here is the switch from Harbor Freight: http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=92688

Don't forget to attach a bypass for the computer's, and clock's memory circuits.

 

[Bwana Bob]

I've seen some inline battery disconnect switches, the ones where you turn a knob to break the circuit, but they have to be installed at the battery, and you have to open the hood to use the switch.

For what you want, you will need a big moose relay at the battery, activated by a toggle switch inside. The relay would have to handle the huge starting current (a couple of hundred amps to the starter motor, I would guess). Look for military surplus or RV industry relays that are labeled as "contactors".

Don't forget, if you kill all power, you will lose radio memories, and the ECM memory, including any stored codes. Each time you start up, the ECM will have to relearn the optimum engine tune. You could get around this by putting in backup batteries with diode isolation on the radio and ECM.

Bob

 

[Jason94sport]

"Each time you start up, the ECM will have to relearn the optimum engine tune."

I didn't think a 1st gen was like that. When I disconnect the battery It doesn't need to do that. Or rather I haven't noticed that.

That's a thought though.

 

[trucku]

Cause I have things the are powered with the ignition off, as well as the lighter sockets & the lights still work.
It's an idea at this point not sure if I will do it.

Put the "things" on relays. It will be a little more work, but then you don't have to worry about devices draining the battery.

 

[BrooklynBay]

Why is everybody suggesting ideas to make a simple circuit complicated? It's only a main switch. These key switches have a high current rating so they don't need relays. A back up battery isn't necessary since the vehicle already has a battery. It only needs one wire to be connected to the positive terminal for the ECM, and the radio/clock circuit. It doesn't need any diodes, only a fused connection to these circuits (which the truck already has fuses for these circuits).

 

[sn0border88]

Im not bashing your idea, im just confused. What exactly is the purpose of this? Why would you ever need to kill power to the cig lighter and overhead lights (and the door chime?)

 

[BrooklynBay]

It's just a main disconnect switch. Lets say you left your lights on, or a thief tried to start it. There is no power, so the vehicle won't start, and the battery won't get drained (except if there is a drain from the PCM or the radio/clock).

 

[trucku]

Why is everybody suggesting ideas to make a simple circuit complicated? It's only a main switch. These key switches have a high current rating so they don't need relays. A back up battery isn't necessary since the vehicle already has a battery. It only needs one wire to be connected to the positive terminal for the ECM, and the radio/clock circuit. It doesn't need any diodes, only a fused connection to these circuits (which the truck already has fuses for these circuits).

With a relay he can just shut the truck off and the devices he wants un-powered will not run . No need to get out and turn any thing off except your ignition key. Doesn't sound overly complicated to me . I would only kill the devices your wanting off and not computer.
I mean unless your doing it to make her less stealable then go with the one switch:biggthump

 

[BrooklynBay]

An easy kill switch for an anti theft system is to install one in series with the inertia switch. I have this on my 88. It cuts the power going to the fuel pump.

 

[sn0border88]

Your all looking in the wrong direction, he said he dosent want it for anti theft purposes.

And what about leaving the lights on? You can remember to throw the master power switch in your car but cant remember to turn your headlights off which is something everyone does since day one of driving?

 

[nolimitssjca]

Does it matter why he wants it? My father-in-law wired a house breaker under his dash after his van got stolen for moving illegals across the border. You had to know where it was to flip it on.

If you kill lights and other possible sources of ignition, you won't burn it up if you roll and leak fuel.

If you kill all the power a thief may think the battery is dead and move on. There are lots of potetial uses and reasons.