Wanted: Start Button to replace the ignition barrel on the 451.

[Smart_in_Paradise]

I would like a Start Button to replace the ignition barrel on my 2008 smart Passion 451.

Here is the URL to the Start Button sold by Smarts R Us, but I presume this product is NOT fot the 451.

http://www.smartsrus.com/acatalog/Smarts_R_us_webshop_Electrical_28.html

*xxx.smartsrus.com/acatalog/Smarts_R_us_webshop_Electrical_28.html*



Note 1: Thanks to iconpyro for this idea and for the URL.

Note 2: Evilution: Here is another project for you if you have the time and would be so kind to test this product and to to give us a step-by-step guide. Thanks.

Note 3: I have a start button on my wife's Lexus and I am in the habit of leaving the key in my pocket after I unlock the door (although I seldom drive the Lexus now that I have a smart.)

[jwight]

Since the key is tied to the security system and to the computer which starts the car (see SmartBillet's post on the issue with his trim ring disabling the start function) I'm not sure the key can be completely out of the loop. Somebody who really understands how all the electronics and security systems are tied together will have to weigh in on this one. But I like the concept!

[doogster]

If someone can make this work, I'M IN!

[stevenvillatoro]

I had a 'start' button on my Camry Hybrid... it's a great feature. But the smart key is a piece of cake to use (nice slot action), and the between-the-seat location is cool. I'd rather apply my accessory money to bigger bang-for-the-buck items until the day when keyless entry/start may be a standard feature.

[curtis]

yeah, the mechainic at smart milwaukee said the key fob is needed and is more high tech than he even thought.

[radaroriley]

Count me in also! I do not have my smart yet, but would love to have this ready to go when it does arrive.
Keep us updated on the progress.

[jwight]

Evilution posted this elsewhere:

http://evilution.co.uk/index.php?pag...7&men=interior

Follow at your own risk, per his disclaimer.

[Big Panda]

several years ago i added a 'start button' to my Honda Civic. still had to use the key to unlock the column and turn to the 'on' position, but you used the 'start button' to, well....START the car.

it was SWEET!!!!! got the idea from the Honda S2000 when they first came out.......


but i'm with "stevenvillatoro".....i'll put my money to better use. you know, like a pine tree air freshener or a leopard skin steering wheel cover!

[iconpyro]

Just a nice concept that I think anyone can use. I have seen this put on several cars but then again I am not an electronics expert so hats off to anyone who figures out an ingenius way to get this rigged. It would be great too if some can show a clean place to mount the starter, making it nice and flushed and *lighted*!

[mmmeat]

Well, I'm not a rocket scientist, but I did stay at a Holiday Inn Express last week ...

So here's my take on this interesting little mod.

As this car shares electronics with other Daimler vehicles, I'm fairly certain that - much like the mod I saw on (of all things) a Grand Cherokee - it's probably not that hard to do.

Note that I didn't say that it was cheap.

On the Grand Cherokee, the owner used a 2007 Mercedes E-Class start button and proximity key, which allowed him to keep the remote unlock, hatch release and remote start functions. These were all wired right in to the Chrysler electronics ... which were, of course, redone when Daimler owned significantly more of Chrysler than they do right now.

I don't know the cost of Mercedes start button, but at least there's a good starting point for this little mod.

Your pal,
Meat.