Engine Start Button

[SachaP]

Hello all. I've decided to install an engine start button to my 3200. I would still have to use the key and turn it to the MAR position, and then once the beeps have stopped, the engine would start at the press of a button instead of turning the key to the AVV position. I will be using a simple "press" button connected to a 30 amp SPDT relay. I am hoping to mount the button on the dash area to the left of the steering wheel. There is a curious looking small round black vent which appears to house a small fan of some sort (see pic). The hole in the dash where that mounts is the perfect size for the start button (see pic showing dummy fitting). Does anyone know what that that fan is and what it does? I would relocate it further down using a simple mount. My other question is - does anyone know which of the wires on the ignition connector adjacent to the steering lock (visible once you remove the steering cowl) I would need to splice into to connect the ignition system to the SPDT relay? I attach various pics of the ignition connectors. I don't want to splice into the wrong wires, so your help would be very much appreciated. Thanks.

 

[cobratwin]

that curious little fan should have a wire attached to it, its takes the temp of the cabin then helps to regulate the temp control for aircon etc,
when i did a push button start i had to take a live feed and then run the wiring to the starter motor its self, im unfamiliar with the the system that you appear to be using so cant help there im afraid.

 

[SachaP]

Thanks. Glad I checked about the fan!! I couldn't find anything about it in the owners manual or on Eurospares. I've read up a fair bit about engine start buttons on the web and the method I'm using is the one I feel most comfortable with, as long as I choose the correct wires to splice.

 

[CatmanV2]

Thanks. Glad I checked about the fan!! I couldn't find anything about it in the owners manual or on Eurospares. I've read up a fair bit about engine start buttons on the web and the method I'm using is the one I feel most comfortable with, as long as I choose the correct wires to splice.

I did a push button start on an old Alfa, some years back. If it's *anything* similar, you won't need a relay. All you need to do is work out why terminals short when you turn the key to AVV. Should be trivial with a meter. Bridge those with your switch and away you go. Relay isn't really required as you're only duplicating the function of the column switch, which isn't (AFAIK) switching starting current.

Depending on how the 3200 is wired, though, that *may* leave you in a situation where you can turn the engine with the ignition 'off' but it's not likely.

Of course, I could be totally wrong. so I'd proceed with care

C

 

[hodroyd]

If you splice in to the cables that connect when the key hits AVV, there should be a relay within that system and you should not need another. Ideally you should take out the ssupply to the AVV on the back of the ignition and use that cable for your start button, this will effectively blank off the AVV on the ignition switch.

 

[dem maser]

Love your attempts of doig something different

I wouldnt do it to mine as i dont like the look of it but good luck and hopefully it works out well....

 

[mjheathcote]

Can't see the point, when you still have to use the ignition key to 'prime' the system.
I think the novelty has worn off, especially with the number of new cars that are push button starts.

 

[hodroyd]

I still remember the old winding handle at the front chaps, now that could make a come back???

 

[dem maser]

Indicators used to come out of the bodywork aswel

 

[hodroyd]

OH YES!!! The old pull out choke too???

 

[dem maser]

That was arond in the 80s but those indicators were 60s

 

[dem maser]

Was it japanese cars that did the automatic choke

 

[hodroyd]

As I remember, the old TRAFFICATORS were still around in the 50's, then the flashing indicators came out maybe late 50's early 60's. The early chokes were either pull out, or the slider on the steering wheel. I suppose the auto chokes all came out about the same time, if somebody had an idea then, everybody copied it.

 

[cobratwin]

Late 80's the cars all starting having auto chokes,
the reason i put a button start in my old alfa was added security, i removed the ability to start the car on the key's but you still needed the keys to prime the systems and remove the immobilizer the push button was then hidden out of sight and looked like a average common all garden carpet securing fixture.

 

[hodroyd]

Sounds a novel way to handle that idea mate!

 

[SachaP]

i am keen to add a starter button for no reason other than that when I had one on a previous car (Fiat Coupe Turbo LE) the novelty never wore off, I just loved the fact that the engine roared into life at the press of a button as opposed to the turn of a key. (Simple minded I know). So, if anybody can tell me which wires on the ignition connector I need to splice into, that would be grand. I don't have a wiring diagram or a multimeter to ascertain which wires on the connectors by the ignition barrel are which. If anybody has a wiring diagram and can let me know which of those wires goes to the starter and which goes to a live feed, that would be really appreciated. Thanks.

 

[rotorheadcase]

Hardly simple minded if Maserati also chose to add it to their Gransports in the same manner. Have you thought about trying to source a Gransport switch to keep it looking a bit more OEM? As far as a location goes, how about on the small leather panel just in front of the ashtray?

Regards,

Neil

 

[dem maser]

Thats a good idea, id put a GS switch in.....

 

[SachaP]

Totally agree about the GS switch but for now I just want to sort the wiring out and see if I can get one working in the first instance. An MC12 button would be best!