What exactly is a "kill switch" on a car, and what is its function?

Question

Is it to turn off the engine? Why would you want to do that?

Answer 1

"Kill switch" is a generic term for a switch usually found on high powered racing cars and trucks. Electric power is turned off in the vehicle to prevent fires in case of an accident. These vehicles will usually have an electric fuel pump to maintain an adequate supply of fuel to the engine, when the electric is off, no fuel flows except what is between the pump and carburetor or injector.

Answer 2

A kill switch is actually a switch that's hidden somewhere in the car that grounds the ignition, to prevent starting. Contrary to the name, it's not to kill the vehicle once running, but to prevent theft.

Back in the 1930's, a switch was installed to ground the magneto,thus preventing starting of the car,this was called at that time " a kill switch".
Also,they sometimes placed a switch under the seat of a motorcycle that would do the same thing, when the cycle dumped or crashed it would shut down the engine,this was called a "dead man's switch", and such an item was also installed in the old steam locomotive engines.

Answer 3

Kill switch on an auto, shuts down , the ignition system in the event of an accident . With petrol leakage being one to more dangerous conditions after an accident the elimination of sources for sparks reduces the likelyhood of fire.Got tapped in the rear , no perceptible damage but car would not start. A State Trooper stopped to inquire about the problem, reached into my trunk, pushed something, told me to start the car and away we went.Have thanked FLSP more than once.

Answer 4

I raced in my younger years and a kill switch shuts off the ignition on a gas engine. It is use for safety and emergency shut off to prevent a fire or a stuck gas pedal. On a diesel engine it shuts the diesel fuel off because it runs on a glow plug and not a spark plug (no voltage jumping the gap)

Answer 5

Disrupt all electrical power. That way, if is an electrical problem is stopped, engine problem is stopped also and serves as a safety feature when working on the vehicle in case of accidental turn on.

Answer 6

Cuts all power to the engine etc. Used in race cars and modified cars....in case of emergencies, crashes etc. Have one in my car (daily driver) in case of fire...street legal drag cars usually have kill switches.