Ignition bypass

CARLSP

MEMBER
2000 FORD ESCORT
2.0L
4 CYL
2WD
MANUAL
130,000 MILES

The ignition switch on my car is completely destroyed. I have been using a screwdriver to turn the ignition to start the car. But that does not work anymore. I know I need to replace it, but I cannot afford to do so at the moment. Is there a way for me to bypass the ignition and use a toggle switch and a momentary push button switch to turn the car on and start and drive it? The switch has markings for the wires like IG-1, IG-2, B-1, B-2, etc, and I am not sure what they all are. Maybe you could provide a schematic that shows the connections so that I can bypass it and use the toggle and momentary push button switch temporarily. Would appreciate some help if you are able. Thanks

Saturday, June 25th, 2022 AT 3:29 PM

3 Replies

KASEKENNY

MECHANIC
18,907 POSTS

You can install a momentary button if you would like but it needs to have the ability to keep the ignition on.

So just using a toggle switch would not work because you would leave the starter engaged all the time.

However, before you assume that the switch is the issue, even though it seems like a safe assumption due to using a screwdriver, because this could be a clutch position switch as well.

Try going to the switch and jumping it and see if the engine starts.

I am attaching the wiring diagram below which will give the details that you are looking for.

Let me know what questions you have.

Thanks

Image (Click to make bigger)

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Monday, June 27th, 2022 AT 5:28 AM

CARLSP

MEMBER
36 POSTS

Thanks for the schematic, it helped a lot. The car starts fine, it is just that since using the screwdriver the ignition switch has now failed completely (literally is falling apart). So I have set it up so that the toggle switch puts it in the "Run" position and use the push button to run the starter. Just needed to be sure on the wiring. Thank you for your help though, really appreciate it. BTW - in checking the clutch switch, which was fine, I did find that the brake light switch was bad and fixed it. So solved my brake light problem too.

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Thursday, June 30th, 2022 AT 11:33 AM

KASEKENNY

MECHANIC
18,907 POSTS

Oh wow. You are on a roll. Thanks for the info and updating us on what you did.

Not sure someone else will be in this exact situation but I am sure someone will benefit from this in the future.

Thanks again. Come back again to 2CarPros.

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Thursday, June 30th, 2022 AT 6:46 PM