how to remove the Thomas Vandalock ignition interlock

[mikerob643]

This is so helpful thank you!

[rspeed]

I just bought a 1988 Thomas Minotour that came with no manuals whatsoever, and this is a big help.

Though I have to say, Thomas really got their act together at some point after '88, because my electronics bay is literally just a big ol' PCB with a whole bunch of stuff slapped right on top of it. It's an absurd mess that I'm eagerly looking forward to tearing out.

[Meathead]

Ok. I chased the ignition wires to the interlock relay. Two wires split off and, as far as I can tell, go to the rear of the bus (engine). I know I have to do something right here. But what?
Thanks, Dave

[smokinokie07]

I have a 2002 Thomas 3800 with a DT466E. I took all the necessary wiring out and looped the relay wire back to the terminal and the bus starts right up BUT now the air brakes won’t release. Any suggestions? It’s also a handicap bus so there is an additional door on the passenger side in the back so I’m researching if there may be another interlock of some sort.

[MOE.ADVENTURE]

I have a 99 thomas and my electrical panel looks different, anyone know how to bypass this one?

[Meathead]

This is what I did and others have done. Run a wire from your key switch to the box in the back.. Connect to the “ST” terminal on your key switch and the bottom terminal on your start button in the back. I’m pretty sure it’s the bottom of the switch. You should test the button yourself. Then tape off the old “st” wire for safety. You have now bypassed all the interlock BS. Then pull all unneeded buzzers, door switches, hatch switches. KEEP your air compressor buzzer.

[Meathead]

Oh, your bus should start from the back by pushing the button with the key ON
no matter what hatch is open right? If so this will work.
Good luck!

[Barkythebigfatdog]

Hey there! So I have a 2001 ford econoline e350 and we are having start up issues. The wires attaching the door arm and the two fans on top were cut and now the bus won’t start. The ignition interlock is definitely the issue. I do not know a lot about wiring but I am willing to learn. Any help would be much appreciated!!

[Barkythebigfatdog]

I do not want to keep the double doors so replacing the wires that were cut are not an option.

[Meathead]

Yeah but you could rig the cut wires to fake out the interlock system. I’m not sure what you have there but some systems want you to “complete the circuit” twist the wires together, and some are wired to got to ground.
Then put any door you want on there.

[Amkloetzel]

Hello, I just purchased a 1992 international 3800 30 passenger with a dt466 and Allison trans. I stupidly cut all the wires for the interlock system and removed the buzzer boxes without realizing it wouldn’t allow me to start the bus. Have tried grounding combinations, but would really like to disable it at the solenoid. Where is that located on this bus? I cannot seem to find it.

[phrogman265]

Hey man, did you ever get a resolution to the starting problem? I didn't see a follow-up and my bus looks exactly like yours. Just curious how you fixed it

[MOE.ADVENTURE]

I took a multi meter , found all the hot wires, cut them and re grounded the negative wire back to the bus frame.

[Amkloetzel]

Originally Posted by phrogman265

Hey man, did you ever get a resolution to the starting problem? I didn't see a follow-up and my bus looks exactly like yours. Just curious how you fixed it

Figured it out! The yellow wire (not the right turn signal wire) is the culprit. I cut it and grounded it to the frame, now no more problems! Thanks!

[StormTrooper]

Did you ever find out where your interlock was? I have the same school or and haven’t found anyone who knows where it’s at. Any help would be appreciated.

[Braven]

Originally Posted by Amkloetzel

Hello, I just purchased a 1992 international 3800 30 passenger with a dt466 and Allison trans. I stupidly cut all the wires for the interlock system and removed the buzzer boxes without realizing it wouldn’t allow me to start the bus. Have tried grounding combinations, but would really like to disable it at the solenoid. Where is that located on this bus? I cannot seem to find it.

We have an International too and are having issues. Any tips? The bus started up finally after reconnecting some emergency hatch wires but the next time we tried to start it up a few days later, back to square one.

[phrogman265]

All,
Just to share my fix with you, which was very easy on my 2001 Thomas. I ran a wire from the "ST" terminal on the ignition key switch to the hot post on the rear ignition toggle switch. Keep in mind your rear hatch switch will also keep the bus from starting if the door is not "closed". Bus started right up. The toughest part of the whole deal was running the wire in a clean way. Hope this helps

[DaddyMeMeow]

Originally Posted by Braven

We have an International too and are having issues. Any tips? The bus started up finally after reconnecting some emergency hatch wires but the next time we tried to start it up a few days later, back to square one.

Any luck on figuring out how to fix your issue? I'm looking at the same issue. I disconnected my interlocks. Started everything up and was met with a no start two days later as well. I'm assuming something stayed energized in the circuit long enough to start the once and now has deenergized to create the no start condition. I've got a 2004 International CE full size if anyone has a wiring diagram they would love to share ��.

[North]

Do you have photos. I have a 2003 International T444e 3000 RE and would like to see what your set-up looks like. I don't have a vanderlock system

[Eneldo4444]

Originally Posted by smokinokie07

I have a 2002 Thomas 3800 with a DT466E. I took all the necessary wiring out and looped the relay wire back to the terminal and the bus starts right up BUT now the air brakes won’t release. Any suggestions? It’s also a handicap bus so there is an additional door on the passenger side in the back so I’m researching if there may be another interlock of some sort.

I have 2001 and having a hard time figuring out the relay? Also seems my air brakes won’t release? Did you ever fix this issue?