How to install the "Start / Stop" button with your own hands

Author: Evgeny Zhivoglyadov. Publication date: October 29, 2022. Category: Automotive equipment.

Every motorist wants to improve the comfort of using their vehicle. So, installing a “Start/Stop” button will help save you from such a routine task as turning the key in the ignition switch (IZ) to start/stop the engine again. And you will be able to save a little of your “precious time”. You can either make such a device yourself, or simply buy a ready-made kit and install it on your car. The features of installing such a device, its pros and cons, as well as some nuances that need to be remembered will be discussed in this article.

Algori

The operating principle of such an auxiliary device is quite simple:

get into the car;
depress the brake pedal;
press the “Start/Stop” button and the engine starts;
To turn off the engine, press the brake pedal again and press the button - the engine stalls.

For information! If you simply press the button without pressing the brake pedal, the engine will not start, since the +12V voltage is supplied only to additional consumers (for example, an audio complex). This is similar to turning the ignition key to the first position - ACC.

How the Start/Stop button works

Before starting all the work, it is important to understand the fundamental features of the device and understand the intricacies of its operation.

Without going into details, the procedure for activating this system itself consists of sequentially performing the following steps:

disabling the alarm;
pressing the brake pedal;
pressing the treasured button.

The last action involves briefly starting the car starter. In order to turn off the car, you should press the same brake pedal all the way and press the magic button.

Execution of the presented algorithm will lead to the desired result only if a number of certain conditions related to the installation of working units and elements are met.

Such a superficial analysis of the system’s operation, however, does not give the car enthusiast a clear idea of its functional features. For a more thorough acquaintance with the operating features of the device, it would be advisable to study the circuit diagram of its connection, which is attached below.

Pros and cons of the device in the car

According to established tradition, let’s try to find out what positive and negative aspects are hidden in installing a “start-stop” button.

Let's start, perhaps, with the positives. If you believe numerous reviews, there are much more of them than there are minuses.

So, the presence of the presented system allows:

simplify the engine starting procedure;
increase comfort;
improve the car's anti-theft system;
save time.

If we talk about the negative phenomena associated with the installation of such a device, it is worth noting that they are all rather indirect in nature.

For example, in this case the driver has to get used to an unusual algorithm of actions for a long time. Some difficulties may also arise if the car has an autostart system.

In this case, in order to eliminate the possibility of malfunctions in the operation of the presented device, it becomes necessary to carry out work to reinstall the working module of the key fob. This will require the intervention of specialists and, as a result, unnecessary expenses.

This is interesting: How to install a flame arrester instead of a catalyst with your own hands - the pros and cons of replacement + detailed guide

Standard delivery set

The delivery set of the universal device for equipping a vehicle with an engine start/stop button consists of:

control module;
the “Start/Stop” button itself;
built-in immobilizer scanner;
2 keychains;
installation wires;
instruction manuals (with connection diagram).

This kit is designed for installation on almost all models of both domestic and imported cars. The current price (depending on the manufacturer) is 1500÷4500 rubles.

For information! To deactivate the immobilizer, simply bring the key fob close to the scanner at a distance of 2÷5 cm. After this, a sound signal will sound, informing you that the device is ready for operation. 15÷20 seconds after stopping the engine, the control module automatically switches the device into security mode.

Installation methods

Nobody significantly limits car owners from installing a button on their car to start the engine with a simple press.

Therefore, more and more often you can meet those who want to install a solution:

for 140 Mercedes;
Niva;
Lada Granta;
Hyundai Solaris;
to Priora;
Honda cars;
Mitsubishi ACX;
Mitsubishi Lancer;
Audi 100 C4;
Toyota Yaris;
Kia Rio;
and even VAZ 2114.

The main thing here is to decide whether you really need this button. If yes, then move on to choosing the system itself.

Modern manufacturers of universal buttons allow you to select a mechanism for any machine. Please note that there are various connection schemes. Each of them has its own characteristics.

But a few of the most popular solutions dominate. These are the options that car owners prefer. Let me introduce you to them:

How to install it yourself

The easiest way to retrofit a car with a “Start/Stop” button is to purchase a ready-made set (fortunately, the modern market for automobile accessories is replete with such devices) and install it yourself. For any motorist who has at least some electrical installation skills and knows the pinout of the standard ignition switch block, making such an “upgrade” will not be difficult.

