How do you bypass key switch to start car?
 

I am still trying to determine if my starter or key switch is bad. I have read other post that say you just short the wires on the fender but I am not clear on which ones. I have a terminal block with 3 connections (2 bigger screws and then 1 smaller screw) Which ones do you short when the key is in the running position?

Thanks.

You can touch the hot side of the starter solenoid to the engage or switch post on the solenoid. Just make sure that you dont touch anything else with the tool that you use or it will cause large sparks and make really bad shorts.

Where on the terminal block?

I believe it's the first and third under the plastic cover on the terminal block ont he right front inner fender in front of the battery.

Correct, here's a pic of the box.

Thanks for the info and the picture.

Also vacuum shotoff on IP
 

You will also want to disable the vacuum shut off on the back side of the injector pump. Just disconnect the vacume line to the shut off. It is the approx 2" diameter round metsl cylinder on the back of the injector pump with a tube coming out of the center.

Will I still need to disable the vacuum shut off with the key turned in the running position?

No, the vacuum should be OK if you can turn the key to the run position.

oh sure the engine will run and you can shift it into gear, but you cant drive anywhere but in a straight line after the steering wheel locks up. lol.

If you read the original post, he has an electrical issue, nothing to do with the mechanical part of the switch or the steering lock. :confused:

I don't mean to hijack, but is there a way to operate the glow plugs without using the key? Example, 83 300TD.

I've never done it, but I guess you could run a jumper directly from the battery to each of the GPs.

Yeah, that's how you check to see if they're working, one at a time, while outside of the engine. If that's what you're trying to determine.

Is it wise to discuss this openly?

This wouldn't be effective for stealing a car. Unless you have the key, the steering wheel will lock up.

The reason I ask is because a guy near me has an 82 SD that has the lock cylinder stuck. I wanted to hear the engine run, I knew the starter trick, but didn't know if there was a trick similar to get the GPs to work as well. The body is in really nice shape with little rust, he only wants $700.00 for it, I think I should jump on it! ;)

On the SD the box has four screws. First and last screws.

So I was able to turn over the engine with some pliers at the terminal strip. The two big screws look to be connected to same bar but I used 1st and 3rd. I still got the same starting problem like this so think I can rule out the key switch.

At this point the only thing I can think of is the starter (solenoid) or lost some teeth off the flywheel. I am leaning towards the flywheel now since it is kinda random and starts on the first try sometimes and other takes 3-4 times before it turns it over completely. Sometimes it also starts to turn over the engine and then just hear the starter spinning like it ran out of good teeth.

So anyway to check the flywheel teeth without removing the starter or transmission?

I believe there's an inspection port on the bellhousing for tightening the torque convertor bolts. I assume the flywheel teeth would be visible thru that port.

I will pull up on the ramps and give that a try? It is the same opening for draining the toruqe converter? So if some teeth are missing. I guess I will just have to live with it unless I want to pull the transmission and replace the flywheel?