Just wondering if anyone knows of a good writeup/tutorial/video/whatever on wiring up a start button to completely bypass the key/ignition cylinder? I live in a rural area and am not concerned with theft. I always wanted to do this and now that my ignition actuator appears to be kaput this may be the right time.
all you need is a toggle switch for the fuel shut off solenoid, a manual push button for the glow plugs such that you have the + on the switch (easier on 6.9; 7.3 needs a little more modding to the wiring), and a starter push button to the starter relay on the fender. no need to even touch the stock wiring that way.
you'd turn off the toggle switch to turn off the truck, just like turning an ignition switch to off.
(edit: oh i didn't account for e4od.... so ignore unless you have c6. also i guess turn signals etc wouldn't work. basically you just tap into the switch on the steering column to bypass the ignition switch btw)
these trucks are almost as easy to steal as old VWs, with just a few test leads.