Installing a kill switch is an important decision. It gives you the emergency option to shut the machine when you cannot stop it in the usual manner. It is indeed essential in a vehicle. We all know that cars can be subjected to many mechanical problems like losing a break.
When you lose your break, and you can’t stop the vehicle in the usual way, the kill switch is there for your emergency use. It stops the vehicle engine immediately.
So, how to install a kill switch in your car battery? There are very simple steps involved in the installation of a kill switch for your vehicle. I will provide you the step by step procedures in setting this up.
Here’s the process of installing the kill switch:
Step 1: Purchase a battery kill switch.
Step 2: Detach the battery cables.
Step 3: Remove the positive wire from the terminal of the battery.
Step 4: Attach the wires of the kill switch.
Step 5: Connect the terminals of the battery again.
Step 6: Look for a possible place for the kill switch.
Step 7: Put the kill switch in a frame.
Step 8: Attach the cables of the battery.
More Details on the Ways to Install a Kill Switch for Your Car Battery
Step 1: Purchase the battery kill switch
In installing the kill switch of the battery, you have to take a closer look at the kind of kill switch that you are buying. Take time to read the manual and know the output of power for the battery and other mechanisms. The kill switch of the battery should match on these aspects. If the kill switch does not match in components, you will be blowing the switch.
Step 2: Detach the battery cables
The positive and the negative cables of the battery should always be disconnected. It will protect you against unnecessary incidents when you are working on the battery’s electrical components. As you removed the terminals of the cell, it will also be the best time to clean it together with its wires and other connecting mechanisms.
Step 3: Remove the positive cable from the terminal of the battery
After removing the positive cable of the battery, you must also detach the terminal from the other end of the wire. A Philips screw can help you on this. Make sure that you do not break any wire in doing this.
Step 4: Attach the wires of the kill switch
You can start installing the kill switch after the terminal has been removed. Connect the switch between the wire and the terminus of the battery. Ensure that after installing the switch, you will hold it in the on- position.
Step 5: Connect the terminals of the battery again
Re-attach the terminal of the battery in the positive wire again. Secure it well and make sure that you don’t break any wires.
Step 6: Look for a possible place for the kill switch
When the wires of the switch have been connected back into the battery cable, you have to secure the housing of the switch in a hidden area. It will trick anyone who has the intention of stealing your car to have a hard time finding it.
Once you have located the perfect place for your switch, you have to drill the holes to hold it in place tightly.
Step 7: Put the kill switch in a frame
After finding the right place for your kill switch, start by marking the hole locations for the housing of your kill switch. Drill-in the holes and secure the kill switch housing in place. Dab, a small amount of silicone, to make it weatherproof and work against corrosion and falling out.
Step 8: Attach the cables of the battery
Once the kill switch has been installed, you may now re-connect the terminals of the battery into its poles again.
How Does a Kill Switch Works on a Vehicle?
A kill switch can work against the combustion of the car engine. It is designed to shut down the vehicle in the most speedy process. The kill switch has many varied designs. With the variations in plans, the kill switch can stop the car in many different mechanisms.
The most common method is to stop the vehicle using its spark plugs, while other methods can work depending on the rate of engine revolutions.
Where Should You Hook Up the Kill Switch? In the Positive or the Negative Cable?
It is a controversial issue of whether to consider connecting the kill switch to the positive or the negative wires of the battery. There is a mandate that rules that it should be a hookup on the positive side of the cell.
But the majority of the stock car bodies would want the kill switch on the negative side. When the switch is connected on the positive side, it will hazardously expose the terminals located on the back to contact the metal sheet on a crash, which may create a short circuit to the ground.
However, when you choose to use the negative cable for the hookup, it is already ground connected and therefore would not bring any danger at all. It is now up to you to decide which side will you choose in hooking up your kill switch.
Why is There a Need to Install a Manual Kill Switch in My Vehicle?
Every vehicle should have a kill switch. It helps prevent any untoward incident that may save the lives of the drivers and the operators of the cars.
For example, in a crash, the kill switch can be used in reducing the fire risk because of an electrical short circuit. It is also a device which you can use against theft. Few thieves are likely to have the master switch key.
What is a Battery Disconnect Switch?
The battery disconnect switch helps out in the preservation of your battery life. It can also help against theft and tampering. It works by disconnecting the battery and the 12V fuse that powers up your vehicle. The battery disconnect switch is used against constant battery drain while your car is not in use.
If you know how to install a kill switch in your car battery, you can be sure that you have securely installed a DIY anti-theft device for your car and vehicle. It will save you a lot of many and cost.
Sources:
1. Installing a Battery Kill Switch – DoItYourself.com
2. How a Car Kill Switch Works – DoItYourself.com
3. Should The Kill Switch Be Hooked Up Positive Or Negative To The Battery? – Hot Rod Network
4. Why would there be a manual battery killswitch installed in my truck? – Quora
