Hello! Log in or Register   |  Help  |  Donate  |  Buy Shirts See all banner ads | Advertise on TheSamba.com  
TheSamba.com
 
kill switch via defrost switch
Page: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5  Next
Forum Index -> Vanagon Share: Facebook Twitter
Reply to topic
Print View
Quick sort: Show newest posts on top | Show oldest posts on top View previous topic :: View next topic  
Author Message
Rjhdog
Samba Member


Joined: February 14, 2013
Posts: 369
Location: CA
Rjhdog is offline 

PostPosted: Fri Jun 20, 2014 3:04 pm    Post subject: kill switch via defrost switch Reply with quote

If one happened to score another rear defrost switch who happened to place it in one of the empty locations on the instrument panel for a Kill Switch, where would one cut the wire on the fuel pump?

Since the switch is designed for little load via a relay, i don't want to melt anything Wink.

The fuel pump must have a relay somewhere in the line so cutting the line in the appropriate place is critical. Can i cut one of the two wires located at the fuel pump itself and be safe?

Thanks!
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Gallery Classifieds Feedback
Rjhdog
Samba Member


Joined: February 14, 2013
Posts: 369
Location: CA
Rjhdog is offline 

PostPosted: Fri Jun 20, 2014 8:15 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

In other words. Where can I safely cut the fuel pump wire in order to install a kill switch through a fake defrost switch on dash that is relay dependent.

Thanks.
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Gallery Classifieds Feedback
dobryan
Samba Member


Joined: March 24, 2006
Posts: 16474
Location: Brookeville, MD
dobryan is offline 

PostPosted: Fri Jun 20, 2014 9:53 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Do you intend to add a relay to do this? You refer to 'relay dependent'....

You can also interrupt the wire to the starter solenoid thru that switch....

You (IMO) are on the right track for a kill switch in plain view that is easy to use all the time, unlike those that are not accessible from the drivers seat. Very Happy
_________________
Dave O
'87 Westy w/ 2002 Subaru EJ25 and Peloquin TBD

"To travel hopefully is a better thing than to arrive." Robert Louis Stevenson

MD>Canada>AK>WA>OR>CA>AZ>UT>WY>SD
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=620646

Building a bus for travel in Europe (euroBus)
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=695371

The Western Syncro build
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=746794
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Gallery Classifieds Feedback
Wildthings
Samba Member


Joined: March 13, 2005
Posts: 50261

Wildthings is offline 

PostPosted: Fri Jun 20, 2014 10:56 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

You would want the kill switch located to the left of the steering wheel so that one of your passengers could not easily turn it off when messing with the heater or radio. Have no idea on the amp rating of the defrost switch, but the fuel pump doesn't draw all that much.
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Gallery Classifieds Feedback
Syncroincity
Samba Member


Joined: April 15, 2007
Posts: 1557
Location: New York City
Syncroincity is offline 

PostPosted: Sat Jun 21, 2014 1:49 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

A good alternative is to switch the coil, either power or ground wire. No spark, no start.
_________________
'86 Syncro CHC Top AAZ Turbodiesel
'04 Passat Variant 4Mo 5MT

Vanagon Build: http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=466866&highlight=
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail Gallery Classifieds Feedback
Luckyphil
Samba Member


Joined: March 07, 2011
Posts: 156
Location: Australia
Luckyphil is offline 

PostPosted: Sat Jun 21, 2014 2:02 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

It is a simple matter of cutting the earth to the fuel pump and result is no go, a simple toggle is great but if you can get the same result from one of the dash switches then I see no need for relays and such.
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Gallery Classifieds Feedback
rubbachicken
Samba Member


Joined: October 05, 2004
Posts: 3058
Location: socal
rubbachicken is offline 

PostPosted: Sat Jun 21, 2014 4:57 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

it's a great idea, i have thought about doing it, but..
if you forget to switch it off, then there's no protection.
i'm thinking of a non latching switch that you have to push when you turn the key, there's no forgetting to turn it off, hide it out of sight, but still easily accessible.
i was also thinking about a "start" button in plain sight, and connect it to an alarm, because if there's a button that says start on it, an intruder is likely going to push that one first Wink
_________________
lucy our westy

lucy's BIG adventure

meet 'burni'


markswagen {mobile mechanic} san diego area all early VW's cared for.

