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Bus Discussion => Bus Topics ( click here for quick start! ) => Topic started by: Jaime&Patrick on July 17, 2023, 10:46:16 AM

Title: Replacing Ignition Switch
Post by: Jaime&Patrick on July 17, 2023, 10:46:16 AM
So you see, I seem to have broken the key off in the ignition switch on the dash, and it is buried deep inside that thing. I had wanted to replace it anyway, maybe with a push-button switch, so this is a good enough time to do that. I am reaching out to you fine folks in the off chance that this bus of ours, or coaches in general, have something about their ignitions that I should know before I go and replace it. You all know how that is often the case.

Magnolia is a 2000 Setra S217. Nothing fancy about her, all analog and questionable wiring. Any heads up on a proper replacement part to order would be welcome to!

Thanbks in advance!
Title: Re: Replacing Ignition Switch
Post by: luvrbus on July 17, 2023, 11:02:05 AM
Buy your self a good tractor key switch with 4 or 5 post and never replace it again don't buy a 10 dollar ignition/starter switch a good dependable switch will cost between 30 to 50 bucks
Title: Re: Replacing Ignition Switch
Post by: Jaime&Patrick on July 17, 2023, 12:13:12 PM
Buy your self a good tractor key switch with 4 or 5 post and never replace it again don't buy a 10 dollar ignition/starter switch a good dependable switch will cost between 30 to 50 bucks

Picked up a universal switch at O'Reilly's for about $40, let's see how that goes.
Title: Re: Replacing Ignition Switch
Post by: luvrbus on July 17, 2023, 12:36:12 PM
I like tractor switches lol the keys are of a different variety and don't break as easy as the brass keys 
Title: Re: Replacing Ignition Switch
Post by: Gary Hatt - Publisher BCM on July 17, 2023, 12:49:34 PM
Personally, I liked the Toggle Switch and the Push Button I had in my MC-9.  I never worried about losing or breaking a key off in that bus.  Life was just simpler back then.

Of course, not just anyone could start that bus.  There was one more thing you had to do to start it. 
Title: Re: Replacing Ignition Switch
Post by: Jaime&Patrick on July 17, 2023, 12:56:14 PM
That is ultimately my goal when we get around to renovating the cockpit. Right now, though, I just need the old girl to start! We're moving halfway across the country next week, and though she's ready and able to make the drive, I can't with no ignition   :o

She is still just an empty shell of skin and frame (and really nice leather driver's seat we took from a Suburban), but mechanically sound.
Title: Re: Replacing Ignition Switch
Post by: RJ on July 17, 2023, 03:38:55 PM
Of course, not just anyone could start that bus.  There was one more thing you had to do to start it.  Does anyone know what that one more thing was?
Gary -

If your MC-9 was originally a Greyhound, then the answer is:

Yes.

 ;D
Title: Re: Replacing Ignition Switch
Post by: Gary Hatt - Publisher BCM on July 17, 2023, 03:54:15 PM
Gary -

If your MC-9 was originally a Greyhound, then the answer is:

Yes.

 ;D

Mine was a NJT bus.  They were all set up this way.
Title: Re: Replacing Ignition Switch
Post by: chessie4905 on July 17, 2023, 03:58:00 PM
Nothing better than the old wrap the rope around the end of the crankshaft and give it a jerk
Title: Re: Replacing Ignition Switch
Post by: Gary Hatt - Publisher BCM on July 17, 2023, 04:11:42 PM
Here is the kit if you want to convert your bus.   ;D
Title: Re: Replacing Ignition Switch
Post by: Jaime&Patrick on July 17, 2023, 04:18:25 PM
Nothing better than the old wrap the rope around the end of the crankshaft and give it a jerk

The first thing I thought of  when I realised I couldn't start the engine anymore was an old diesel longboat we used to use at a marina I worked for, and how a good few cranks could get that monster going.  8)
Title: Re: Replacing Ignition Switch
Post by: Coach_and_Crown_Guy on July 17, 2023, 06:07:55 PM
Personally, I liked the Toggle Switch and the Push Button I had in my MC-9.  I never worried about losing or breaking a key off in that bus.  Life was just simpler back then.

Of course, not just anyone could start that bus.  There was one more thing you had to do to start it.  Does anyone know what that one more thing was?

