Modifying a remote start module

Hi everybody.

I'm trying to use a remote start module a little differently (not remotely and not attached to my alarm system). Basically, I'm using the key in the ignition to trigger it, so that the module gets the momentary (-) pulse to start the sequence when my key is turned to the start position and released. If this isn't clear, it's just like turning the key to the 2nd position and pressing a button to activate the starter module. I have this working fine, but the problem is in the delay. The start sequence has about a 4 second delay from the time the module gets the (-) pulse until it begins to start the car. It flashes the parking lights, turns on the ignition cuircuit (which I don't use because this happens when I turn the key in this case) before starting. This is too long. I want the module to start the car as soon as I send the (-) pulse.

How do I get this module to start the sequence right away? I'm guessing it's going to involve adding some wires to the circuit board, but where do I start trying to figure out what to do?It's an OMEGA RS-6 Remote Start Module.

It's a silly idea, but my dad's 540i does it like this (factory) and it's more convienent that you'd think .

Or maybe you have other ideas as to what I can do with this module. Thanks!

-Alan

Hey Alan, I do say, that is a pretty cool idea!  So you would just give one quick tap of the key, and then the car automatically cranks the appropriate amount of time, reads the tach signal, and the car is running.  Very trick; I like it.

But anyway, to answer your question.  Most remote starts have some sort of a "factory disarm" output; that is, a wire that pules just before the car is remote started, in order to shut down any factory alarm that may be present.  In general, the factory disarm wire is pulsed at least one second before the car starts.

And there are also probably at least a few cars on the market that would behave oddly, if the main and second ignitions, accessory, and starter wire were all energized at the exact same time.  Therefore, the remote start module powers up the ignition (and usually accessory) wires for a second or two, and then cranks the engine, much like a normal person would do when using the key.

So, the sequence of events:  Customer hits the remote (or pulses the - activation wire as you're doing).  Firstly, the factory disarm wire sends signal for a full second.  One second later, the ignition wires get powered up.  Immediately after that (provided the car's not a diesel), the starter cranks.

I've never seen a remote car starter that can be re-programmed to start immediately, although I'd imagine that if you had an engineer's knowledge and skills, as well as some spare time, perhaps you could modify the circuitry inside.

I have noticed that some remote starters to begin cranking a lot more quickly than others.  You might observe some friends' cars, and if one of them starts fast enough for you, buy that brand.

As another idea, you could hook up the complete remote start, including the ignition wires, and use your car's door pinswitch to activate the remote starter.  You'd unlock the car, open the door, and by the time you're seated, the car is running.  Now I'm thinking I should do the same with my car.