ignition switch vs cut off switch

[mikehallbackhoe]

I do a lot of eoc, and I usually just turn off the key in my crx. I now realize that allows the choke to cool down and come back on, so now I am going to turn the key off, and then turn it back on, but not start it. my question is , will this put too much wear on my ignition switch, or will it be all right ?

[moorecomp]

This is how you should have been doing it all along. That said, when did you last wear out an ignition switch? Me neither.

[mikehallbackhoe]

thanks, I am hoping to see an improvement in mpg doing it this way. I might take a hit because I lowered my tire pressure from 60 to 50, but I didn't like the way it handled in the turns at the higher pressure. I might also replace the electric choke with a manuel choke just so I don't have to keep turning the key back on.
in my experience with ignition switches, what usually fails is the starting circuit, from too much cranking. I bump start mine when eoc. I have, however seen more than my share of napa electrical switches fail.

[brucepick]

I've seen a couple Civics (both gen 6, 1996-2000) with tempermental ignition switches. The electrical part is/was fine, but mine is sometimes difficult to turn. You have to angle the key just right. I test drove another Civic, same problem except that one was worse.

So I'd recommend a cutoff switch if you can figure out where and how to wire it up. Save the wear and tear on the ignition lock mechanism. My cutoff switch is a toggle type, a quick swipe of a finger is all it needs. Easier than turning the key, and will never lock the steering wheel if you mess up.

[JacobAziza]

I have had to replace several ignition switches, and that was before I learned about hypermiling.

Plus, then there is no risk of locking the steering wheel.

And even without those two, having a cut off and starter mounted to the gear shift makes it SO MUCH EASIER to P&G that I'd recommend it regardless of the first two points. In fact, of all the mods I've made, the switches are probably my favorite.

[hawk2100n]

Originally Posted by brucepick

I've seen a couple Civics (both gen 6, 1996-2000) with tempermental ignition switches. The electrical part is/was fine, but mine is sometimes difficult to turn. You have to angle the key just right. I test drove another Civic, same problem except that one was worse.

So I'd recommend a cutoff switch if you can figure out where and how to wire it up. Save the wear and tear on the ignition lock mechanism. My cutoff switch is a toggle type, a quick swipe of a finger is all it needs. Easier than turning the key, and will never lock the steering wheel if you mess up.

My ignition switch was hard to turn when I bought the car. It ended up being a worn key that wouldnt fully move the pins. I switched to a backup key and it works fine.

Glad to know that keying it for EOC probably won't wear out the switch. I was wondering about that. It would be a PITA to fix a broken one properly.