If we're all going to be coy about giving away a very valid anti-theft device/procedure then all I can say is, Yes, I know too, like that other poster did. Different carriers obviously used other "device" positions to deter thefts but the idea was the same. An extra step required to get it to start. Works well for outsiders and uninitiated thieves, not so much for those occasional Company wash rack employees who would take one for a joy ride every once in a while. Made for nice headlines and sold some newspapers though.

I actually agree as well with the idea of not having an ignition key and switch. Much more reliable with nothing to lose or misplace preventing using the bus. I'm seriously thinking of replacing my current keyed ignition switches with something like the GMC's and early MCI's, with an additional anti-theft "device" of some sort only I know about. Keeps it all simple, reliable, and always ready to go, with no risk of breaking a key in the lock. Even though I can always rear start the bus, it's not all fully functional and not suited for long drives. Some buses' charging systems don't come on using the rear start or mechanics panel on Crowns. Only good for limping to a repair location or getting out of traffic or a dangerous situation.
Title: Re: Replacing Ignition Switch
Post by: luvrbus on July 17, 2023, 06:16:31 PM
On my Country Coach with the ISX Cummin I would need 3 toggles and button to replace the key switch
Title: Re: Replacing Ignition Switch
Post by: windtrader on July 17, 2023, 09:48:44 PM
If u afraid of getting ripped off, just put a chain on the wheel and around the door lever or bolt into the floor.
Title: Re: Replacing Ignition Switch
Post by: luvrbus on July 18, 2023, 05:53:44 AM
If u afraid of getting ripped off, just put a chain on the wheel and around the door lever or bolt into the floor.


US Military someone has been looking at Humvees  :^
Title: Re: Replacing Ignition Switch
Post by: windtrader on July 18, 2023, 08:52:01 AM


US Military someone has been looking at Humvees  :^
Humm... Ya, same issue.  Then again at top speed you can chase it down the road. LOL
Title: Re: Replacing Ignition Switch
Post by: Dave5Cs on July 18, 2023, 10:17:21 AM
MCI flip the chime switch or she won't start. :^
Title: Re: Replacing Ignition Switch
Post by: luvrbus on July 18, 2023, 10:35:45 AM
It's neat how they set a security code in the Allison World Transmission using the up and down arrows ,you could start my coach but you are not going to move it with out the code in the shift pad
Title: Re: Replacing Ignition Switch
Post by: epretot on July 18, 2023, 01:58:24 PM
My coach starts when I turn the key.

Is that such a bad thing?
Title: Re: Replacing Ignition Switch
Post by: dtcerrato on July 18, 2023, 07:07:02 PM
No key needed here, just throw two toggles.
Title: Re: Replacing Ignition Switch
Post by: freds on July 18, 2023, 07:59:48 PM
Have you checked all the youtube videos on how to remote a broken ignition key or even called a lock smith?

Title: Re: Replacing Ignition Switch
Post by: Van on July 18, 2023, 08:01:46 PM
https://www.cesdeals.com/products/10pcs-broken-key-extractor-set-locksmith-tool-key-remove-removal-hooks-lock-1366453?variant=ad62f572-cd23-48e6-9d8e-743ef796df7a&gclid=Cj0KCQjw8NilBhDOARIsAHzpbLD1Fy8SLRpkTY7QAK154Fg6gnz3Q5u_FSLgVz5Wj7Yhm0LWUPITP7EaAqXhEALw_wcB
Title: Re: Replacing Ignition Switch
Post by: Gary Hatt - Publisher BCM on July 19, 2023, 12:32:19 AM
If this is your Steering Wheel, you can remove it and put it in your pocket each time you leave your bus, and ain't nobody going to drive off with it.   ;D
Title: Re: Replacing Ignition Switch
Post by: windtrader on July 19, 2023, 10:34:34 AM
Too much work. I'd suggest simple and effective options.
Title: Re: Replacing Ignition Switch
Post by: Tedsoldbus on July 19, 2023, 01:35:33 PM
Reading this 2 days after your post. You already rolling? I replaced mine thinking it was the reason for intermittent starts. Mine had more wires going to it than the Space Shuttle. Took lots of pictures before taking off wires. Agree with above advice from the guys on 4 post model, but if your universal does not fit, take the old one to NAPA. That is what I did with my old one. $45 and two days later I had exactly that back in my hands. Agree with keep the key option. You won't break another one.
Good luck.
Title: Re: Replacing Ignition Switch
Post by: chessie4905 on July 23, 2023, 02:50:47 PM
Put it on blocks and remove front wheels.
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