Push Button Starter

[jimmy'sjimmy]

When my truck was broken into a few weeks ago i thought all they did was break the steering wheel lock and that was it. Well today i finally bought a new battery and went to start it......The ignition cylinder wont budge! I guess they broke more than i thought. Just an idea instead of putting in a new cylinder and whatever else is broken, can i put in a push button start? Like this one http://www.jegs.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_10001_10002_763174_-1_10409
The 555-11001 version with two swithces for $34.99, would this be a simpler way of repairing this or would i just be opening a can of worms cutting into the wiring?

 

[JEBSR]

I wouldn't do it. The fix will probably not cost much (if any) more than putting in a push button switch. Plus you have to tap into the factory harness to do it. Not saying it wont work, I have done them in the past but wouldn't recommend unless it's a trail only rig or if there is a necessity for it. But that's just my opinion.

 

[Currank5]

I have a push button start and I didnt tap into the harness to do mine. I removed an alarm system and the harness got messed up so it wouldnt start with the key. I ran wires directly from the starter to the button under the dash.

Mine is a little button i got at the home depot for like $2. That and a spool of wire and you're looking at like 5 bucks.

Plus you can hide the button wherever you want if you want to do that. Mine's kinda under the radio.

Edit- If the thing wont even turn on then you should just replace the lock. Mine would turn on but not engage the starter. Thats why i installed the button rather than mess with the harness.

 

[TruckNutzDude]

You're going to have to fix the lock cylinder anyways if you want to move your steering wheel. Unless you removed the lock plate yourself or they sheered the pin off in the column (which is something theives like to do )

The lock cylinder isn't that hard to replace, get a maintenance manual, rent or buy a steering wheel puller, a lock plate tool and you'll be done in about 10 minutes. Seriously, it's easy.

 

[jimmy'sjimmy]

Yeah they broke the little c-clip lookin thingy and made a beautiful lookin hole in the column. The wheel lock is broken cause the wheel moves freely. I can turn the key backwards to the Acc position (turn on the radio) but when i try to turn it forward i can see the little mechanisms in there binding. F in theives!

 

[fireplug]

Both routes are easy. Home brew setup is the way to go cost wise. It you have TBI you'll need another for the pump, which is kinda cool if you hide both.

 

[Chrisblazzer89]

I replaced my ingnition cylinder in like 15 min not even knowing what i was doing.