On a note! The connection diagrams for ready-made kits are the same from almost all manufacturers.

Work order:

dismantle the steering casing;
disconnect the ignition switch connector;

we install the control unit, button and immobilizer scanner in the most convenient places for subsequent use;
connect the wires from the control unit to the ignition switch connector in accordance with the diagram (it is supplied with the device);
lay and connect the wire to the “frog” of the brake pedal.

Important! If you purchase an ignition switch block in advance and connect the wires from the control unit to it in accordance with the diagram, then, if necessary, you can quickly return to the standard engine start/stop system using the key. If you were unable to buy a mating contact group for the 3Z (specifically for your vehicle model), then you can successfully use crimp terminal blocks of a suitable size.

Installation recommendations

Before starting work, you should take preparatory measures. A lot depends on what kind of machine you are dealing with. Some people remove the car ignition switch itself by installing a simple key in its place. In other situations, a hole is made to size, allowing access to the wiring and allowing connection to the electrical circuit.

To work you will need a set of tools and some materials, consisting of:

screwdriver;
wire cutter;
electrical tape;
ready button;
three four-pin relays;
one five-pin relay;
one relay from PTF;
a set of insulated wiring with terminals;
free time;
installation instructions.

If you buy a ready-made kit, then you are doing absolutely right. The package includes everything you need, plus a detailed installation manual and the installation diagram itself. It is from this instruction that you need to build on, and not look for some universal guides.

For those who understand the electrical equipment of cars, the diagram below will be a clear example. This is the simplest algorithm that allows you to set keys to start the power plant by simply pressing a button.

If this picture doesn’t tell you anything at all, then taking on such a task is strictly prohibited.

The bottom line is to make three connection points in your car. The first will be located on the ignition block of your car, the second will be placed on the brake pedal limit switch, and the third will be placed on the control wire.

Whether to install such a solution or not, everyone decides for himself. Carefully consider the advisability of changing the engine switching principle on your car. Experience shows that the button is not suitable for everyone. That’s why many people change back Start-Stop to the usual key turned in the ignition switch.

Subscribe to updates and receive articles by email!

We guarantee: no spam, only new articles once a week!

Steering wheel unlock options

When we remove the key from the lock, the steering wheel is locked, that is, fixed with a spring-loaded metal pin. In order to operate the car normally after installing the “Start/Stop” button, it is necessary to remove this function. There are two ways to do this.

The first, and from our point of view, the most preferable method:

order a duplicate ignition key;
insert it into the lock and make a mark at a level of 1÷1.5 mm above the surface level;
take out the key and saw off the “excess” in accordance with the mark;
insert the “piece” into the lock and use pliers to turn it to position 2 (now the steering wheel is unlocked);

We leave a piece of the key in the lock until the need arises to return to the standard ignition circuit.

The second way to get rid of the steering wheel lock is to completely remove the ignition switch. In the resulting hole we either mount the “Start/Stop” button or install a plastic plug of a suitable size. The main disadvantage of this method is that it will no longer be possible to quickly “return” to the standard circuit of turning the car engine on/off using a key.

Do-it-yourself high-pressure washing: fiction or reality

Button with ignition key. This system will not allow you to start the car without using the ignition key. Therefore, you need to turn the key itself in the lock, and then press the button;
Keyless. To start the motor, you just need to press the button. An extremely convenient scheme. But here it is important to install it correctly, otherwise the car will be extremely easy to steal;
Short press. To start, hold the button for up to 2 seconds. The starter rotates and turns off when the engine is running;
Long press. Allows you to hold a key as long as required. The starter will not stop rotating until the engine starts;
A circuit where the ignition is activated after a key has been pressed;
A scheme in which the ignition is activated 1 second earlier than the car starter.

Also, some combine different schemes to achieve the desired result.

If you do not have experience in such work, and also have poor understanding of automotive electrical equipment, you should not take on such work with your own hands.

Contact good workshops. Moscow alone is ready to offer dozens of addresses of car services that offer similar services. The price will be higher, but the result is guaranteed.

