How to Install Toggle Switches & a Push Button Start
by Breann Kanobi
Push start buttons and toggle switches allow you to operate a vehicle with the push of a button. Though these two devices are similar in their use and installation, the process varies slightly. Typically, people install toggle switches and push start buttons in automobiles or other motorized vehicles. However, there are other types of toggle switches and push start buttons available for electronic devices. Do not attempt to install a button designed for other electronics into an automobile.
Toggle Switch
Step 1
Drill a hole in the location where you wish to place the switch. Check the area before you begin to ensure that you won't drill into any wiring.
Step 2
Push the switch wire into the hole and connect it to the power supply wire of the vehicle using a terminal connector.
Step 3
Attach the switch to the hole using the nut that came with the switch. Tighten the nut as much as possible using a screwdriver. A loose switch can cause wiring problems.
Step 4
Connect the power wire of the switch to the accessory you intend to toggle, such as the headlights. Locate the wire of the accessory and connect the two wires using a connector. Attach the ground wire of the switch to the negative side of the battery.
Step 5
Test the switch by pushing it to the "On" position.
Starter
Step 1
Disconnect the negative cable that attaches to the negative side of the battery. This removes power from the vehicle.
Step 2
Drill a small hole in the dash to mount the switch.
Step 3
Remove about a quarter inch of the insulation from the 14-gauge wire. Attach a terminal to the back of the push-button switch. Attach the push-button switch to the wire by crimping it on.
Step 4
Open the hood of your car and locate the starter solenoid. Run the wire you crimped previously through the firewall, until it reaches the starter solenoid. Attach a terminal to this wire. Connect this terminal to the terminal of the starter solenoid.
Step 5
Attach a wire to the positive terminal of the battery. Attach the other end of the wire to the switch. Reconnect the negative side of the battery to the negative cable.
References
Tips
- Read over the instruction manual included with your buttons and switches for extra guidance.
Things You'll Need
- Electric drill
- Drill bit
- Wire stripper
- Wire nut
- Crimping tool
- Wire
- 14-gauge wire
Writer Bio
Breann Kanobi has worked as freelance writer since 2010. Kanobi regularly submits content online to Gamer DNA. Kanobi received a Bachelor of Fine Arts in film and television from New York University in 2010.
