I want to install a pushbutton starter this week but I don't feel like getting under the dash and checking all of the voltages and such. Has anyone done this before, if so, what are some tips. I make my living working on musical electronics as well as designing circuits and the occasional car alarm installation, so I am capable of doing this. Any ideas?

 

It's pretty straightforward. The starter solenoid runs on 12v, so just run a wire from ignition power to one side of the pushbutton switch, and the other side to the "start" wire coming off the ignition switch. Make sure the switch and wiring can handle 20-25A though. I believe the thick purple wire coming off the ignition switch is the start wire.

You could use a smaller pushbutton and run it through a relay if you wanted, but I don't see the point. It's just more parts to break and more wires to run.

 

Wouldn't the VATS disable the start tho?

 

You'll still have to have the key to unlock the steering wheel anyway....the pushbutton is primarily for style.

If you need to eliminate the ignition switch altogether, you'll have to go to a switch panel. Thats a LOT more involved (I should know I just tore one out of my '91 along with the rest of the wiring.) You'll also have to disable/bypass the VATS system and remove the steering wheel lock, as well as the shift interlock if the car is automatic.

 

Sounds like a pain. You have to turn the key to run and then push a button? If I were doing it, I would eliminate it altogether and have a switch to turn the car to run and a button to crank but that is just me.

 

Well there are two kinds of ignitions from what I gather. One that disables 12V to everything else when cranking and one that is continuous, or something like that. I read about that when installing a remove starter in my car a year ago so I have no idea if that even applied to this. Thanks guys. I am having a hidden run toggle and a pushbutton for crank so I dont need my keys and I look cool (haha!).

 

Have fun taking the steering column apart.


Because if you don't you'll still need the key to unlock the steering wheel.

 

Yeah, that isnt going to be a fun task at all... Id just keep the damned key... Ask yourself is a few hours worth of work, and potentially killing your starter worth a simple button insted of a simple turn? Remember the different states that the key's switching system does. Unlocks the wheel, starts continuous power through the car, and then sends trigger to your starter. You cant just eliminate the key all together. And for christ sakes make sure its only a momentary push button... Under the assumption you actully get the damned thing working. The last thing you want to do is have your starter still cranking while the flywheel is spinning. Make sure the buttons can hold the amps too... Ive arc welded(not intentionally) quite a few switches using my car for power.

If one were to do this, I would have two seperate buttons... One that is a toggle... Ie you push it on and it stays on. The other momentary... Ie it only stays on while its being held down. The first would turn on the cars power system all the accesories etc. The other one would engauge your starter.... All I can say is GOOD LUCK man.

Vertigo