Car starting without "start" button

3822 Views 35 Replies 14 Participants Last post by Doge, Apr 23, 2015

Coyne

Discussion Starter · Apr 16, 2014 (Edited)

Car starting without "start" button (update: fixed!)

When I mounted my splitter recently, I borrowed a workshop to do it. The owner had to move the car at one point, and pressed a few buttons on the key fob to get the car to start.
Now, when I turn the key in the ignition, the car starts without having to press the start button.
Could this be caused by some key fob combination, or is it just something in the starter broke and is always sending an "on" signal?
(Yes, I used google to search the site, no luck).

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surferpkt

· #2 · Apr 16, 2014

:huh: Are you sure he didn't tamper with it whilst trying to start it because he didn't know how?

Coyne

Discussion Starter · #3 · Apr 16, 2014

He might have, but he's a straight shooter and said he just pressed a bunch of buttons on the fob and then it started. Now it just starts right up when you insert the key and turn. No start button required.

I may have to disassemble the start button and see if the pin broke off in the assembly and jammed it in "start" mode. If it's not the fob, then I'm not sure what else it could possibly be.

Westrock

· #4 · Apr 16, 2014

Do you still have an "ACC" accessory mode where just the radio powers on or does that go straight to engine on mode?

My concern there would be that if the "START" button is stuck then the starter may always be engaged. I do not know if our cars uses a smart start where it disengages the starter after the engine reaches a satisfying RPM. I doubt it, but it could.

Coyne

Discussion Starter · #5 · Apr 16, 2014 (Edited)

Westrock said:
Do you still have an "ACC" accessory mode where just the radio powers on or does that go straight to engine on mode?

My concern there would be that if the "START" button is stuck then the starter may always be engaged. I do not know if our cars uses a smart start where it disengages the starter after the engine reaches a satisfying RPM. I doubt it, but it could.

That is my fear too. I don't want an electrical fire or any other issues. I will double check my acc. Switch in the ignition and see if it starts from there. My guess is yes.

Edit: Well, it starts in the acc. ignition position without me touching the start button. I'm going to pull the button apart unless someone has a better idea?

cyow5

· #6 · Apr 16, 2014

Could it be the previous owner changed the wiring on the tumblr so it cranks with the key and you just never tried until now? It is a mod you can do and is described here somewhere. Sounds most likely to me. Unless you are the first owner...

Coyne

Discussion Starter · #7 · Apr 16, 2014

Okay, so here it is ...

Technology Electronic device Electronics Auto part

The pin inside the start button housing is plastic and... Broken? Nice. Maybe someone was pressing too hard? (Not me, I'm gentle as a rabies infected wolf).

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surferpkt

· #8 · Apr 16, 2014 (Edited)

Maybe he got frustrated and pushed lil' too hard on the start button while trying to figure out how to start it? Not realizing he broke the button :TD: started messing with fob buttons and wallah... it started!:facepalm

Edit: Or you set him up for failure with your gentle "like a rabies infected wolf" touch, so when he touched the start button it failed... He then started pushing fob buttons not realizing he needed to do so in the first place and to his surprise it worked(just not correctly).

Coyne

Discussion Starter · #9 · Apr 16, 2014

cyow5 said:
Could it be the previous owner changed the wiring on the tumblr so it cranks with the key and you just never tried until now? It is a mod you can do and is described here somewhere. Sounds most likely to me. Unless you are the first owner...

No, he didn't modify anything and I'm the third owner. The first owner had it long enough to drive it home and back to the dealer. Second owner I bought it from.

Technology Auto part Electronic device Wire

(Sorry for the focus on my potato)

It looks like the pin broke inside the starter. There is a small tuning fork like piece attached to the spring that I am pointing to with the tool that looks out of place. Anyone familiar with these or enterprising enough to open theirs up to see if I can repair this? It's my DD, and it takes quite a while to get this part in.

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Coyne

Discussion Starter · #10 · Apr 16, 2014

surferpkt said:
Maybe he got frustrated and pushed lil' too hard on the start button while trying to figure out how to start it? Not realizing he broke the button :TD: started messing with fob buttons and wallah... it started!:facepalm

Edit: Or you set him up for failure with your gentle "like a rabies infected wolf" touch, so when he touched the start button it failed... So he started pushing fob buttons not realizing he needed to do so in the first place and to his surprise it worked(just not correctly).

Not sure what transpired. I did notice how fragile this looked when I put in the new LED a few months back. I barely touch the button after that.

surferpkt

· #11 · Apr 16, 2014

Just face it Coyne... It's because you love to drive the car so much you wore out the button.:shift:

Coyne

Discussion Starter · #12 · Apr 16, 2014

surferpkt said:
Just face it Coyne... It's because you love to drive the car so much you wore out the button.:shift:

Lol! That is a distinct possibility. I've never seen a start button fault, but then I'm also not surprised with this car...

LostPawn

· #13 · Apr 16, 2014

Not ideal but couldn’t you wire in temporary push button until a new part arrives? I do not know if this simply triggers a relay or if it conducts any significant power.

Coyne

Discussion Starter · #14 · Apr 16, 2014

So upon closer inspection, I felt like the fork with the spring attached was out of place. I noticed some notches in the uprights in the middle and positioned the fork ends against these notches, seating the cylinder at the end of the fork between the two posts on the right. I'm guessing when the starter pin presses in it pushes this down against the bottom to engage the starter. Now I just have to fix the pin (please please please...)

Edit: keep forgetting pictures

Electronics Technology Electronic device

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tommyc

· #15 · Apr 16, 2014

I believe you will need a new one but in the meantime if you have conra alarm then just use it the way it is. Alarm on no power to switch. I would pm I believe Sirmichael. He may have a solution.

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surferpkt

· #16 · Apr 16, 2014

A new start button harness will run you around $100-$150. If you should choose to replace it. Not sure if they to are back ordered....

My Lotus Garage has them for $95 before shipping.

tommyc

· #17 · Apr 16, 2014

sirlotus sorry

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Coyne

Discussion Starter · #18 · Apr 16, 2014

tommyc said:
sirlotus sorry

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I will try this route if this doesn't work. I wouldn't begin to know how to wire up any other start button in the interim. I'll try my best to salvage this one and order the other ASAP. I'll see if Sir has any insight.

Coyne

Discussion Starter · #19 · Apr 16, 2014

surferpkt said:
A new start button harness will run you around $100-$150. If you should choose to replace it. Not sure if they to are back ordered....

My Lotus Garage has them for $95 before shipping.

I figured it would be silly. Time to try a home fix first!

Coyne

Discussion Starter · #20 · Apr 16, 2014

Gluing together the flimsy plastic "pin" inside the starter housing.
**Just a warning to everyone** this pin seats down on top of a brass looking piece on its weakest point. (To the right in the picture, inside the concave portion). This will break the plastic piece and bend the internal parts of the starter. Touch her gently people.

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