I've seen people using push buttons to start their mini (key has to be 2 stops in, then just push button and it replaces the turning key past 2 stops motion)
however, i'd like to take it a step further and use that empty toggle switch as my starter...anybody have any ideas about how i'd do this, what i'd need, where i'd get parts, etc?
It is no so hard if you are OK with electrics, dismantling etc.
First you need a spare toggle switch, loads on here about that. Then use that to power a relay. The relay contacts are then wired over the back of the ignition switch and hey presto!
You will have two choices on the wiring to the ignition switch one method will still allow you to use the key as normal (safer and easier for other drivers and the dealers) or you can use it to replace the ignition sw then you can only start it via the toggle.
Either way you will have to use the key to release the steering lock. The only disadvantage with this simple approach is that there is nothing to prevent a curious finger from testing it while the engine is already running.
You will get away it it a few times. If you were to fire the starter with the engine running it is likely that you will mash the gears around it.
Taking the installation up a peg, you could add another relay that cuts the supply to the first when the engine is running. That will prevent potential mis use. You could also wire an indicator light up so that it lights up before starting.
Theres a few threads on here about starters switches also there are a lot of aftermarket kits.
This is the most dangerous feature in a Mini Cooper. Where the toggle switch is located is suicidal. My wife and I were driving on the Highway last night and her pocketbook that was sitting on her lap fell off her lap and hit the start toggle switch.
Well, the mini shut down and we had absolutely no power and we had to coast from the fast lane into the breakdown lane. I tried to get the car to restart over and over and it just wouldn't because it has to be in park in order to work. We were extremely lucky, we just missed getting killed. It's a nightmare if anyone by mistake hits that start toggle and where it is located it is a very easy thing to do especially if the passenger is messing with the radio or the controls to adjust the air or heat and makes a mistake by hitting the wrong control. Most companies have this switch in an area where accidents like this would never happen. as a result my wife will never drive our Mini with our kids and I won't let my children drive it because I'm petrified of what could happen. We are seriously thinking about advance paying our lease for the 2.6 years we still owe to get away from this car. I am so surprised Mini was able to have a switch in the area it's located and also, no safety feature in the event the switch gets hit to activate the car to shut down.
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