I'm looking for a push button switch that is reversed, when pushed it's "off" (but doesn't lock in to position) and visa versa. Something like what is on old dryer doors, so when the door is opened it turns the dryer off. I need to find something like this for an under hood light mod I'm gonna try out (light comes on when hood opens ).

 

Look for the hood ajar switch for a Ford perimeter alarm. These were factory equipment on many Fords including 90's Rangers.

 

I found light with the "tilt switch" built in on an old Buick in a JY. That's what I have.

 

About where did you put it? just wondering if there's a "best" spot to get contact.

 

It's not a contact type switch. It's a mercury "tilt" switch. It comes on when you lift the hood. You just connect power to it, and when the hood is raised the light comes on. It doesn't matter where on the hood you mount it as long as it doesn't hit something and break when you close it.

 

I think s-10's have the mercury switch also. it's nice cause it self contained with a bulb if you get it from a wrecking yard.

On the switch itself, Lowes, Home Depot, Parts Stores should have "momentary on" and "momentary off" switches for $6-$7. Momentary off is what you are describing. It's off when pushed in.

 

Yes, exactly and I should have said that: the whole thing is one unit -- the housing, switch and lamp.

 

I also have an underhood light with a mercury switch but it's out of a Probe. When I read the first post, it sounded like he was looking for a separate switch to control a different kind of light that didn't have the mercury switch.

 

Well my original idea was to get a couple of led light bars to really light up the engine compartment. This time of year I have no daylight to work with and no garage to call my own, so a lot of light would be nice. Would I be able to run these light bars off the mercury switch?

 

With a relay I should think so. Most of those switches are designed for low current, so if you have a "bank" of lights a relay would be appropriate.

 

FWIW, Ford no longer makes the "mercury style" tilt hood lamp switches; they are now mechanical. I would assume the change has something to so with the health risks posed by mercury. There is a TSB covering the hood lamp switch that gives an indication of which FLM vehicles are equipped with the type of switch you are looking for. There's also a part # if you choose to buy a new switch.

 

I don't even have an underhood lamp of any kind, so please update and tell us everything. i would like to do this mod.

 

Precautions:

Always disconnect and isolate the battery negative cable when making connections to the truck wiring.

Size the wires to the load and be sure to use a source protected by a fuse of appropriate size to protect the wires.

Secure the wiring to prevent contact with hot and/or moving engine parts.

Use caution when drilling to avoid unplanned ventilation of the hood.


Tools:

This will vary depending on the type of light you choose and how you install it. I used:

Drill motor and bits
Screwdriver
Terminal crimper


Materials:

Underhood light assembly
Wire terminals
Screw(s)


Procedure:

Here’s an inexpensive and useful item you can pick up the next time you’re at the salvage yard: an underhood light. There are many styles that will work from many different vehicles. I selected this one from a Probe because it uses a 2-wire harness and takes the same bulb as a Ranger cargo box light.

The beauty of these lights is that they have a built-in mercury switch. When properly positioned, the light will come on only when the hood is open. Be sure to make a diagram of how the light assembly is positioned in the donor vehicle. This will help when you start looking for appropriate mounting locations in the Ranger.

Mount it, wire to a fused constant hot and ground, test and you’re done!

Cost? Mine was $5.00 including bracket and extension harness w/push pins and connector.

(Note: some underhood lights rely on case ground through their mounting fasteners and have only a single positive wire hookup. These are meant to be mounted to a conductive hood material like steel or aluminum. They won't work when installed on the underside of a composite Ranger hood unless you run an additional wire from the case to chassis ground. Composite hoods are found on 4x4’s and Edges from 2001~2003 and a few very early 2004’s)


Here is the finished light. It doesn't look very impressive photographed in daylight but it casts a useful glow over the entire engine compartment after dark.





Conclusion:

One of my favorite cheap mods!




Another possibility:

This is GM’s retractable trouble light. It does not illuminate automatically when you open the hood but can come in very handy nonetheless. The lamp has a magnetic base and a 20-foot retractable cord - useful anywhere around the truck where there is steel or iron for the magnetic base.

If you get lucky, you might find one at a boneyard, usually on high-end GM pickups, Suburbans and cars from a few years ago. They are also available new online for about $50.


GM trouble light online

 

Nice work Bob. I just added this to my "To Do" list.

 

x2

 

I have exactly the same light as Bob and I was able to clip it into one of the holes where the pushpin for the underhood mat secures. I grounded the light to the hood and I ran one wire down to the fusebox. It took about 30 minutes tops.