Can I shut off the entire electrical with the key?

[SteveM]

I have an electrical drain I need to track down (it might be the aftermarket turn signal I installed last year), so I have to remember to pull the fuse when I park.

Also, I keep leaving the turn signals on, and I worry that I might leave the dome or dash light on and kill the battery. Too many times of doing that, and it's off to the store for a new battery.

Is there any way to actually have the key turn the car off?

I have a repro key switch that looks like a popout, but isn't.

Would I just hook up a relay to the switch and run all the non-ignition connections to the battery thru the relay contacts? I can hide the relay in the kick panel (or even just have it under the hood).

Has anyone done something like this?

Car is not a show car, just a fun driver, so points are not important.

Steve

[29ModelA]

I would just get the separate power shut off the vendors sell. Far easier in the long run.

Edit: Either of these:

This one I have heard of people mounting so they have access from inside the car.
http://www.snydersantiqueauto.com/1204

http://www.snydersantiqueauto.com/3652

[Jordan]

I would think if you wanted it to be through the key, you could then run the wire from the key to a fuse block and then have all the other wires hook up there. But that sure is a lot of electricity flowing through the switch.

[Big John]

no a key will not do it... you have to use a switch....lol....

[jmeckel]

Yes you can with out a lot of problems as long as you do not want to disconnect the power to the starter.

[SteveM]

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If I had a manual shutoff, I'd probably be just as likely to forget to turn it off as I am to pulling the fuse. :-)

Yes, I realize that it's probably too much to go thru the switch.

Steve

[Bob Johnson]

Yes it can be done, but requires some wiring changes.

If you have stock wiring then the hot side of the coil is connected to the terminal on the terminal box that comes from the ammeter. The other side of the coil is connected to one side of the ignition switch. The other side of the ignition switch goes to the distributor where the points will complete the circuit to ground.

First you must replace the ignition switch with a "power" switch. The ignition switch you have may be OK if it can handle the maximum current your car uses, typically 20-30 amps. To change the ignition switch to a "power" switch the wiring has to be modified. Remove the output wire from the ammeter and connect it to one side of the "power" switch. Connect the other side of the "power" switch to the now unused side of the ammeter. Connect the wire from the distributor to the ground side of the coil. Connect the hot side of the coil to the now switched terminal on the terminal box.

If done correctly all current, except starter, will go through the ammeter and "power" switch.

Bob

[Pete]

If you want to keep your original ignition switch, rewire like Bob said but use a relay in the main feed wire. The switch controls the relay only then.
If you want to get real fancy you can add a solenoid controlled gas shut off also.

[jrelliott]

Simple solution is to add a fuse block and pull the fuse when you get to where you want to go or put away. Add a tie-wrap around the fuse to make it easier to remove. You will have no power from the battery to anything in the vehicle. It is easier than some of the other solutions proposed. The full cut off switch is the best as the starter will not be powered. You also mentioned the battery runs down. If you have an alternator then the field is always energized unless you have a cut off switch or pull the fuse. If you have a generator then check it the cut out is not shorted.

[SteveM]

Originally Posted by jrelliott

Simple solution is to add a fuse block and pull the fuse when you get to where you want to go or put away.

That's what I keep forgetting to do.

I was thinking of making a switch to mount to the fuse block, which would at least make it easier than pulling the fuse.

Originally Posted by jrelliott

You also mentioned the battery runs down. If you have an alternator then the field is always energized unless you have a cut off switch or pull the fuse. If you have a generator then check it the cut out is not shorted.

I have a 6v alternator. Didn't realize something in there was still active.

I'm not worried about killing the starter (just worried about killing the battery!).

Steve

Steve

[Aok]

As posted earlier in the thread by 29 model A install the kill switch no need to mess with anything else. When you solve the problem either remove the switch or keep it

[spdway1]

Start by disconnecting the Blinker power wire when you park it for a length of time, this will help you narrow down the problem, not band-aid it!
Process of elimination at no co$t!

[1931 flamingo]

If you put in the kill sw get the good one NOT the green knobbed one. FWIW
Paul in CT

[eagle]

The SIMPLEST solution is to fix the problem. Get a wiring diagram and find the problem. Use a simple digital multimeter in the current mode (meter it series with the load) and start disconnecting stuff until the drain goes to zero.

[BILL WILLIAMSON]

Many try to "cover up" a problem instead of diagnosing it & fixin' it RIGHT. It ain't rocket science, just study a wiring diagram & you CAN figger it out. Excluding the lighting, the whole car has only about 7 wires! Buster T. (Dog)^^ (Them's Dog ears!)

[Willie Krash]

Personally I would take a battery cable off and but a test light (6 or12V) between the cable and the battery lug. If you have a drain it will light. Unplug items until the light goes out.
If it's an Alternator take the battery wire off as well and see if the light goes off. Bet you can narrow it down quickly. I would go to what I changed first, i.e turn signals and alternator.

[Mitch//pa]

Originally Posted by Willie Krash

Personally I would take a battery cable off and but a test light (6 or12V) between the cable and the battery lug. If you have a drain it will light. Unplug items until the light goes out.
If it's an Alternator take the battery wire off as well and see if the light goes off. Bet you can narrow it down quickly. I would go to what I changed first, i.e turn signals and alternator.

yep

[bobpo]

I had the same problem and decided to use the Good Shut Off Switch mounted in front of the driver's seat by the floor. You can't see it very easy but using it becomes Habit. I actually let my "A" sit most of the winetr and didn't even have to recharge tghe battery.

The "Key" is to get a good switch.

[V4F]

use this mounted in the floor by your feet , break the ground !

[gweilbaker]

It's cheap to check, look at the stop switch. They've been known to stick on and also short.