Can I by pass my ignition switch?

IANBUDDY12

MEMBER
1995 DODGE RAM
150,000 MILES

Someone broke into truck, smashed up dash and started it with a screwdriver. It's a work truck, so don't want to spend much. Reviewing a haynes manual, I see there are 7 wires leading up to the switch and connecting certain wires together at start up, then running, etc. Can I just by say 5 cheap on-off switches and wire, and essentially bypass the whole ignition switch and locking pin? Or is the ignition switch more than just a series of on-off switches? And by bypassing I risk messing up my ignition modual or computer?

5 Replies

RIVERMIKERAT

MECHANIC
6,110 POSTS

You can purchase a replacement ignition lock cylinder for relatively cheap. The Haynes manual will give excellent directions on how to install it.

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Tuesday, December 13th, 2011 AT 3:08 AM

RASMATAZ

MECHANIC
75,992 POSTS

Or you can download for a cheap price on this link-Check your PM-Mike

http://www.2carpros.com/kpages/auto_repair_manuals_alldata.htm

SPONSORED LINKS

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Tuesday, December 13th, 2011 AT 3:52 AM

RIVERMIKERAT

MECHANIC
6,110 POSTS

Ok.

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Tuesday, December 13th, 2011 AT 4:26 AM

IANBUDDY12

MEMBER
1 POST

Thank you for the response and tip, but I have the original ignition lock cylinder, without any mounting brackets to install it. As the entire steering column where the cylinder installs is broken apart. So is a self made, make shift re-wire job, by passing the ignition lock and ignitionswitch possible or do I run the risk of damaging other components?

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Tuesday, December 13th, 2011 AT 10:39 AM

RIVERMIKERAT

MECHANIC
6,110 POSTS

It's possible to do, but your best bet is a dash-mounted, or under-dash-mounted aftermarket ignition switch. Here's an example.
http://www.autozone.com/autozone/accessories/Electrical/Starter-Switch/_/N-2666