3rd Gen 4Runner Push Button Start System

I can look into this if people would like me to. I have a degree in electrical engineering. If there is serious interest I can look into it and use my 99 limited for a test run. Just out of curiosity are people expecting a push button start that is on today's newer vehicles? That would probably require more effort in research.

If anything I could probably set this up so that either the keys or push button start can be used in parallel
 
I just watched that guy cody's youtube for the first time. This can easily be done and installed on a 3rd gen 4runner. Could be done in a variety of combinations. There can be one switch that you turn on and then the push button to start the truck. There can be a second switch so that you can send power to you your radio (ACC position on ignition) without the key as well. Or you can have a method I mentioned before, which is kinda of like a nascar configuration where you flip two-three switches and then press the push button ( but i can see this getting old after a while). This can be done so that a key can still be used or you can ilimiate the ignition all together. Could probably incorporate a master kill switch that can be hidden somewhere under the dash.
 
Would there be a way to flip 1 switch, which would turn on the acc and allow for push button starting at the same time? Or would we need to seperate switches for the two functions? I don't have a transponder key, just a regular old key.
I do have remote start, and right now, after it starts, I have to put the key and turn on to ACC to be able to drive.
 
How many of you would be willing to take apart the steering colum to disable the steering wheel lock? A push botton start is essentially pointless if you still need the key to disengage the steering wheel lock

Anyone with experience on removing the ignition tumbler?
 
Why?

I have a key that starts and stops my engine now. It is THE thing to have on new cars but so people can feel like they are driving a race car (since that is how race cars are started).

But why mess with a system that works just fine?
 
i kinda feel the same way, if it could be made to work exactly like the new car's systems, sure, that would be sweet. but i have a plain old key and it seems like this would only add a step to starting the truck. i had switch fever with a mustang once, basically a race car i drove on the street, it got old flipping the ignition switch, the fuel pump switch, then the starter.
 
Okay, so here is the deal. Kody is more into 2nd gen tacomas than anything. I will work with someone who is experienced in electronics and wiring. Since I have not had any reply from Kody, I am willing to start this project, I just need an electronics guru. Any help is appreciated.
 
I could probably have a kit with instructions ready to go by next weekend for those who DO NOT have the engine immobilizers. I can get a kit for those with the immobilzer but I need to get my hands on the bypass transponder first. I have a 99 limited with the immobilzer, so if it will work for mine, it will work for yours. There will most likely be a few additional steps to the install.

For those of you who already have a remote start, you should be ahead of the game if your 4runner is equiped with the immobilizer. You should retain the normal function of the remote start. In theory, instead of inserting your key, you would just turn on the rocker switch.

I just need to figure out to disable the steering wheel ignition lock.

For those wanting the push button starts with the RFID security, I would suggest you look at Keyless Ignition* RFIED Push Button Start systems
 
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Dan.3 said:
I could probably have a kit with instructions ready to go by next weekend for those who DO NOT have the engine immobilizers. I can get a kit for those with the immobilzer but I need to get my hands on the bypass transponder first. I have a 99 limited with the immobilzer, so if it will work for mine, it will work for yours. There will most likely be a few additional steps to the install.

For those of you who already have a remote start, you should be ahead of the game if your 4runner is equiped with the immobilizer. You should retain the normal function of the remote start. In theory, instead of inserting your key, you would just turn on the rocker switch.

I just need to figure out to disable the steering wheel ignition lock.

For those wanting the push button starts with the RFID security, I would suggest you look at Keyless Ignition* RFIED Push Button Start systems
Click to expand...
Dan.3 would you be willing to work with me? I do not have the immobilizer
 
Who all is seriously interested in this set up?

I know talk is cheap on this forum so I can probably have a video up this week of a working push button set up and as I said before, have kits for the people who do not have the engine immobilizer ready to go by the weekend. I will try to keep the price the parts the same but will color code the wires so that there is no confusion with installation. Will include parts, instructions, and shipping to the continetal US.

If there are only 3-4 people seriosly interested, this project isnt worth my time.
 
Whitson Metalworks said:
i kinda feel the same way, if it could be made to work exactly like the new car's systems, sure, that would be sweet. but i have a plain old key and it seems like this would only add a step to starting the truck. i had switch fever with a mustang once, basically a race car i drove on the street, it got old flipping the ignition switch, the fuel pump switch, then the starter.
Click to expand...

Exactly... have you seen that topgear episode when James May had the Aston Martin race car and one time he even forgot which switches to flip and couldn't start it backing up a ferry haha

Just seems to me like this system would be neat but alot more headache than it is worth I once installed a remote start/ keyless entry and probably used the thing twice the whole time I had it ... just my $0.02
 
Doug18 said:
Exactly... have you seen that topgear episode when James May had the Aston Martin race car and one time he even forgot which switches to flip and couldn't start it backing up a ferry haha

Just seems to me like this system would be neat but alot more headache than it is worth I once installed a remote start/ keyless entry and probably used the thing twice the whole time I had it ... just my $0.02
Click to expand...
Its not for everyone, thats for sure. I am going to do it simply for looks, and It truthfully will make it easier to start. And I did see that episode. If that was his personal car, he would've known what to do. But Top Gear guys deal with hundreds of cars a month, so its understandable that he didn't know what he was doing. What I'm trying to say is that you'd get used to it.
 
