Changing a diesel key start to a button start

[nickfabbri]

Can anyone offer advice on how to remove the key ignition from a volvo md5 panel and change it to abutton start. Will i also need to add a switch to turn on the battery or can i just permanently conect the battery wires and control the on off with the battery master switch?

 

[Guest]

[ QUOTE ]
Can anyone offer advice on how to remove the key ignition from a volvo md5 panel and change it to abutton start. Will i also need to add a switch to turn on the battery or can i just permanently conect the battery wires and control the on off with the battery master switch?

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OK - I don't have a Volvo MD5 panel or similar .... but what I have is :>

Main batterys via 1-Both-2-off switch feeds general system.
On start panel I have small toggle switch that connects exciter current to alternator field and also to a Push to Make starter switch. This Push to make then energises the solenoid to starter motor.

Your key should not take such ampage that a simple "Horn-Push" switch cannot handle !

I made the toggle switch over-ride all engine related panel items to stop drain of batterys to field exciter in alternator etc. etc. - even to connecting Fuel gauge light and sebder for power on it as well.

Possibly the only real change you need to concern about is auxiliary powered connections of another position on switch ?

Final question - why would you want to change ? If its switch is faulty - then a Fork Lift truck has similar key switch or a Reliant 3-wheeler !! What you look for is an older non -steering lock key switch !

 

[bobgosling]

ASAP supplies have button start panels available

Auto "modification & customizing" outlets may have similar stuff for race cars.

You need more than one switch to replace an ignition key ! You need an off/on for the supply and an off/momentarily-on for the starter ( and if a diesel engine another one for the pre-heater ).

 

[gandy]

Do you have a wiring diagram for the existing panel? The Volvo Instruction Book will include the diagram, and they can be downloaded if you don't have an original.

The key does two things. First position switches on the power to the temp and oil pressure sensors and enables the alternator. If you only ever have the main switch on when you're going to run the engine then I guess you could leave these permanently switched on.

The second position works the starter - that could easily be replaced by a decent push button like a horn push as suggested.

You'll need the wiring diagram, or a good investigation to confirm the functions of all the wires.

 

[VicS]

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The Volvo Instruction Book will include the diagram, and they can be downloaded if you don't have an original

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here, with luck, for the Operators manual


and maybe here for a workshop manual

The wiring diagram is probably in the operators manual, it is for some, but is bound to be in the w/s manual if not