Disco 1 - push button start?

**Discodamo** · 30th September 2009, 07:30 PM

Howdy folks,

The ignition in my disco is getting harder and harder to turn over lately. I need to turn the key all the way over to the start position and then release pressure a miniscule amount to achieve ignition. (A problem I had in a '73 mini a few years back).

After the car turns over I then need to turn the key back so it's almost turns the engine off to get my electrics working... Not too much of a problem but I'm worried it's going to fail completely soon and I'll be roll starting a 2 tonne truck (with no power in the steering or brakes).

Anyway, I'm thinking about installing a push button starter... I will still use the key to unlock the steering but will use the switch to start and get the electrics going. (Something that worked in the mini, but was much easier to install).

Does anyone have experience with push button starters in Discos or who to see to have one installed? Is it easy and affordable as an option?

Cheers.

Damo.

**locorr** · 30th September 2009, 08:03 PM

I put one in my old 2 door rangy and my 4 door rangy. Very basic and I would assume just the same as your mini. Just need to get a bit of power the the solenoid on the starter. Either a wire all the way to the starter or tap into the correct wire from the ignition. If I remember I did one of each and both worked fine. Surprising how often it came in handy being able to turn the motor over without starting, just an added bonus.

**Blknight.aus** · 30th September 2009, 08:22 PM

easy enough

a DPDT 10A on off on switch for the electrics and a horn switch or 10A Off-mom switch or push to close button and your set, the next big hassle is splicing the wiring in.

if you drop the wires off of the switch proper there is just enough wire to fold it back and mount them on the lower dash panel adjacent to the steering coloum.

**PhilipA** · 30th September 2009, 08:32 PM

Er, what about the interface with ECU where the fuel pump is turned off after the 3 second prime. AFAIK he will have to turn the key off and on after each unsuccessful start to get another prime. And as the 14CUX gets old I have found that I often need 2 primes, presumably because the fuel pressure regulator leaks down As long as he knows, as he will now, no problem I guess. But it seems to me the better solution is to fix the switch. Whenever I start my son's FPV I forget and wonder why the starter doesn't work when I turn the key. Regards Philip A

**Blknight.aus** · 30th September 2009, 08:52 PM

from memory as soon as the starter starts turning the pump gets turned on again to ensure that the fuel rail maintains pressure... could be wrong but it would be easy enough to swap the push momentary for a DPDT mom on - on switch to take the power from the installed main ignition switch so that when you key the starter it breaks the power from the permanantly on side and makes it again with the starter connection.

**PhilipA** · 30th September 2009, 08:56 PM

AFAIR no more fuel while cranking until start revs detected by ECU. So no use grinding away . Regards Philip A

**Blknight.aus** · 30th September 2009, 09:07 PM

either way the second solution nails the coffin.

**Discodamo** · 30th September 2009, 09:14 PM

Thanks for the advice fellas...

I've just had my ECU replaced recently so I want to make sure I don't mess with it too much - but I'm not too keen on forking out for a new barrel and changing keys and everything if I can put a simple switch in - but it might be better to leave to some exoerts - any idea if auto-electricians can do a safe job? Or you reckon a LR mob would be better.

Cheers.
Damo

**Blknight.aus** · 30th September 2009, 09:43 PM

no, a proper auto leccy or LR dealer/servicing place wont (well they shouldnt) do it as you're bypassing the security and a safety feature of the vehicle.

but ask and you might get away with it.

**robzilla** · 3rd October 2009, 10:58 AM

I put one in my old Nissan Bluebird, as it would take about 10~ goes to start. Fingers were getting cut up turning the key so much!

With the fuel pump issue, the Bluebird did a similar thing (had a later model turbo motor). Fuel pump would prime in the "On" key position for 5 seconds then turn off. But didn't have an effect as there was still enough fuel pressure to start off, even after a few attempts. and as soon the motor fired up the pump would kick in again anyway.

Shouldn't bypass any standard features that operate off the START signal. As the diagram shows, the button just does the same job as the turning the key would (i.e. running +12V to the START wire)

Standard automotive relay, low-amp push button switch. Took all of an hour or so to install and worked a treat

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