Cruising on freeway & engine shuts off. Related to kill switch usage??

[dnovick911]

Pretty scary stuff. Lost the mid-80's Alpine radio two weeks ago. When I want to replace the stereo's fuse, I noticed what looked like a kill switch tucked up under the dash. NICE! I'd been thinking about that due to the vulnerability of a Targa top.

So I pushed the "plunger" in (click), then tried to start the car. She turned over nicely, but never caught. I then pulled the plunger out (click). The car then fired right up. Sweet!

I drove away and was then cruising down the freeway (highway to you east coasters) and the engine RPMs suddenly dropped to zero. All electronics still working. Just no RPMs. I was fortunate to get to the side of the road. I pushed then pulled the kill switch toggle and she fired right up. Happened again one more time on the way home. Not good.

Thoughts on how to trouble shoot this and fix? I really am all thumbs when it comes to electronics. thanks, Dave

[dicklague]

Bad switch

replace the switch to start.

Probably corroded and dirty inside.

[pors1968]

If had any problem before you touch that swicth it probably loose wire on swicth or bad swicth.

[dnovick911]

Makes good sense. Do I need to disconnect battery before cutting out and then replacing switch? I'll just splice, then use some wire connectors of appropriate gauge. Then maybe give a wrap or turn in electrical tape. Sound about right?? Thanks again. Dave

[timmy2]

Post a picture of what you are dealing with. Easier to give advice that way.
Yes, either replace or eliminate the switch.(Join the 2 wires together)
NO Tape, buy a little heat shrink and use crimp on connectors or some solder...

[rick-l]

Originally Posted by timmy2

Post a picture of what you are dealing with.

or even what kind of car it is

[dnovick911]

More details....
'85 3.2 911. M&K 1-to1, and premuffler. Running 91 octane.
Stock chip, but recently unplugged the CA emissions wires under the seat.
Will be installing Wong chip soon.

Here are some pics of PO (previous owner's) handiwork...

FRONTSIDE


BACKSIDE


Planning to:
#1. Disconnect battery.
#2. Label wires (color code).
#3. Detach wires from switch
#4. Remove switch and drop by Radio Shack to see if something similar available.
#5. Reverse to install new switch. Crimp only.
#6. Try again (driving in right lane road with shoulder).
#7. IF works, then shrink tube connections and "fogetaboudit"...

Thoughts / comments welcome.

Thanks, D

[fanaudical]

I'm not sure I'd touch that until I fully understood how exactly that switch was wired. It appears to be switching ground, but to what?

[dnovick911]

Hmmmm.....the switch and ground are on a sturdy metal structure that holds the ashtray...