619 201 0310 or 617 935 4182
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail Facebook Gallery Classifieds Feedback
Phishman068
Samba Member


Joined: February 19, 2007
Posts: 1866
Location: Pittsburgh PA (ish)
Phishman068 is offline 

PostPosted: Sat Jun 21, 2014 5:38 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

I've always wanted to hide a magnetic reed switch in the steering column, and add a strong magnet to my keychain.
That way whenever it's my keys in the ignition, it will fire right up, but anyone hot wiring it or otherwise trying to steel the car without my set of keys will have an additional layer of difficulty.

I think the key to any kill switch is convenience and forced habbit. Otherwise, in 6 months you'll stop using it.
_________________
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=559766&highlight=winter+rust
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=482402&highlight=sunroof+syncro
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=569774
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?p=6864936#6864936

"Along with the ability to go fast, one looses the desire to hurry."
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message AIM Address Gallery Classifieds Feedback
Rjhdog
Samba Member


Joined: February 14, 2013
Posts: 369
Location: CA
Rjhdog is offline 

PostPosted: Sat Jun 21, 2014 8:21 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Syncroincity wrote:
A good alternative is to switch the coil, either power or ground wire. No spark, no start.


I see the two wires going into the fuel pump. My question is can I splice into one of those wires and use a defrost switch safely?

If I tap into the coil where would I find that wire?
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Gallery Classifieds Feedback
sanchius Premium Member
Samba Member


Joined: May 03, 2007
Posts: 1446
Location: IN
sanchius is offline 

PostPosted: Sat Jun 21, 2014 9:02 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Phishman068 wrote:
I've always wanted to hide a magnetic reed switch in the steering column, and add a strong magnet to my keychain.
That way whenever it's my keys in the ignition, it will fire right up, but anyone hot wiring it or otherwise trying to steel the car without my set of keys will have an additional layer of difficulty.

Here u go... http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?p=4571909&highlight=magnet#4571909
_________________
The Syncro years (2005-16) - The 2WD years (2017-23) - Westy & WBX rebuild spreadsheet - Sanchius & Tuna: The Video
Your gold star membership keeps this awesome list going!
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Gallery Classifieds Feedback
?Waldo?
Samba Member


Joined: February 22, 2006
Posts: 9752
Location: Where?
?Waldo? is offline 

PostPosted: Sat Jun 21, 2014 9:26 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Instead of a toggle switch, I would prefer a momentary switch that allowed current during the 'start' position but did not affect the 'run' position. That way, you would press and hold the switch during starting, it would always reset to the 'no-start' position without you having to remember to switch it back, and there would be no risk of a passenger (or yourself) accidentally switching off the engine while driving.
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Gallery Classifieds Feedback
Rjhdog
Samba Member


Joined: February 14, 2013
Posts: 369
Location: CA
Rjhdog is offline 

PostPosted: Sat Jun 21, 2014 12:38 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

sanchius wrote:
Phishman068 wrote:
I've always wanted to hide a magnetic reed switch in the steering column, and add a strong magnet to my keychain.
That way whenever it's my keys in the ignition, it will fire right up, but anyone hot wiring it or otherwise trying to steel the car without my set of keys will have an additional layer of difficulty.

Here u go... http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?p=4571909&highlight=magnet#4571909



Many thanks for the link.

Here's the same question I am asking and I am not super clear on the answer...
Perhaps someone knows if splicing into the fuel pump wire a few inches up from the pump is safe to tie a defroster switch into?

"""While I do appreciate the input, I find that no one's answered the question I answered when I reactivated the thread. I was under Winston today when I installed the resistor fix, which seems to have gone as well as I might have hoped.

I only saw the one power wire coming out of the fuel pump, and that ran straight back to the rear engine compartment. Does anyone have an idea of how much current (after the resistor mod) is running through it? Would a loop with, say, 16 gauge wire up to a switch in a cab melt a defroster switch (found that, today) in the console? """
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Gallery Classifieds Feedback
Wildthings
Samba Member


Joined: March 13, 2005
Posts: 50261

Wildthings is offline 

PostPosted: Sat Jun 21, 2014 1:49 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Pull the defroster switch out and see if it has an amp rating stamped or molded on it anywhere. You can probably find out what kind of amp draw the pump has from either examining the pump closely or looking for something similar on eBay and see what specs they give.
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Gallery Classifieds Feedback
crazyvwvanman
Samba Member


Joined: January 28, 2008
Posts: 9895
Location: Orbiting San Diego
crazyvwvanman is offline 

PostPosted: Sat Jun 21, 2014 2:18 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

NO, it is not safe to splice a dash switch into the fuel pump power wire. You could burn down the van or cook your fuel injection harness. The problem isn't the switch, it is that there is no fuse for the fuel pump power. A short to ground on your added wire run could be serious. Better to run the pump ground wire to the dash and put the switch on that, with the other side of the switch tied to ground. Also then you only need to run a single wire, not up and back like a power wire splice would need.