May I have some clarification, I have 97 sr5 gulf coast states Alarm...

No I mobilizer I think

And will I just press the button until she kicks over and then let it go? "off position"

I'd be interested and could we get a possible price
 
3rd gen king said:
May I have some clarification, I have 97 sr5 gulf coast states Alarm...

No I mobilizer I think

And will I just press the button until she kicks over and then let it go? "off position"

I'd be interested and could we get a possible price
Click to expand...

To clarify, again this set up will require at minimum 2 switches. A switch for power to the ECU, ACC and to send power to the push button for the starter. It would act as the start function on the ignition.

Prices will probably be around $125 for the non immobilized and $200 for a set up for vehicles equipt with the immobilizer. In a nutshell it is the same concept as the push button start on a new car. Instead pressing on the brake you have to push a rocker switch. Just a different configuration and less security.
 
Dan.3 said:
To clarify, again this set up will require at minimum 2 switches. A switch for power to the ECU, ACC and to send power to the push button for the starter. It would act as the start function on the ignition.

Prices will probably be around $125 for the non immobilized and $200 for a set up for vehicles equipt with the immobilizer. In a nutshell it is the same concept as the push button start on a new car. Instead pressing on the brake you have to push a rocker switch. Just a different configuration and less security.
Click to expand...

I have until now only watched this post but thought, to myself, who would want less security. Thanks Dan3 for clarification on that. As many have posted...There are more steps required so that 1 step (turn key) can be omitted. Immobilizers (Engine) and wheel lock (Ignition) are both very important features; One for safety and one for security, both for piece of mind. Of all of the "Cool" projects possible I am at a complete loss why this would be one of them. To each their own. Remote start, with an emobilizer is not possible even with today's technology. Leaving a transponder key (hidden) so the transponder communicates continually allows for any and all methods of theft no matter how low tech the thieves. Perhaps they would be thankful someone even gave them the key.

My two cents. :hiding:
 
4R99JB said:
I have until now only watched this post but thought, to myself, who would want less security. Thanks Dan3 for clarification on that. As many have posted...There are more steps required so that 1 step (turn key) can be omitted. Immobilizers (Engine) and wheel lock (Ignition) are both very important features; One for safety and one for security, both for piece of mind. Of all of the "Cool" projects possible I am at a complete loss why this would be one of them. To each their own. Remote start, with an emobilizer is not possible even with today's technology. Leaving a transponder key (hidden) so the transponder communicates continually allows for any and all methods of theft no matter how low tech the thieves. Perhaps they would be thankful someone even gave them the key.

My two cents. :hiding:
Click to expand...

You do make a good point 4R99JB except for the statement for safety. I dont see any safety benefit to a steering wheel lock or immobilizer. But you can also look at it this way. How many times have you gotten into a late 90s early 2000 vehicle and expected a push button start. As I mentioned in a previous post there is a company that utilizes a RFID tag. I personally would not have the push button start labeled "Engine Start". Depend on the area you live in, I believe it someone where to look in, they could be tempted if they saw that label on a switch that isnt on a vehicle that is known to have a push button start. I dont think anyone would suspect a vehile to have a push button start seeing a few additional unlabeled aux switches. If someone where to have a vehicle stolen after installing the push button start, its most likely someone they know that stole it. As far as the transponder, not all 3rd gen 4runners had it. It started in 98 and I believe only came standard on limited models and I dont think there are to many SR5s with this option.

That being said, Im not going to rush into this project given that there seems to be about only 3 people seriously interested. I have considered bypassing the engine imobilizer on my 99 limited 3rd gen. I only have 1 key that starts the vehicle. Almost lost my keys once. So it would be nice to just carry around a generic ignition key so that way if I ever do lose it, I could get another made cheap. Since car theft doesnt occur in my neighborhood, Im not to concerned with someone taking it. Ill probably order an engine imobilizer bypass module this week and go from there. Unless more interest is given, Ill probably finish this in a few weeks or so.
 
I would have to agree that theft would be a limited probability and perhaps from someone known to us but the potential is nonetheless increased. Thirteen year old vehicles are not high on any list but some of the vehicles / mods can get quite expensive.

The wheel lock would be of assistance on an incline keeping them turned into the curb and locked. Brake failure, being hit while parked or children getting in and just playing around; again, while not probable, are all still possible.

When I'm going out of town I park my Audi so that moving / towing are near impossible due to parking position and wheel lock position. Because I'm just paranoid!

Good luck with your vehicle and personal mods.
 
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