Hot kill switch

[captain Byrne]

I've got a hidden kill switch which has started to get pretty hot, so much so that it's too hot to touch and today I noticed but faint but acrid smell. The switch kills the main feed to the ignition but also activates an alarm if anyone attempts to start the van. I've had a quick look and a couple of the spade connectors on the switch are in pretty poor nick - a tad blackened. I'm hoping if I clean everything up & fit new connectors it will solve the problem but I'm open to any advice anyone may have. Thanks. (PS. just to be on the safe side I've now disconnected the battery).

[nicq]

If after renewing the crimps and making sure the connection to the switch is good, if it still does it it is probably the switch contacts internally.
A replacement will be required. Is it man enough for the job ?

[captain Byrne]

is it man enough for the job ?

Should be. It's been there since I've had the van so a good few years. I'll replace the spades & see how it goes.

[syncroandy]

There should be an amperage rating on the switch, it should be 15A or bigger, if not (or its unmarked) bin it and put a fresh switch in. I've started to notice really cheap and nasty electrical parts being sold into the automotive market that aren't even marked with a rating of any sort. Avoid..

PS. Had a look on Halfords site, I'd use something their 'HEF355'.

[captain Byrne]

Ok, this is the switch. Push - pull. When pushed it completes the circuit for the ignition whilst breaking the alarm circuit, and when pulled it breaks the ignition & completes the alarm circuit.
Not sure what it's called and don't know where to get one from.

[syncroandy]

If you need two circuits to work in the way you describe, you could use a so-called 'dual-pole dual-throw' switch aka DPDT. Sometimes these have a 'centre-off' position, which you wouldn't need.