Push Button Ignition ???

[Brian Baker]

Hello,

My car, a 1969 911E, has a push button ignition installed on the dash just to the left of the ignition switch. You turn the key and then push the button and the car starts.

I don't see this push button ignition in any of the catalogs or web sites I know of and I don't see it featured in any of the pictures I see in books.

Would this be an aftermarket devise that someone had installed or could it have been some sort of option?

I'm just curious at this point.

Thanks

Brian

[Superman]

I have equipped several cars with this device. My '73 Datsun pickup currently has a toggle switch for ignition, and a spring loaded push button for the starter. The reason we do this is because we do not want to spring for the cost of a new ignition key/tumbler set. You see, they wear out over time particularly if someone hangs a heavy bunch of keys from them. Wears them out.

Yes, the starter button is aftermarket. In fact, it is after-after market. The button probably came from a hardware store.

[H.G.P.]

Just a guess it's aftermarket, as I almost had to install one on my car, as I initially could not find an ignition switch replacement. (found one though).

[Jack Olsen]

Aftermarket.

[Two Oh]

The aftermarket button could have been installed for a reason other than the previous owner being too cheap to buy a new ignition switch.

Here goes:

Some racers like to lock up the centrifugal mechanism in the distibutor. In doing so they remove the weights and springs then twist the mechanism to full advance and braze the advance cams on the centershaft to the portion of the advance plate that lies directly under the cams.

When you lock the advance out completely , the engine fires at total advance even during start up. This can cause starting difficulties with a high compression engine....Solution? We use two switches, one for the starter and one for the ignition. So you can turn your engine [your button] and get your engine rotating and then you turn on the ignition. [your key]

Check your distributor for the above mentioned modifications. If you have these modifications your button has a purpose. If your distributor does NOT have these modifications, well I guess the previous owner was too cheap to buy that Porsche ignition switch. Hope this helps.

[Fishcop]

Your ignition switch is almost definitely fried. The ignition switch for a 1969 911 is NLA (no steering lock version), so the PO has added the ignition button.

A few friends of mine have had this happen and done the same. However one in particular put the button under his carpet just in front of the hand-brake. This has created an effective anti-theft system, as the button is invisible.

[CamB]

I have '69T as well, with an ignition button - I have always assumed it is because the ignition part of the switch broke...

... but given everyone seems to have one I am no longer so sure! It is a rubber button with a chrome ring.

Here is a (crappy) picture: