Push button start...

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unity

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Anyone ever install a push button ignition switch? I know it would not work on a 97/98 with PATS. But I was not sure if it would work on a 93 to 96 with that darn factory alarm.
 
I actually thought of trying to do this in my 97, but quickly dismissed the idea as I've got bigger things on my plate right now ;) There's bound to be some way to make it work on a second gen, though! haha
 
Im not sure how PATS works, if the key has to be in or not. When we installed systems on newer cars we could tuck a key up in the dash somewhere.

I am just not sure if it will work on a Gen 1 though either. Plus the ones I see on eBay look fugly. I would like to just have a nice chrome button to press, not some huge red "start engine" thing that lights up! :D
 
Oh, now wait, do you mean a system where you just get in and push a button, or do you mean where the started has essentially been relocated from pushing the key to pushing a button?
 
I think you are going to find that the majority of the systems still require a key that you switch into an "on" position.

That isn't that alien to me, since I am used to my '40 and '48 Plymouth, both of which came stock with keys and starting buttons. You get in, install they key, switch it to "run" and then push the button. That type of system wouldn't take much to install in either a Gen 1 or Gen 2 it would seem to me.
 
Devin said:
I think you are going to find that the majority of the systems still require a key that you switch into an "on" position.

That isn't that alien to me, since I am used to my '40 and '48 Plymouth, both of which came stock with keys and starting buttons. You get in, install they key, switch it to "run" and then push the button. That type of system wouldn't take much to install in either a Gen 1 or Gen 2 it would seem to me.
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That would not be what I want. It not that hard to just turn the key a little more.... hmmm... well I guess I can get one and try it!
 
Yeah, i don't see why you wouldn't be able to bypass the ignition barrel - should be possible. I wish i was an electronic guru - cos i would try to find a way of interfacing the keypad to the ignition. How cool would that be? type a code, unlock door, type another code, start engine! :cool:
 
Actually there is a way to the use the key-pad... you sir have a GREAT idea.

All you would have to do is remove the trunk open function, number 5 after the code.

So you enter your code, which unlocks the door, followed by 5. The system sends a power to the trunk solenoid, but instead it goes to a remote start unit! Perfect! I think I will do that instead, I dont mind loosing the key-pad trunk open feature.

If there is a way to keep that feature, I would be all for it. But this sounds like the easiest way!

The ignition will have to be wired so the remote start thinks there is a key in place. It would also have to be wired with a kill switch - maybe making it think they key is out so it safely kills all the systems. Sorta like what happens when you press the brake pedal without putting the key in....

Seems doable....
 
Yeah, i think all of these things are possible, with some electrical knowledge. Just a thought on the trunk release idea though; When you type a code to unlock trunk, for how long does it supply power to energise that solenoid? Cos it may not be long enough! I think some modification would need to be made so that power would be applied for, i dunno, say 2-3 seconds. I can just imagine typing code and starter coming on for a split second and not long enough to start car - something to consider.
 
Had another thought. When you type the code, then 5 to open the trunk, does the solenoid stay energised for as long as you are pressing the 5? Cos, if thats the case, then all could be well...
 
I just tired, if you hold 5 for a second or 10 it pops the trunk all the same. I thought of that, hence installing a remote start (which in a weird way negates the keypad....).

When you press "5" to open the trunk it sends the signal pulse to the remote start to activate and do its job. In essence its like pressing a button on the remote start.
 
Ah... ok, i see now. I wasn't sure if you meant using the keypad instead of a remote start, or in conjunction with. Your proposed idea sounds doable - you could use the keypad or the starter button to start the car - both functions could be handy in certain situations. On another note, are you aware of those fancy car alarm systems that allow you to start and turn off your car via mobile phone? Another very cool idea - i have seen it done, at an import car show, so either a product exists or someone did some jiggery pokerey! Lol.
 
Cell phone start would be nifty.... I am pretty sure it uses a paging system where you send a text to a number which in turn sends to a pager in the car.

Well I think this is workable. The only area of concern is shutting the car off.

Also, anyone know of a remote starter brand that works with the Mark? I would like to keep the factory alarm but if I lose that I will not cry over it. My gut tells me it will have to go...
 
...and if you tape a PATS key behind the dash near the 97/98 key switch, it will start the Gen II cars too. Obviously, you lose the theft protection.
 
unity said:
Im not sure how PATS works, if the key has to be in or not. When we installed systems on newer cars we could tuck a key up in the dash somewhere.

I am just not sure if it will work on a Gen 1 though either. Plus the ones I see on eBay look fugly. I would like to just have a nice chrome button to press, not some huge red "start engine" thing that lights up! :D
Click to expand...

Guys on the BMW sites do this a lot and use the push buttons from a Z8.
 
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