You can rig up anything you want, so long as it'* a momentary normally open switch.

well yeah, you can go as far as rigging up an on off switch for the ignition (equiv to on pos for key) and then a press start, completely eliminating the ignition switch...or just using the key to unlock the transaxle and steering.

To make sure, is there an amp requirement? I assume I can just put a couple of 10AWG wires to the starter solenoid, put the key in the ignition, turn the key to the ON position, and short out the wires, right? Would there be anything else to do? I'll try it first with a screwdriver to see that it all works.

i had that in my 89 acclaim for a year...

Ah yes...the old "jumper the terminals with a screwdriver" method. I know that method well, as that is the method of choice my dad used when he needed to remote crank his old Ford pickup.

What I found later on was that very same switch was in almost every model Chrysler built at the time. I think I theived my replacement from a Sundance (Chrysler, WTF were you guys thinking??? SUNDANCE???)

So, I have an update! The screwdriver does nothing. I've found out that when it'* really, really cold, there'* no chance of starting the van. However, if it'* nice outside, it starts immediately. I'm going to change the fuel filer to see if that does something.

I started the van one morning, and the engine died. Then, I started it again. I backed out, but when I started turning the steering wheel, the engine died. The power steering pump makes the car shudder, and the lights dim at night only when the car is sitting in park or drive while I turn the wheel. Time to try first a power steering fluid flush.

The engine now also gurgles like it'* low on antifreeze, and it stinks accordingly. We haven't found the leak, and it'* not around the radiator. It could be around the thermostat housing gasket because there are dips on the engine that prevent a proper mating of the gasket and housing with the rest.

When accelerating or applying the throttle while the van is moving, there is a whining sound from the back. It'* been identified as a bearing, and it makes your acceleration sound like you're being chased by T-Rex from Jurrasic Park or something of the like. Kind of cool. I took out the wee bolt that holds back the fluid and did a bit of a flush with Valvoline 75W-90 synthetic blend, but I think the fluids in there were fresh. The rear end had been replaced before.

Seems like fun. But to get started, I should be able to "start" the van. Oh, it'* too far from funny. I think this is about as ghetto and money sucking as an Aerostar gets without a transmission failure. Actually, speaking of that, I now remember that after the engine died the second time, the car had trouble accelerating, and I heard the dreaded transmission whine. It was only momentary, and after that, the van went strong. Could be transmission fluid.