Glow Plug Bypass Momentary Switch

[mankypro]

Is it possible to install a momentary glow plug switch and have the gp controller module work at the same time?

I have my truck at the stealership (they installed my gp controller and now are on the hook for a year while it repeatedly dies) - they're telling me that they cannot wire a momentary gp switch with the gp controller working - "they'd need to bypass the ignition" so you cannot have both?

I'm just going to have them replace the controller and then re-install the bypass toggle. But is it true that you cannot have both operational at the same time?

 

[SHIP4BRAINS]

The way my switch is wired, the controler is not functional. ( 1990 )

But I BELIEVE your GP controler is different than mine

 

[mankypro]

Well I'll make these bastages spend the money to replace it, then bypass it and sell it on ebay

 

[SHIP4BRAINS]

Question, as I don't know squat about the system.....

Is there a controler and a seperate relay?

 

[Agnem]

You certainly could. Cut the purple wire just before the fender relay, insert a diode with the banded end toward the fender relay (A 1N4004 should be sufficient), and then tie your switch in between the purple wire post and the diode.

 

[mankypro]

Hey Folks,

Still hoping for some clearer instructions. I'm not scared to turn a wrench, cut wires, etc. But I would really like some clearer instructions if anyone would be gracious enough to spell it out for me.

Thanks!

p.s. if I find some sort of instructions on the 'Net I'll post them here

 

[mankypro]

Anyone else want to weigh in on this? I have some time to do this on Sunday. I have the momentary switch already - just need to figure out where to cut and splice and add stuff.

Agnem,

Sorry I don't exactly know that the "fender relay" is. I assume by diode you mean a fuse?

 

[Andylad13]

diode is like a one way valve, looks a lot like an LED resistor...has one lead out each end and the diode itself has a band on it to show the flow of electricity.

 

[mankypro]

what purpose does it serve?

diode is like a one way valve, looks a lot like an LED resistor...has one lead out each end and the diode itself has a band on it to show the flow of electricity.

 

[cleithau]

The diode "is like a one way valve" it will only flow electricity in one direction. Without it if you hit your momentary switch with the ignition on the GP controller would also be sending current to the relay. The diode would only allow one source, either the GP controller, or the momentary switch to control the relay. But honestly the GP controllers are so unreliable the question becomes "Why so much work to have something hooked up that one day will kill a set of glow plugs?"

Just seems like a lot of work to me to hook up something thats basically crap.

The fender relay is on the inner fenderwell, behind the passenger side battery. There are two relays, one mounted flat, this is the glow plug relay. The wire you want to remove or splice into is the small purple closest to the engine. When this terminal recieves power it activates your glow plugs.

 

[mankypro]

So this solution allows both. I've decided based on your advice and that of many here to completely bypass.

 

[Saigon]

Did this on mine:
http://www.members.shaw.ca/k2pilot/Glow plug controller bypass diagram.jpg

 

[Agnem]

... I assume by diode you mean a fuse?

Sorry. Not to cut on you, but that's just funny. Any semiconductor is certainly a candidate to become a fuse if used improperly.

I think going with a simple bypass is your best option given your willingness to do the work, and your knowledge level of things electrical.

 

[mankypro]

Hey! No ripping on me - I chose specifically to be a CS guy not an EE.

I think going with a simple bypass is your best option given your willingness to do the work, and your knowledge level of things electrical.

 

[82fordtruck]

Mel, I thought the white wire was the signal wire from the controller. He wouldn't need a diode, just add a momentary switch to ground there.

Please don't listen to me unless Mel agrees - it's been a long time since I had an IDI, but I burned up a controller trying to do this....