Push button start install

Hey guys. Just bought my Tacoma and I'm installing a push button / RFID keyless entry system I bought while I was in Japan. Great system and worked well in the other vehicles I had it installed in. I'll update this thread as I finish my install, but first here is some basic info on the system:

Dowontech ST800 (can be found on www.alibaba.com)

General features:

-Original key cylinder can be left installed or removed completely.
-RFID passive keyless entry and engine start, RFID key small enough to fit in wallet
-Built in starter cutoff relay
-Shock sensor and immobilizer bypass (I replaced the immobilizer bypass with one that doesn't require a key behind the dash)
-Window mounted keypad for passcode engine start/lock/unlock as well as system settings configuration.
-Siren for the alarm
-Automatic door locks (lock when put in drive or at a certain speed, unlock when put in park or when vehicle is turned off)
-3 aux outputs

Safety features:
-Requires vehicle to be in park or neutral and foot on brake to normally start or shut off the engine.
-Emergency shutoff by holding start button for 3 seconds in any transmission position.
-Backup window mounted keypad with customizable passcode can start engine in case the remote is damaged or lost.
-Door open alert if you walk away with a door open.


Well here's a sneak peak. I don't have the interior fully back together, and I'm waiting on a different immobilizer bypass so my security light doesn't flash all the time. The push button start operates as follows (without any keys required, only the RFID smart key that fits in my wallet):

-Push without foot on brake cycles through ACC, ON, and OFF
-Push with foot on brake at any time and engine starts
-Push button again (with truck in park or neutral) and engine turns off but retains ACC power for 3 minutes or until door is opened.

Really was not that hard to install, the main problem was extremely bad english on the installation instructions. Pretty similar to a normal remote start system. I'll post full details once I get everything put back together later this week or after Christmas. I put my 4wd knob back in the stock location for the time being. The system comes with a different, and extremely thin, start button. I bought a Nissan Altima start button and wired it in. Better quality and lights up really nice.

Video Here

Remote


Start button it comes with


Nissan Altima start button

 

OK, I'll admit it, I'm old.
As I'm reading what you want to do and you have to move this and change that the only thought that came to mind was----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------What the hell is wrong with the key the truck came with?
I'm sorry I couldn't be more helpful.

 

I'm not that old. I am interested to see how this comes out.

 

Personally, I would avoid No-key pushbutton starters mainly for the fact that its a pain in the A to start your car in the event you have a button failure. However, to what you want to do is mirror your bezel with your 4x4 switch on the opposite side. ** side note, while typing this the idea of looking for a RH drive toyota hilux/taco and after 1 minute of searching I gave up, but the possibility of finding a RH drive Taco with proper bezel might exist ** This could potentially cost you buku $$ in fiberglass molding. If I were to attempt this project, I would put the button where you show it in the picture, next to the cup holder with a holesaw or drillbit; or you could look into replacing your button with one from http://www.otrattw.com/ These should fit nicely in one of the switch blanks to the left of the steering wheel. Just a small idea that doesnt involve heavily modifying the interior and would make resale easier if you returned it as close to stock as possible. Just my .02$ Best of luck friend.

-J

 

It's actually quite convenient. It's a passive keyless entry system like the Prius and Camry have. Walk up to the car, it automatically unlocks, get in and push the start button.

 

Well what ever you decide to do, I could color match your trim back for you. If you wanted a carbon design on it maybe you could do that as well. I would think if you were putting in a push button start that you like carbon fiber. Just my thought ha. Could be pretty cool in one of these trucks. Pm me if you want more info

 

I know what you mean and usually I would avoid an aftermarket system like this (that isn't a big name brand). I've had this system installed in two other vehicles and it has performed flawlessly. Like I stated earlier I really like the convenience of it and quality of the components. Unfortunately the Tacoma is not available anywhere in a RHD configuration. In RHD markets it is called the "Hilux" and is a different vehicle altogether. I'll probably just install the switch by the cupholder if I can't figure out a way to do what I want with the radio surround.

Another option (probably easier) would be to install the switch where the 4wd switch is, then move the 4wd switch next to the cupholder.

 

I'd put the 4x4 switch on the center console (next to the cup holder) and the push start in the original 4X4 switch location.

 

I'd have to agree. The Start/Stop button on the console would be more likely to be hit unintentionally. (...I'm pretty sure I'd do it all the time).

 

Got any pics of the actual kit and the key fob?

 

Like others have mentioned, I wouldn't put the push-button started by the cup holder for fear of accidentally pushing it. I wouldn't like the 4x4 switch there either, I usually put my cell phone in that area.

I know you probably want the start button to be visible to show off the uniqueness of it, but you could put it in the little cubby on the right of the steering wheel. Then it would be somewhat hidden for security reasons, it wouldn't get accidentally pushed and you could cut a hole without it being too visible.

 

I don't know how his works, but the one I had wasn't easy to accidentally push. You had to push it and hold it for a few seconds before it did anything.

 

Yeah, good point. I had one in my Camry Hybrid and IIRC you had to hold it for a second. It would be convenient to put it by the shifter so you can startup and shift into drive quick. But personal preference, I wouldn't want to risk accidentally setting something on the button and shutting it off.

I'm definitely interested to how this mod turns out. I miss my keyless entry/ignition fob.

 

The one guy who I saw do this on a Taco use a slim push start button and then actually mounted it over the keyhole. This way if everything craps out you can still use the key by pulling it out of the way. I like this idea other than you can't see how fancy it is.

 

On our Camry Hybrid it's just a quick press with your foot on the brake to start and then a quick press to shut it all down. I still wouldn't mount it horizontal for this reason. You want that button up, out of the way and difficult to accidentally press... right where the stock key location is. OP, I know you like the Nissan button but you're just making more work for yourself. Get one of the slim aftermarket ones and put it in the stock location. That's what I would do and I've already considered doing this.

 

What is the name of the kit and how hard is it to install? Also what about the chip in the key does this mean you have to take a key apart so that you always have the "chip" in the vehicle?

Check this out.

http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/2nd-gen-tacomas/81239-trd-push-button-starter.html

 

hmmm interesting...

that button is $250...from japan...lol thats why not alot of people have it

 

The system is made by Dowontech (Korean) and sold by auto-innovatio.com. Google "st800 push button start". Unfortunately the owners of auto-innovatio had a falling out so the website no longer sells the system. It'll be a few weeks before I install it, but will definitely post details. Some nice features it has include remote start, a windshield mounted keypad that allows you to edit settings as well as unlock your car, and of course passive keyless entry and engine start. It does have poor installation instructions but I was able to decipher them and the system worked perfectly.

 

Relocating the 4x4 switch is going to be a PITA since it will involve not only the replacement plastics, but also extending and rerouting the harness.

 

I am curious how this will work with the Tacoma. Since you have to actually turn the engine over until it fires, versus the typical computer controlled start. I assume it could be set up to just hold the button through the start process?