Push Button Start

[mistaake]

So, one of the problems on my recently acquired 83 C20 is that it won't crank or start. I put in a new starter and didn't solve the problem.

So, I tested it... while holding the key to start position does nothing, the starter does crank if a helper holds the key to start AND I short the little wire going to the starter solenoid to 12v from the battery.

Rather than replacing the ignition switch, I'm thinking of just putting in push button start for now. I know that's not original, but I'm somewhat electrically inclined and wouldn't really have a problem with that.

Now, my question is how much much amperage does the solenoid need?

For example, this button on eBay claims to be able to handle up to 3 amps; anything above that I'd need a relay or something. The solenoid wire is so thin that I doubt it needs a lot of power, but I'd prefer not to have problems with my push button start because of using an insufficient switch.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/New-12V-RED...ted-/281499351541?hash=item418aab39f5&vxp=mtr

Thanks in advance,
Michael

 

[CSFJ]

Check your neutral safety switch first. If it's inop, you can jumper the 2 wires together to bypass it for a test.

 

[mistaake]

Check your neutral safety switch first. If it's inop, you can jumper the 2 wires together to bypass it for a test.

If I can only turn the key to start in P and N does that mean the neutral safety switch is OK?

 

[CSFJ]

Honestly, I can't recall. I know it is supposed to prevent the truck from starting in any gear but park or neutral, but I don't remember if it will lock out the ignition switch from the start position. Try unplugging the neutral safety switch, and run a jumper wire between the plug on the harness. Check to see if it will start with just the key while the jumper wire is in place. I had a '79 back in high school that someone had jumped the switch, and the wire fell out. Spent a week or so starting the truck like you are untill I noticed the little loop of wire on the floor board. Looked under the dash, and saw a plug hanging there. Reinstalled the loop of wire in the plug and had my ignition switch back.

 

[HotRodPC]

The Key will go to the Start position in any gear, but the starter should only engage and crank if in P or N position on the shifter.

As far as running a start button, I'd run it with nothing lighter than 10gu wire for that amperage going through it unless you ran an activation relay but even then, you'd need to run 10gu to and from the solenoid, so to make it simple, I'd just go 10gu all the way and avoid the relay since that's actually what a soloenoid is anyway. JMO.

 

[350runner]

it really just sounds like the neutral safety switch is out of adjustment. you will need to drop the steering column down to gain access to it. It's pretty simple. only way I'd think about adding a push button is if it came with a key fob that has to be near by to engage the engine.

Sent from the dust in front of you!

 

[HotRodPC]

I agree the first thing to check is the P N safety switch as 350Runner says. To test that, since you can be on both sides of N, either high or low, WITH YOUR FOOT ON THE BRAKE, Repeating, WITH YOUR FOOT ON THE BRAKE, hold the key in the start position, and move the gear shifter up or/and down of N and see if it turns over. If it does, then you know for 100% fact it's just out of adjustment. Just be cautious cuz it might start in R or D doing that test and why you need to keep a good hold on the brake pedal.

 

[highdesertrange]

I would fix the problem, so it starts like it's supposed to. highdesertranger

 

[NOPHO84K30]

Ive used a bump starter before as a temp fix just hook it up to solinoid run it to the cab. Fires right up with key on.