Key to start...

[Iver]

My MC9 has the original toggle switch and push button start.  (if that is original?) Any problem with putting an ignition key
switch to replace the two?  Any special kind?
     Thanks,  Iver.

[JackConrad]

I replaced the OEM toggle switch in a 102A3 with a standard 4 position (Acc/Off/Run/Start) that can be purchased at any auto parts supply. I don't remember specific wire connections, but I went by the wiring schematic and had no problems. Jack
PS: that coach required the Step Light to be on before the starter would engage. I don't remember if the owner had me leave or remove that feature.

[jmblake]

I replaced mine with a new key switch that is just off & on and kept the push buttton for starting. I purchased every thing at my local truck parts store. Jason

[buswarrior]

In doing this upgrade,
if your coach is of the vintage that the starter button is the engine auto-shutdown bypass,

(to bypass the old style auto-shutdown, the engine will run as long as you hold the starter button in...hope you still have the fuel pressure cut-out wired into the starter circuit...)

Anyway, don't mess up your ability to move the coach out of the intersection after it auto-craps on you.

Even the older pre DDEC buses have complicated circuits that can be unwittingly ruined by not maintaining the OEM systems.

happy coaching!
buswarrior

[Iver]

I still have the fuel pressure switch wired in.  If I put in a key switch, I guess I could hold the key in the start position to move the coach?  The original push button is getting to be a problem.  If I push the button fully in it won't start.  If I push it half way, it works.....
          Thanks Iver.

[Tim Strommen]

In addition to the front ignition controls, I put a key in the engine bay...  So I get the Off-Run-Start in the front and in the back I get a Front-Off-RearRun-RearStart.  This way I can still lock-out the front controls while Im workign on the engine (no one would hear me scream from 40 feet away over that engine...), and when I pop the bus into storage I can totally disable the engine by setting the rear control to "off" (my chassis battery disconnect is in about the same area - key-reset emergency stop buttons on the rear).

-T

[James77MCI8]

The by pass on my 8 is wired into the step light

[lostagain]

Why don't you just replace the push button?

JC

[Iver]

I know I should just replace the push button.  I was just thinking of the security thing. 
A key switch might make it a little more difficult for someone else to start it up.
        Iver.

[robertglines1]

does your 9 have a place on the master switch for a lock..I had a 78 model mci 8 that did....could have been added before I got it.just a thought.....happy bussing

[JackConrad]

Another type of bus lock I saw was on a 102A3 that started its life as a CoachAmerica bus. They had installed a key lock on the parking brake knob that prevented the parking brakes from being released (A heavy metal tab, controlled by a key, prevented anyone from pushing the knob to release the brakes.  Jack

[buswarrior]

Jack's post reminds me of those air valve locks that one sometimes finds in the store at the truck stop.

They look to be a removable metal frame that slips over the parking valves on the dash and locks, preventing their activation.

Perhaps such an off the shelf device exists for a single plunger?

happy coaching!
buswarrior

[Lin]

Iver,

I have the toggle switch for main, but a key ignition switch instead of a button.  It would be easy just to replace the button only while leaving your original toggle inline.  That way you are really not messing with anything.

[Iver]

Thanks for all the suggestions.....
    Now if I only had time to put them in practice.
                Iver.

[FloridaCliff]

Iver,

I didn't put it in, but mine just had a key switch added in the circuit sending power to the push button.

Would add that security feature you want, while still keeping the original wiring.

Cliff