Date:         Mon, 13 Sep 2004 06:23:22 +0000
Reply-To:     Zach White <zwhite@DARKSTAR.FROP.ORG>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Zach White <zwhite@DARKSTAR.FROP.ORG>
Subject:      Re: Ignition switch question
In-Reply-To:  <BAY9-DAV3B8LhPrltbA000555be@hotmail.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=US-ASCII; format=flowed

On Sep 13, 2004, at 05:16, cybor punk wrote:

> I have tried to find if there is a wire coming off the ignition switch
> that powers up when the key is inserted and not turned. (by means of a
> meter and no bentley)
> Can't seem to find one that powers up when the key is inserted?
>
> any ideas...

Ken,

You can do what I did and just wire a switch between the battery and
the stereo. This way you don't even need to use the key to turn on the
stereo.

This has the benefit of preventing you from getting a DUI just because
you're in the van cleaning it out while drinking a beer. I have a
friend who got one because he was cleaning out his car, parked in front
of his own house, while drinking a beer. The officer told him that
since his keys were in the ignition, even though he hadn't been driving
and had no plans to drive, he was technically driving while drunk.
Another friend narrowly avoided getting an open container violation in
identical circumstances (but luckily that cop wasn't such an a-hole
about it).

It's part of the reason I wired mine this way. I enjoy spending an
evening listening to music, drinking a beer, and cleaning the crevices
in my van. I also enjoy my clean driving record. :)

-Zach