A&Q about Lotus
Q:
I find that clicking on the little Flag that says UK in the upper right hand corner of the page makes it much easier to navigate.
But I'm not British.
A:
How much are starter buttons anyways?
I took the switches apart when I transferred the over to the new 3 switch layout (driving light mod to an '06 Elise). Anyways the starter button is easily removed and swapped if you wanted to do it yourself...I say 5 minute fix once you do it once.
See that empty spot in the upper middle of pic? Starter button switch goes there. This is the back of the 3 switch panel you get with driving lights kit:
Final re-assembly of the starter button.
Several components make up the starter button switch - but it's really easy to swap one out if you have a suspected bad one.
A:
Originally Posted by Bane
How is it quicker to push the button again instead of turning the key that's already in the ignition?
I dunno... I'm not a huge fan of the button either. I think they should have just kept it conventional key or went to the completely keyless method that most new luxury cars use.
cause you can use your left hand to start the car and your right hand to reset the gear to 1st and take off
edit: sorry just read the part where the same was said
A:
i'd like to switch mine out... but how can i be sure the replacement will be the right size/voltage/specs whatever?
A:
I have nothing against the start button, but I think I would have also made it possible to start the car using just the key in the conventional way (i.e., turn past ON position).
A:
Originally Posted by fpitas
I have nothing against the start button, but I think I would have also made it possible to start the car using just the key in the conventional way (i.e., turn past ON position).
then there would be no point in having a start button right?
what about a way to get it so when you stick the key in... it goes into the ON position... and then from here you just push the start key...
so 2 steps... no turning...
*i have no idea if any of my ideas ever work...*
A:
Originally Posted by bluejae
then there would be no point in having a start button right?
what about a way to get it so when you stick the key in... it goes into the ON position... and then from here you just push the start key...
so 2 steps... no turning...
*i have no idea if any of my ideas ever work...*
The only point of having the button would remain: you've spun it and the engine died, now you need to start it fast.
A:
In the new Prius, IIRC, you don't even have to put the key anywhere. You can keep the key in your pocket and start the car using the start button. It uses RFID at a close range to start and open the doors as well. That would be a cool mod to add to any car.
A:
Start button has come in VERY handy for me twice so far, once I came zipping up to a light and slammed on the brakes trying to reset them , stall, green light, hit button , going, that quick, no fumbling with keys etc. And once when reversing quickly and stopping quickly in traffic trying to turn around, stall, hit button, going again. High performance high rev engines have been known to be stall prone when stopped suddenly from a high rev. The button is golden in those situations. Also on the track, if you spin or lose it on a corner and don't manage to get both feet stamped down on the clutch and brake, guess what, stall. And now you have the potential of a car doing 100mph coming up on you, that is when a nice big ass glowing start button looks like an exit sign in a high rise fire!
A:
Originally Posted by Val
Erm, well, i never knew how Fed elise works, so dont blame me
Still, very disturbing! at least i though it was harder then that!
Then question arises - WHY??? I mean, get the key in then push the button??! Instead of just 1 action, you have to do 2??!!! Hmmm....
Is it only the Fed Elise that has the starter button?
A:
I think they should add a STOP button, or a KILL switch like on a bike. Oh hell, they might as well throw in a fire exitinguisher and fuel cut too.
A:
Sorry about this pic, it could be a lot better:
A:
Originally Posted by Aruna
In the new Prius, IIRC, you don't even have to put the key anywhere. You can keep the key in your pocket and start the car using the start button. It uses RFID at a close range to start and open the doors as well. That would be a cool mod to add to any car.
Correct! Touch the inside of the door handle and if the key is in your pocket that door unlocks before you can tug the handle. Get in, boot it up, drive off. Key stays in your pocket. Do it that way and you don't worry so much about leaving the keys in the car.
The other day I walked up to our minivan, almost ran myself into the door when it didn't unlock instantly just cause it was me standing there, and then got in and sat down and tried to figure out what the problem was. Had to take off the seat belt and fish in my jeans pocket for the keys.
How quaint.
A:
I've lived with my S2000's start button for about seven years now. I haven't found it to be either a help or a hinderance. It just exists.
It's fun though.
Regarding the starter interlock - it's related to the clutch. Try to start the car without the clutch press, and nothing will happen. Same thing when the car's running - hit the start button with the clutch pressed in and you'll get the horrible grind.
A:
Originally Posted by Elistan
Regarding the starter interlock - it's related to the clutch. Try to start the car without the clutch press, and nothing will happen. Same thing when the car's running - hit the start button with the clutch pressed in and you'll get the horrible grind.
Not on the Elise. There is no starter interlock on the clutch. You can happily start the Elise in gear if you press the start button (at least one person has managed to "drive" the Elise off of ramps when he hit the start button while standing outside the car).
I have tested the start button on my Elise with the engine running. Nothing happens. No grinding, nothing...
A:
Originally Posted by TimMullen
Not on the Elise. There is no starter interlock on the clutch. You can happily start the Elise in gear if you press the start button (at least one person has managed to "drive" the Elise off of ramps when he hit the start button while standing outside the car).
I have tested the start button on my Elise with the engine running. Nothing happens. No grinding, nothing...
Correct, although I suspect there is a slight delay before the starter button locks out. I think you can get it to grind if you don't wait long enough.
A:
Originally Posted by Keeper
Correct, although I suspect there is a slight delay before the starter button locks out. I think you can get it to grind if you don't wait long enough.
Definitely. I posted on that further up in the thread. Start the car, and a couple of seconds later, press the button = grinding.
Wait a (very) short while press the button = no grinding.
I didn't feel like being the guinea pig to find out exactly how long the delay was (not grinding my starter any more than I have to ).
A:
Another reason for having the button besides the convenience factor of restarting the car in a hurry (and the gimmick factor) might be a bit of nostalgia. Many older cars had a separate starter button/knob/switch/whatever. Several British roadsters had a pull knob that yanked a cable that closed the starter switch and engaged the starter. The starter switch was in the engine bay between the battery and starter. Simple and effective, with no relay required. Ignition circuit was separate, and key operated.