Where Is the Kill Switch Located?

Q: Where Is the Kill Switch Typically Located?

A: In most vehicles, the kill switch can be found behind the glove box or under the hood, sitting right under the fuse box. Other common locations also include near the fuel pump or around the battery.

Take note that the point is if a kill switch is easy to find, it loses its purpose, so it might be anywhere within the driver’s reach. It might even be under the driver side wheel well out of sight.

The kill switch is essentially a small device that prevents the engine from starting by altering the electrical circuit that flows through the ignition system. When the kill switch is engaged, you won’t be able to start the engine at all.

There are various types of kill switches, including fuel line shutoff valves, car battery disconnect switches, remote control car battery switches, fuse box kill switches, and ignition wire kill switches.

Tips on Accessing the Kill Switch

If you had your kill switch installed at the dealership, your best bet at finding it is by asking the one who installed it.

Accessing the kill switch doesn’t really entail any safety precautions like disconnecting the battery, so switching it on or off is a pretty straightforward procedure.

New Law on Kill Switches

The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law mandates automobile manufacturers to install a kill switch into all new vehicles to reduce drunk-driving accidents.

The text of the law defines this device as “advanced drunk and impaired driving prevention technology.”

Prior to 2026, various types of kill switches have been installed by aftermarket suppliers and vehicle owners. For example, some aftermarket keyless entry systems in the late ‘80s and early ‘90s had a kill switch feature that was as simple as a toggle switch under the instrument panel.

Pro Tips are nuggets of information direct from ASE-certified automobile technicians working with CarParts.com, which may include unique, personal insights based on their years of experience working in the automotive industry. These can help you make more informed decisions about your car.

Pro Tip: There were also some people who would install shutoff solenoids in the fuel line to prevent fuel from making it to the carburetor or fuel rail. A few people would alter the wiring to prevent the vehicle from being started unless, for example, the left turn signal is engaged while starting the vehicle.