Start button instead of Key?

[Elombard]

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??

[addictionMS]

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

Jim

[Jgordon]

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?"

[SweetE]

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

[Early_S_Man]

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!

[Glasgow 911SC]

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

[Rot 911]

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!

[Jgordon]

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.

[Elombard]

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.

[911pcars]

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

[A Quiet Boom]

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.

[TimT]

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

easy

[Tim Walsh]

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!

[Elombard]

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!

[cab83_750]

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).




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

[RoninLB]

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

[Porsche]

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

[RoninLB]

Originally posted by Porsche
What a great idea.
- 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.

[GenX Porsche]

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

[Elombard]

Here it is:



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/