Mark


Rjhdog wrote:
....Here's the same question I am asking and I am not super clear on the answer...
Perhaps someone knows if splicing into the fuel pump wire a few inches up from the pump is safe to tie a defroster switch into? .....
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Gallery Classifieds Feedback
Terry Kay
Banned


Joined: June 22, 2003
Posts: 13331

Terry Kay is offline 

PostPosted: Sat Jun 21, 2014 2:42 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

You want to disable the ground wire to the switch--not the power wire as has been mentioned several times.

No ground = no pump, and there is going to be a no load on the grounding wire on the pump to that switch.

This is exactly what you want to do,--nothing else, if your going to disable the fuel pump, on that defroster switch.
_________________
T.K.
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail Gallery Classifieds Feedback
crazyvwvanman
Samba Member


Joined: January 28, 2008
Posts: 9895
Location: Orbiting San Diego
crazyvwvanman is offline 

PostPosted: Sat Jun 21, 2014 2:59 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Yes there is a load on the ground wire, exactly the same load as on the power wire. Same amps come out of the pump on the ground wire as go into the pump on the power wire.

Mark
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Gallery Classifieds Feedback
Terry Kay
Banned


Joined: June 22, 2003
Posts: 13331

Terry Kay is offline 

PostPosted: Sat Jun 21, 2014 4:41 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

So,
Your saying that on a DC circuit the ground is carrying the same amperage as an AC circuit?

I'm not sure about this one.
I'm waiting for my Buddy Marconi to call me back on this to 100% set me straight on this.
_________________
T.K.
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail Gallery Classifieds Feedback
Ahwahnee
Samba Member


Joined: June 05, 2010
Posts: 9776
Location: Mt Lemmon, AZ
Ahwahnee is offline 

PostPosted: Sat Jun 21, 2014 4:58 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

I was just talking to Guglielmo on my Ouija board and he confirms that power and ground wires see the same current.

The big advantage of switching the ground wire (as noted above) is that you only have to run one wire to the switch.

In addition -- should it happen that that wire shorts somewhere all that occurs is that the switch does not cut out the pump.

I cannot say for sure but IMO the pump draw is low and those rocker switches should have no problem with it.
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Gallery Classifieds Feedback
crazyvwvanman
Samba Member


Joined: January 28, 2008
Posts: 9895
Location: Orbiting San Diego
crazyvwvanman is offline 

PostPosted: Sat Jun 21, 2014 4:58 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

I didn't say anything about an AC circuit. We are talking about a car with DC circuits.

Mark

Terry Kay wrote:
So,
Your saying that on a DC circuit the ground is carrying the same amperage as an AC circuit?

I'm not sure about this one.
I'm waiting for my Buddy Marconi to call me back on this to 100% set me straight on this.
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Gallery Classifieds Feedback
Rjhdog
Samba Member


Joined: February 14, 2013
Posts: 369
Location: CA
Rjhdog is offline 

PostPosted: Sat Jun 21, 2014 5:01 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Terry Kay wrote:
You want to disable the ground wire to the switch--not the power wire as has been mentioned several times.

No ground = no pump, and there is going to be a no load on the grounding wire on the pump to that switch.

This is exactly what you want to do,--nothing else, if your going to disable the fuel pump, on that defroster switch.


Thanks mark and terry.

So if I understand this correctly, splice into ground wire and run one wire up to dash switch. On the other side of switch run to a ground.
Any concern with a relay?
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Gallery Classifieds Feedback
Display posts from previous:   
Reply to topic    Forum Index -> Vanagon All times are Mountain Standard Time/Pacific Daylight Savings Time
Page: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5  Next
Page 1 of 5

 
Jump to:  
You cannot post new topics in this forum
You cannot reply to topics in this forum
You cannot edit your posts in this forum
You cannot delete your posts in this forum
You cannot vote in polls in this forum

About | Help! | Advertise | Donate | Premium Membership | Privacy/Terms of Use | Contact Us | Site Map
Copyright © 1996-2023, Everett Barnes. All Rights Reserved.
Not affiliated with or sponsored by Volkswagen of America | Forum powered by phpBB
Links to eBay or other vendor sites may be affiliate links where the site receives compensation.