Topic: Engine Start Button??

[Helios]

Today, i had a new key cut. Lowe's, Ace True Value Hardware, Home Depot, etc. would not cut a key for me because it has a chip inside. WTF? Is this America? Can i get a key cut just cause i want to because i'm modding my car and i'm gonna hack up the key anyway. Instead of paying $10 for a key i have to pay $48. Geez. Anyway, i went to a Chevy dealer and had them cut a new key. According to the tech that help me, the chip has to be in very close proximity to the ignition cylinder. It cannot be just in the cab or in your pocket, but it doesn't have to be a chipped key in the ignition either. So, i will cut up my old key and retrieve the chip.

[TomatoSoup]

Today, i had a new key cut. Lowe's, Ace True Value Hardware, Home Depot, etc. would not cut a key for me because it has a chip inside. WTF?

Heh!  Was near a local mom+pop hardware store in Potomac MD, on Sunday (after an open-top trip to Great Falls) and they had a sign outside saying auto keys cut here w/chip.  The picture of the car on the sign was a Solstice!
 

[LiquidPT]

Unless it is different for the Canadian models or different year models it should have a lock, my 09 does. Take the key out & turn the wheel & it will lock when it gets to a certain spot, sometimes it doesn't seem like it until you turn it far enough. Then it unlocks I believe when you turn the key to the 1st position.

I don't have a Canadian model.. 09 US spec coupe. I'll try it again, but seemed like i could move the wheel... Maybe it just had more play than I was used to on the PT.

[Uranium-238]

At first I thought that mine didn't lock the steering wheel either...it does, but you really have to move the wheel, mine was about upside-down from straight ahead when it finally locked. Far more play than any other vehicle I've ever driven.  Any of the other just jiggle the wheel and it'd lock up on you...

[DeepBlueGXP]

Tell them you want the key cut so you can open your drivers door incase you lock your keys in side. 

All Kappas have the steering wheel lock.  Take your keys out and turn the wheel until it locks.

[Helios]

Tell them you want the key cut so you can open your drivers door incase you lock your keys in side. 

Duh, why didnt i think of that? No matter. I've got a nice new key with a Chevy emblem instead of non-existent Saturn.

Today, i cut apart my old Saturn key and successfully retrieved the chip. I ran a test on how far it could be from the key in the ignition. It basically can be no farther than another 1/2 inch from the key head before it isn't detected. There is a warning light in the instrument cluster that is illuminated when the chip isn't in range. The light is the silhouette of the front of a car and a lock behind it (bottom right of the instrument cluster warning lights).

[Triuser]

Huh.  That's pretty close.  So here's what we do.  Get an RFID chip and sensor with a better range.  wire this up inline to the ignition system, before the factory gm chip sensor so that your RFID chip is required to activate the GM chip.  Embed the factory chip where it will be sensed and go.  Think that may be similar to what this system is:

http://auto-hub.com/stardrive_push_start_ignition.html

There's also the bulldog from earlier posts.

I hate to give up on such a cool mod and I hate to do it half way like the old saturn sport mod.

[JRinKY]

Why not disassemble the steering column to remove the entire ignition switch assembly including the lock and the RFID sensor. Relocate it to somewhere hidden. Under the seat, in the trunk, just about anywhere. Then add your pushbutton start/stop/run hardware. No reason to cut up a key, and everything is reversible. You can remove the key any time for added security, and the only thing you lose is the steering lock, which is of limited value anyway.

[Helios]

Why not disassemble the steering column to remove the entire ignition switch assembly including the lock and the RFID sensor. Relocate it to somewhere hidden. Under the seat, in the trunk, just about anywhere. Then add your pushbutton start/stop/run hardware. No reason to cut up a key, and everything is reversible. You can remove the key any time for added security, and the only thing you lose is the steering lock, which is of limited value anyway.

That's a good idea. BUT, it adds more work to the project that i'd have to pay someone to remove the steering wheel locks. Relocating the ignition cylinder, i think, would be easy enough. IMO, the easiest solution is to remove the chip from the key cut and grind it down. This solution took me a whole 15-20 mins.

[Triuser]

Not sure about relocating the key, but that auto-hub.com kit recommends disabling the steering wheel lock, though they don't show you how.  They advise you to take it to someone with experience with steering wheel columns.

[sky flip]

How about this for START BUTTON

[jonymac]

Helios - any progress?

[Helios]

Helios - any progress?

Yes, i received my units from Digital Guard Dawg about 2 weeks ago. Unfortunately, it has rained the past two weekends here where im at so i've been unable to do the install. This weekend however seems good. The unit seems pretty straightforward. 11 wires to splice into the existing wiring and about 3-4 plugs. I did some advanced homework on placement of the modules and routing of the wiring. The modules will fit nicely under the steering column. However i think some of the wiring will have to be extended. Also, in our cars, there isnt any power to the brake lights when the car is off and you're supposed to splice into brake light power. This ensures the car isnt started until the brake is depressed and that the start/stop button is disabled while driving. I've also located a position for the start button and have verified that there is nothing behind the spot except plastic so i dont have to worry about accidentally drilling into something i shouldnt.

[jonymac]

AWESOME!!!  Please take lots of pics and video if possible!  I am jacked about your project!