Start button instead of Key?
 

Any body done this? I think its cool on the Honda S2000. Seems like you could make up piece to replace the key with a start button so it would look factory?

Too rice??

in my race car...but then I have no key at all, and it does not look factory...never mind :)

Jim

I'd think you'd want to retain some sort of keyed unlocking feature, so as to discourage people from simply pushing the button and driving off with your car. The S2000 actually has a key to unlock the ignition, then the pushbutton. So maybe in addition to the key, but not a replacement. You'd also have to add some sort of driver/solenoid combo so that the button would actually engage the starter, which would require weight.

The more I type, the less of a practical idea it seems to me. I agree though, it would be cool. Especially if it were under the dash or something. Maybe a keycode, like in "the transporter?"

I have 2 Porsches with the "key-Starter button" combination.

My 56 356 Speedster and 67 911S racecar.

When the ignition switch in the 67 failed to start the car, I wired in a starter button and it works great:)
The key turns on the power and the button engages the starter SmileWavy

The keyed ignition switch can continue to supply all regular circuits, and the button would relieve the switch of starter solenoid current load ... thereby extending the life of the ignition switch by some percentage ...

I did this on a VW Type III ... starter button is on the left side of the steering column, under the dash, and hot all of the time, but it won't start unless the ignition key has been turned on!

You can buy starter button kits like this one but I've no idea why they're so expensive.

Or you can set it up like my Bugeye Sprite which like many early British cars had a separate keyed ignition switch and a starter pull. That's right, in typical British quirkiness instead of a button you push, there is a knob on the dash you pull to engage the starter. I never lock the ignition because only a British car nut would know how to start the damn thing!

Hmm, so you're saying it might make sense to utilize the existing equipment, rather than tear out what's there and put in new stuff to do the same thing.....intriguing.....

I'm an idiot. I guess the only thing you'd need to do is disconnect the final circuit in the keyed ignition and run that to the button.

Hmm, that is a cool kit. I think I saw in a mag somewhere that a guy had bought an S2000 button assembly (big red and says "start") and put it on his car. I did not realize the key locked the steering - doh. I was going to work out another security option. That would be cool to just put the button next to the key. I am going to look into the Honda button. It would be nice to do away with the key but maybe not too secure.

Might be a good idea since ignition switches are pretty expensive replacement items.

Regarding the smarty-party push button switch. Does anyone actually need a visual cue the engine has started? I guess if you need this type of assistance, then it might be worth the extra bucks.

Since there's minimal space for one of those classic start buttons, one could install a SPST momentary ON-OFF toggle switch with the appropriate current capacity or a small capacity switch and a relay. Connect in parallel with the existing switch and you then have a choice how you crank.

Sherwood

On my old drag car I had a standard race type push button on the dash as well as one under the hood. I used the one under the hood to bump the engine over for valve adjustments or to start the car from the engine bay for other reasons like tuning, jump starting etc. I also had an ignition kill mounted right next to it. These items came in very handy but I admit the in cab button was unnecessary in my case. Warrens suggestion to reduce wear on the key switch in a P-car makes a lot of sense though. You could also hide it under the dash as an anti theft device.

You can do it with a $2 momentary switch from Radio Shack

easy

I've heard it being integrated into the "normal components". I've heard of one story where a guy rewired a chevy pickup so that he had to pull out the ashtray to energize the ignition and push in the cig. lighter to activate the starter. Very cool and kinda scary at the same time!

For me its all about the looks and feel, sorta 60s Le-Mans. There is no reason for it- I just like it. I had a push button start in my old datsun race car. I always got a thrill pushing the button. Cant wait to get my car back and see if ther is room on the dash next to the key to do it!

I have the Honda switch uninstalled. Temporarily, take a look.....

Oh, and it works only with the key. I can also start the car the regular way (for Valet).

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1083297406.jpg


Another benefit is that I end up 'conserving' my factory ignition switch. Those suckers are expensive.