How to bypass the standard immobilizer

Many modern car models are equipped with an anti-theft device such as an immobilizer. Manufacturers equip the vehicle with a similar standard device already at the factory. The reading device is usually installed in the ignition switch, and the control mark in the key. If the security guard is not dismantled, then a key will be needed to deactivate the security mode. If you decide to remove the lock, then you need to disassemble it, find the immobilizer reader and move it to a suitable location. However, in order to start the engine with the Start/Stop button, you will still have to have the key with you.

For information! Some manufacturers, in addition to the universal “Star/Stop” kits, produce special devices for temporarily disabling (bypassing) the standard immobilizer.

DIY option

The Internet is replete with diagrams for making your own ignition control units using the Start/Stop button. For those who like to do car tuning with their own hands, below is one of the fairly simple options that is easy to repeat:

To make this device yourself you will need:

4 relays: PTF 21.3777 (300 rubles), 231.3787 (150 rubles), 90.3747-10 (2 pieces for 75 rubles);
4 diodes (for example, 4007 - 4 rubles per piece);
button without fixation (30÷70 rubles);
installation wires of suitable diameter;
crimp terminal blocks (“female” - for switching relays among themselves, “male” - for connecting the manufactured unit to the ignition switch block).

The operating algorithm of the circuit is completely similar to the engine start/stop device of ready-made universal kits. Naturally, the homemade device does not have an additional anti-theft function (immobilizer). Otherwise, the scheme is quite workable and has been tested by many car enthusiasts.

Problems with keyless car starting system

As noted earlier, the use of such a system is associated with a number of problems. Most of them cause inconvenience only in the absence of certain skills in using the presented system.

This may include:

the need to manipulate the brake pedal;
inconsistent operation of the system in the presence of the “autostart” function.

How to unlock the steering wheel

Another important problem that motorists who have equipped their cars with such a system often face is unlocking the steering wheel. Of course, as a last resort, you can resort to a barbaric method and get rid of the blockage using simple manipulations with a mounting tool and other tools.

You can solve this problem as follows:

The first option involves making a duplicate of the ignition key, sawing off the top part, inserting the piece into the lock and turning the key to position 2, which means the steering wheel is unlocked.
The second method involves completely dismantling the ignition switch; by the way, the start-stop button itself can be mounted in the resulting hole.

But it’s still much easier to use the services of professionals. The fact is that it is not always possible to unlock the steering wheel yourself, due to the characteristics of a particular car. Therefore, in this case, it is best to contact specialists.

Advantages and disadvantages

Any car tuning has both pros and cons. Among the advantages of controlling the start/stop of the engine using the “Start/Stop” button, one can note only a slight increase in comfort and minimal time savings. And here are the disadvantages (where would we be without them):

You will still have to carry the key with you. Firstly, it may be needed to simply open the car if the battery is dead and the electromagnetic door activators do not work (this is especially true at significant sub-zero temperatures). Secondly, in many modern cars the standard immobilizer mark is located in the key, so you can start the engine only if it is in close proximity to the reader.
The installation of pre-heating devices and alarm systems becomes more complicated (due to changes in the standard electrical circuit of the car).

Important! Such modernization of the car threatens to void the vehicle manufacturer’s warranty.

Classic modernization methods

Since the ignition key in the usual sense is becoming a relic of the past, folk craftsmen are trying to correct the situation on their own. And as it turned out, modern Kulibins have already managed to invent several methods for such re-equipment, requiring a minimum amount of time, effort and financial costs.

The simplest of them is to install a start button along with a key, that is, we are talking about a partial modernization.

The operating diagram of such a device involves initially inserting the key, turning it and then starting it directly through the button itself.

The engine will have to be turned off in the same way, only in the reverse order, which ultimately calls into question the feasibility of such a decision.

As for the diagram, it looks like this:

The second scheme allows you to do without a key, which is why it is in great demand, but requires certain skills and effort.

The costs will also be impressive, since the car owner will have to fork out for a special relay and button illumination, powering it from the battery or vehicle alarm.

However, activation of one device will inevitably lead to deactivation of another. You will also have to abandon the steering wheel lock, which will not have the best impact on safety. In this case, the diagram of such a starting device will look like this:

There is another option for arranging the “Start-Stop” button in a car, however, it is practically no different from the second one. The only difference will be that when the button is pressed, the relay will start, and not the starter, as in the second circuit.

This is interesting: Do-it-yourself soundproofing of the engine compartment and engine