Club 80-90 Forums

Today i had a problem with my ignition.
I needed a helper to turn the key whilst i worked out what was wrong.
I didn't have a helper so I made an engine bay starter switch.

All the parts were off the shelf at my local Halfrauds.

I thought this could be useful to others on here.

The switch is shown here. Next to the fuel regulator .

Great idea

Thinking of doing this.. What size cables because won't they take the full starter load?

No because you're only operating starter solenoid

Ah okay, Picture wasnt clear on my phone. I went into the local factors to ask if they had anything made up already like this and they went off on one about how dangerous it is! I then went and looked at the van and saw the spade at the side. I assume that from the positive to this terminal activates the swithc in the solenoid?

Correct although you'd still need ignition switched on to provide power to engine electrics. I wouldn't want it as a permanent fixture though.

It would make more sense to have a plug and socket arrangement of some type, that way basics could be left in situ all the time. After all, theres not going to be that many instances where you might need a remote switch unless you've got an engine that really is a pig to start.

I use an older version of this http://m.ebay.co.uk/itm/New-Snap-On-Ora ... iid%253A14" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

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Smosh wrote:Thinking of doing this.. What size cables because won't they take the full starter load?

No only the 30A solenoid current, As you will only use a short run of cable use 2.5 mm cable.
Or better still fit a starter relay. My remote push button switch is mounted in a project box and only has to trigger the relay with minimal current.

I think Sealey make a couple of different specification switches similar to that Snapon one, but the budget version is of course a fraction of the cost.

I keep a universal version of this system in my toolkit.


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Haha! I did try that but it was awkward to reach whilst watching spark plugs. Remotely mounted solenoid are a lot easier.

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In normal key operation, When you’re switching to start, the running circuit is disconnected until you release the key back into normal running mode.

Why is that and does that have any impact on a remote start setup like above?

Or to adding a starter button up front...


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Yes, the relief circuit switches out everything not needed to start the engine that normally comes on with the key in the run position ( headlights, heater fan, rear screen, wipers ect ect ) via the "x" relay .
as long as you ensure all this stuff is turned off , all should be good . 


just a lot easier to employ a operative if you have a two man job to do ...