I just read about a 40amp Longacre pushbutton starter sw
w/weatherproof rubber cover for $8.99

What a great idea. :) I'm installing a push button for my C2 wing - I may do this at the same time.

a direct hot from the big starter feed to an engine com sw to the solenoid isn't a bad idea.

I want to try and mount the button in a shifter knob. Mercedes does it best.

Here it is:

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1083365653.jpg

Here is a link to the kit. I saw another site where they are $35for the Honda part w/ wiring harness. Included the part number.


http://www.mx5parts.co.uk/product_info.php/products_id/136

Is it just me or would it look just right in a pre 89 911 cockpit!!

Oh here is a link to a place that sells it for $35

http://www.handa-accessories.com/

And here is a link to a detailed install instructions from a honda board similar to this. Turns out it almost drops in the Cigarette
lighter hole!!

http://www.miata.net/garage/pushstart/

The older (67 and previous) Jags all had a button for the starter. Worked great but then it probably was not made by Lucas... :)

JoeA

Here is an installed pic in case you have not seen it.

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1083366339.jpg

I hope you guys know how much current the switches can carry.
or do you plan on using a relay ?

The new Vipers have them also, and no doubt cheaper than Honda.

Hey rattle - have not seen you around for a while, how about posting some pics of the progress on the race car! or did I miss it?

Would the Dodge dealer be able to get the button for me?

I just got it back from the body shop yesterday. The body has been done for 4 months. In other words it took him 3-4 months to finish the hood scoop thingy he made. If it werent for the price of the whole job, I would be very p.o.'d

Elombard,

Here's a picture of the start button in my BMW racecar project.

To start the engine the ignition key must be in the ON position.
This provides current to the momentary toggle switch.
You press the switch to the right, then push the START button with your thumb.

Wired this way the steering lock will be off, and since you must use two buttons at the same time you will not engage the starter by accident while the engine is running. Still easy one hand operation. You MUST use a relay.

The start button is from a pinball machine! I found it on eBay.
(Got another one that says "To Be Continued". Not sure what to do with that one yet... )
It even comes with a small bulb to light itself.

Good luck!

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1083534301.jpg

Cool thanks. I was planning on a relay. Isnt there one built in to the start circuit already? If I just pull the wires off the back of the relay - wont it have a relay already?

honduh parts in a 911 ?!?!

blasphemy :D

Not sure about the original circut, but you must have a relay or the button will melt from the high current flow.

This would look good in an early 911
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1083535339.jpg

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=7901012799&catego ry=42606

Do a search for "start button" on eBay :)

Anyone who wants to do this upgrade most read this link: http://web.ics.purdue.edu/~cnicol/Z8%20Start%20Button/

Great link - thanks

My ignition wouldnt start the car, so I ran a wire from the starter to the dash and another from the dash to the fuse box, I touch them together to start. Last week I bought a momentary switch with a red flip-up cover to put in, but I haven't gotten around to it yet. It's like the nitrous switch from Eleanor in Gone in 60 Seconds. The C/D and stuff are still wired through the key, so it has to be in the ignition for the car to start. Nobody's theivin' me...

This thing is up for auction on the New Zealand 'TradeMe' site.
A bit like a poor mans e-bay . Buy now price is about $100 USD
It is probably a bit rice as it requires a 25.4[1 inch] hole !http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1083564227.jpg

I saw the Pivot buttons on E-bay here tooo. But I did not know they came in Red. Looks about the same but its more money than the actual Honda Part??

hahahaha:D

I have a heavy diesel truck and it starts by turning the key to on and then pushing a start button that is rubber covered.
It has 3 - 12 volt batteries and a BIG starter motor so it's nessessary to deal with the current.

It's cannon ball proof :)

A remote switch in the engine compartment for maintenance is a neat idea, just be sure it is not parked in reverse...

on e-bay for $60.00 buy it now whit relay and you can choose red or blue http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=46101&item=2476807 125&rd=1