Problem w/button used to help start car

[Neejay]

My semi-mechanic installed a button underneath the dash that goes directly to the starter, so I have to push it while turning the key to get the car to start.

Well when I was trouble shooting why my car wouldnt start (later found out it was the starter and the button just prolonged the failure) I moved a wire that went from the button to a fuse. Now I have to hold the button down, and the key turned while nothing happens, then after holding it and re-trying for a while, it will eventually crank and turn over without any hesitation/problem.

When I hook back up the original setup, nothing happens (regular key turning). What fuse should that wire be going to? Or is there something else wrong?

EDIT: I did some more searching and found this:

It's the simplest thing in the world. All you're doing is using a button to start the car instead of turning the key one more position. Ignition on, wire the button to the black/yellow feed at the key switch to trigger the solenoid. Some kits come with a low current switch and relay, other just use a high current switch. Follow the instructions that came with it, whichever design it is. Do NOT use the orange wire to the ECU, that is a signal wire only.
So does this mean that I won't need a relay in there if I wire it too the black/yellow feed? Or is this the "high current switch" only?

Then I found this:

I do NOT recommend the high current setup. Because most push button can not handle the amount of current through the button itself it will melt. It can also cause a short to make your starter stay on. Best way to do it is to wire it through a relay.

This is EXACTLY my problem. I think it's wired with just 2 wires: starter and another one was attached to a fuse (forgot which one though). My starter wouldnt cut off, and since I had to keep it on to move the car, it eventually just cut off while we were moving the car. Is my starter fried?

So Im confused. Where exactly does the relay wire in? I couldn't find any pics, as that would help a LOT.

And if you have a diagram or take the time to explain/show it, please do it in SIMPLE terms (i.e. red wire -> relay -> starter) I dont know shit about electronics/wiring. :)

EDIT x2: Does this look about right?:
http://www.neejay.net/pics/push_start.jpg

[Neejay]

Of course...for some reason now my starter WILL NOT STOP TURNING. Even with the car on, it just keeps whinding/turning. I have to disconnect a battery terminal to keep it from turning. Then to make it worse, since I have an automatic, I had to let it keep doing that so we could push the car uphill, and eventually it stopped whirring. I didnt even try to crank it again, I just disconnected the neg terminal.

WTF is going on?

EDIT: Also, now with the OEM setup (just using the key) it seems to work now.

[i20ar]

we did this to my friends corolla..depending on how your button is. the starter is using all12v of the battry so ou need a heavey duty switch.. we used a home lightswitch in my buddys car.. and it works fine.. all he has to do is put the key in the start position then flip the switch till it starts.. then just flips it off.. try starting yyour car withought turning the key and jsut leave it in the on position.. maybe the signals are fighting each other

[NIK90s13]

Aside from the button, it sounds like the starter relay is sticking. But serch for remote start button, it has been covered on here, recheck your work on the button set up. Then if you are sure it is good , then check your relay.

[Neejay]

Aside from the button, it sounds like the starter relay is sticking. But serch for remote start button, it has been covered on here, recheck your work on the button set up. Then if you are sure it is good , then check your relay.
Starter relay...I hope it's that simple. Someone also said to see if the starter has worked its way off the tranny.

I was going to search, but I didn't know if this button was actually a "remote start button"...I thought those were when you just push the button and the car comes on. Thanks for the tips though.

[chrisstroud]

Why exactly do you have a start button anyway?
I guess I can appreciate the novelty of having a big red "START" button, but you would probably be better off cutting starter wiring out of a car at the JY and just returning it to stock.
Anyway, see if the starter relay is clicking, and make sure that none of the added-on wiring is chafing against anything or shorting out.

[Neejay]

Why exactly do you have a start button anyway?
I guess I can appreciate the novelty of having a big red "START" button, but you would probably be better off cutting starter wiring out of a car at the JY and just returning it to stock.
Anyway, see if the starter relay is clicking, and make sure that none of the added-on wiring is chafing against anything or shorting out.
Well, as I said, it was only because it was getting harder and harder to start my car. So it was actually a temp fix. And in my "EDIT", I returned it to stock. Basically the only wiring was a wire to a fuse, and another one to the starter. The one to the starter (that connects to it) has been disconnected already. This starter problem happened with the stock start setup.

[TipStylez]

i got the same setup, sounds likey ou got a cheap button. get a more heavy duty one. Or just rice out and get a light up PUSH START button. You can be JDM tyte!!!

[Neejay]

Turns out the button melted, and the starter now just buzzes/whirres. Of fucking course...8 months of doing stuff to the car and not being able to drive it, and Im back where I started.

I think the starter is shot now.

[Neejay]

Bump, still no help :(

I have a 30am relay already (happen to have one already with a plug/harness):

30 = Thick Red
86 = Thin Red
87a = Black
85 = White

What goes to what?

[vinhnumber]

yeah I had to do that in that corolla meantioned earlier, all i used was a house light switch because it uses a tremendous amount of power anyways, and it wouldn't blow up on me i just turn it to on position and turn off right away most lil buttons you install can't take that much power, so i used the light switch and painted it black.

[Walperstyle]

what was the outcome of this?

[Sir]

if all the current went through that switch no wonder it melted. just be thankfull you didnt burn your car down.

If you want it done nice, just go to any local stereo shop and ask them to install it for you.

[cmcdougle]

ok, the relay works like a switch. Two wires are the hot ones, one from the battery, one to the starter, or from the starter to the ground. The other two are from the switch or button, to the relay to the ground.

when you press the button/switch, the little solleniod in the relay switches on the starter, and when you let go of the button/switch, it turns off the starter.

http://sfriday.com/VFR800/HOTGRIPS/relay.jpg

here is how you do it:

Positive to button
button to low in
low out to 10 amp fuse
10 amp fuse to ground

Positive to fuse
fuse to 30 amp
30 amp to starter

If you want to do it right, put the fuse in the fuse box and the relay in the engine fuse box.

[Neejay]

what was the outcome of this?
My starter took a shit because of the crappy button install. I tried to start the car and the starter just kept whirring. Had it tested and it had taken a shit. Bought a new starter and kept the OEM start-up setup.

Car has never crunk up this fast since I've had the car. One or two times right after I got the new starter, it kept whirring when trying to start the car...but it stopped and I haven't had a problem since. My guess is that I still have a wire demon in the car somewhere...but the button still F'ed my starter.

One day when I'm not too lazy I might try this again...