Security & Theft Tired of buying keys

[ron45]

I don't see a private messaging area here, so at the risk of arousing the vigilanties I'll be direct. I want to install an on off switch to replace the ignition switch. I need some help with the circuitry. I'm assuming there are other functions that use the ignition switch. There must be some of you who have ignition switches so sloppy the key falls out after about 10 minutes of operation. Or a body too big for this nano tractor. I've broken three keys with my right knee.

So I guess I'd need a toggle switch or what ever with multiple contacts. I live in a remote area and am not even a little concerned about theft. Can anyone offer some advice, about how to do this please, not about why I shouldn't. Thanks for your time and help over the years. I'm beginning to figure this thing out. But I couldn't dig a sloping ditch if my life depended on it. I just ordered my last two keys no matter what.

Ron

I just remembered the wiring diagram, that should help with the other functions but I still need the correct kind of switch configuration.

 

[JPRambo]

Why not just tether the key to the tractor dashboard?

(I guess I did not read closely enough to see the key is being broken off in the switch. My B7100 Has the key broken off in the switch and I use a screw driver to turn the switch every time.)

 

[George2615]

Not concerned about theft so It sounds like you want one of these keyless ignition switches.

Sage Parts | RAMPTECH(R) Ignition Switch

 

[PILOON]

Actually quite simple to devise.
Simply break off (or cut) your key just short of the hand grip area and leave the saw toothed portion in the switch.
Then all you need to operate the ignition is any flat style screwdriver.

Broke mine accidentally and keyed the tractor for years in that manner.
On the plus side most folks won't ever know that your switch is permanently active and tractor is easy to steel.

 

[Sysop]

Tractors are easy to steal anyway. The keys are not security keys like you'll see on padlocks, door locks, or auto locks. They are more of a safety device than a security device. Keeps unauthorized people from just hopping on and pushing a button to start. Tractors are keyed the same for a given make/model. Many times, anything that will fit the keyhole will start them.

 

[Looking4new]

You could take the switch apart, take the tumblers out of the key hole and put it back together. Then a strong thumbnail will start it, or a dime.
I had a '65 Chevy like that, the doors were the same.

 

[comancheflight]

Why not just leave the key in it.
Do like my high school teacher did when he went fishing in his old truck and have a sign "you can borrow it, just don't steal it".

 

[MossRoad]

Not concerned about theft so It sounds like you want one of these keyless ignition switches.

Sage Parts | RAMPTECH(R) Ignition Switch

That's the ticket! :thumbsup:

 

[ritcheyvs]

The stock switch has 5 wires: +12v input, accessory out, run out, glow out, and start out (spring-loaded back to run). Various combinations of outputs are powered in the five different switch positions: off, ACC, run glow, and start. Toggle switches would be very awkward to use and would involve new holes in the dash. The linked aftermarket keyless switch lacks a glow position (and contact).

Given the OP's goal, why not just epoxy a key into the switch and grind off excess hey head (to avoid breaking the key). Just make sure the key turns free before the epoxy sets up. Worst case, he has to buy a new switch (which includes key) in the future,

 

[boggen]

toss charger on the old allis chalmers CA tractor. tripled and quadrupled checked it. 2 days ago. it was late wanting to crawl in bed and snore rest of night away. and made sure the key was in the off position, i wanted to make sure the battery was fully charged!. next day go out, and key is in the on position. i will swear up and down and every other way. it was in the off position. and i will blame a bird, mouse, rat, coon, cat or what ever got in there and turned the key on me. causing battery to drain dead. vs getting fully charged up.

today... F250 key will not come out, with some investigation, the plastic piece that slides between key cylinder and the ignition switch is broken / hung up.

with above said. i can not think of an actual dip switch, with multi functions that an ignition switch would have. just to many wires, and special purposes. you need an ignition switch.

if you are not afraid of drilling another hole, and cutting and splicing wire. and you have room some place else on tractor for the ignition switch. get some wire, some splicers, and a drill and get to work moving the ignition switch some place else.

see about a "key less / wireless start" for like a car/truck with a remote that goes on the key ring, and rig it up for the tractor.