Keyed Switch

[Doug D.]

I have read alot about the keyed ignition switches not being any good. Do they know make one that is any good?

 

[Coug]

Supposedly there are some for heavy equipment that will work and not burn everything up, but you won't find them labeled for HMMWV use.

I'm sure at some point someone linked one that would work to a thread on here in the past, but I didn't pay attention. Way too many chinese made switches on the market labeled for HMMWV, and while some people report they haven't had them fail yet after using them for a year or so, plenty of others have had expensive failures because of them


There are several other security devices out there that will prevent starting.

 

[juanprado]

My low tech solution is to leave it in gear when I shut down.........

 

[TOBASH]

Disconnect the starter wire from switch and place a hidden push button for the start.

 

[Autonomy_Lost]

Someone designed a mechanical keyed switch which adapts to the existing starter switch. Its supposed to retain the reliability of the OEM switch while still utilizing a key. Unfortunately I can't seem to find a link, but I remember seeing it on a Facebook group.

Otherwise, just go with a hidden switch as others have suggested.

 

[TOBASH]

Springer installed a keyed ignition on the steering column maybe three years ago and posted how he did it.

 

[Mainsail]

I used a keyed switch that merely interrupts the neutral safety switch. The stock start switch is retained in place, and the keyed switch is mounted on the ledge under the heater switches (key UP configuration), so it's sort of hidden, but mostly to retain the military look. That was not an easy hole to drill...

 

[cdohner44mag]

Can a keyed switch be used to interrupt the 24v feed to the factory switch? That way if the factory switch happened to be toggled when it's not supposed to it wont send power to the GP and can't start the vehicle. Not exactly sure how the switch wiring is but thought it might work.

 

[TOBASH]

Can a keyed switch be used to interrupt the 24v feed to the factory switch? That way if the factory switch happened to be toggled when it's not supposed to it wont send power to the GP and can't start the vehicle. Not exactly sure how the switch wiring is but thought it might work.

A keyed switch can be used to interrupt almost anything.

 

[Mogman]

Can a keyed switch be used to interrupt the 24v feed to the factory switch? That way if the factory switch happened to be toggled when it's not supposed to it wont send power to the GP and can't start the vehicle. Not exactly sure how the switch wiring is but thought it might work.

The problem is the switch would have to be rated at quite a few amps and to be able to interrupt a 24V circuit, that is the issue with using a keyed switch for the start/run switch to begin with.

 

[Autonomy_Lost]

Can a keyed switch be used to interrupt the 24v feed to the factory switch? That way if the factory switch happened to be toggled when it's not supposed to it wont send power to the GP and can't start the vehicle. Not exactly sure how the switch wiring is but thought it might work.

@Milcommoguy has the diagram for what you are trying to do

 

[Mainsail]

The problem is the switch would have to be rated at quite a few amps and to be able to interrupt a 24V circuit, that is the issue with using a keyed switch for the start/run switch to begin with.

Perhaps it could, if you used the keyed switch to provide a ground for a relay, and the relay interrupts the load. The relay would have to be pretty heavy duty, so maybe a solenoid instead.

 

[Mogman]

Perhaps it could, if you used the keyed switch to provide a ground for a relay, and the relay interrupts the load. The relay would have to be pretty heavy duty, so maybe a solenoid instead.

The issue there would be if you forget to turn off the keyed switch the relay/solenoid will drain the batteries, there is a cable to lock the steering wheel that is pretty effective in preventing folks from driving off with your truck.

 

[Lawdog734]

Someone designed a mechanical keyed switch which adapts to the existing starter switch. Its supposed to retain the reliability of the OEM switch while still utilizing a key. Unfortunately I can't seem to find a link, but I remember seeing it on a Facebook group.

Otherwise, just go with a hidden switch as others have suggested.

Schwend Waterjet, Welding, & Fabrication

I just bought one and will be installing it this weekend in my sons truck.

 

[Mogman]

Schwend Waterjet, Welding, & Fabrication

I just bought one and will be installing it this weekend in my sons truck.

Retail Products | Schwend Waterjet

www.schwendwaterjet.com

 

[cdohner44mag]

I kind of like that. Lawdog, if you don't mind updating us with how it works and your impression of it, I would be interested in hearing it.

 

[csutton11]

Mechanical Keyed Ignition Switch: https://www.schwendwaterjet.com/onl...eyed-Ignition-Switch-Adapter-HMMWV-p559308261
I just bought one as well... and will be installing in the next week or two.

 

[NVAM998]

I went the keyed route from fed mil parts. The first one had loose terminals. They replaced it. The second one with fairly little use failed and was unreliable. Starter remained engaged after releasing switch, etc. Heading a different route now. Injector disconnect or something.

 

[TOBASH]

These are known to fail. “Search” is your friend.

 

[csutton11]

I went the mechanical keyed route from Mr. Austen Schwend. As I also had concerns about cheap electric keyed HMMWV knockoffs… that would either a) leave me stranded or b) damage the start box or other electrical components.

Mechanical Keyed Switch: https://www.schwendwaterjet.com/online-store/Mechanical-Keyed-Ignition-Switch-HMMWV-p559308261