Hello. Today I traded my black 1997 F-250 light duty X-Cab 4x4 for a white 1999 Ford F-150 X-cab 4x4 with a 4 inch lift on it. It's a sharp looking truck and I am sure that I'll be posting some more questions later. But for now I am curious about something on my truck. When you start it, you do so by turning the key in the ignition and then you push a button on the dash that starts the truck. The previous owner, who sold it to the dealer, installed this feature and I was wondering what this is and what purpose it serves. The dealer had no idea either. It works great, but I just don't see the point and neither do any of my friends. Thanks and I'm sure I'll have more questions in the upcoming days.

 

Wierd...maybe the previous owner was disabled or had done this to keep the kids from playing with it? Maybe it was an anti-theif deterant....who knows.

Real question is how to get rid of it.

Tony

 

I don't see any positives or negatives to it. If it doesnt bother you I would just leave it as it is....the guy probably just watched a little too much NASCAR...

 

Didn't know NASCAR's needed a key to start

Tony

 

The push button start is a $69 accessory you can get from Summit or J.C. Whitney. It's a way to be cool and think you're in the NCTS (Nascar Craftsman Truck Serier). It serves no real purpose (much like chrome taillights).

 

I used to have a 73 VW bus that had a faulty ignition switch. With the key in the igntion, it would turn on all dash electricity and such, but the lead going to the starter was shorted out. Not having the funds to pay for a new one, I rigged a loop with my starter using a doorbell and some heavy gauge wire. Perhaps, the previous owner was cheap, too.

Paz

 

I found out today, after many months of wondering, that the push button starter is the remains of an alcohol ignition control device that was never removed. Makes sense.

 

Dam alkies!!!

 

Darn Skippy!
Build yourself a Sthil and start making your own fuel...