Start Button

 I set asside my troubles with the quarter side panels and windows although I think I have figured out how to fix.

I got pissed that the batteries in the FOBs kept running down.  Like every two weeks.  This is partly because of the passive entry system which keeps them active alot.  You have to keep them a long way from the car when not in use, or store them in a Faraday pouch.  I tried both and neither worked with these so I assumed that's the way they worked and I don't like it.  The vendor was no help but I talked to another vender with a competing passive system and he told me 2 months is a good average for battery life.  

So I purchased a different system.  We wanted push button start so I bought a different Start Button.   Actually its from the same company but it is not integrated with the passive security.  Then because you cannot have a push button start without some security or anyone can steal your car because the button would be always active.  Open the door push the button and you're gone.

Plus the security system locks and unlocks the doors.  I purchased a new system that just locks and unlocks the doors, no passive control and no security alarm.  I does beep the horn on lock and unlock if you want but thats all.  Does not monitor break-ins.

So the start button needs to be authorized by some method in order to activate it when you want to start the car.  I got a special latching relay and wired it so when the door is unlocked with the FOB the start button is automatically authorized.  When you lock the car it takes the authorization away so the car is secure again.

This is fine until you get caught with a broken or dead FOB.  If this happens you can unlock the door with the key and there is a hidden switch under the dash that will manually authorize the start button.  The switch will also completely disable the start button if you want.

This all works pretty well with with these new non passive FOBs you don't have to be careful where you leave them and the batteries will last over a year or more.

I'm finally happy with this so will go back to working on the interior.

3/23 Update:  Back to ground zero.  The system I put in had other problems so I purchased another system, same is in the truck so I know it works great.  Finally got this installed and the car all back together today so I'm finally moving on now to finish the interior.