Hi and Happy New Year !

Being the time of the year that makes us just want to jump out of bed and get out in the cold and start our cars every morning, I was wondering ^_^

Would it be possible to somehow change the wires from the central locking that go to the trunk unlock and solder them to the ignition so that when I push the trunk unlock button on my remote it would start the car ?

I have a 2007 1.6 Ford Focus MK2, and the remote is the kind built-in with 3 buttons (lock,unlock,trunk unlock).http://www.carkeyhelp.ie/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/ford-remote-key-hu100.jpg

Thanks !

It would take a lot more changing the wires about - you'd have to work out how to bypass the security system which only lets you start the car when the key is detected at the ignition switch, then find it annoying that every time you go to open the trunk it tries to start it the car.

Doesn't mean it's impossible but more than a simple mod I'd say.

I do know people that have remote start on there cars but they have used a kit to do it. I really wouldn't think it would be the best to use the boot wiring for it. When I've seen it in action it's always had a separate fob for it. It would be nice to get into a warm car on these cold wet mornings at 5am though.

Oh, I see... do you happen to know what the prerequisites are for the ignition to work ? like you said, does it first need to sense the key inserted in the switch ?

I don't have any alarm on it as far as I know, just the basic lock/unlock factory central locking system.

As far as the button for the trunk goes, I've never used it, I always unlock the whole car when in need to get something out/in of the trunk. I don't see the point of it either lol, maybe someone could shed some light.

I thought it would work and would be the easiest solution just to tap into the trunk unlock system and couple it with the ignition switch.

Where can I find the central locking for the mk2 ? Might be worth a look

Yeah, a warm car sure would be wonderful, we've had -20 degrees C the last few days.

Oh, I see... do you happen to know what the prerequisites are for the ignition to work ? like you said, does it first need to sense the key inserted in the switch ?

I thought it would work and would be the easiest solution just to tap into the trunk unlock system and couple it with the ignition switch.

Where can I find the central locking for the mk2 ? Might be worth a look

I don't think it specifically detects the key actually being in the ignition but it definitely will look for the key's transponder chip to be in close proximity to the steering column where the switch is.

There is a way to work round that but if you got it working it would mean that anyone operating your boot switch would be able to start your car - without digging further into it the way I'd see you having to go down would mean duplicating all the switching functions of the ignition switch with relay's controlled from the boot switch, plus simulating that the key is in position. But obvious drawbacks to work round would be how do you stop the car and turn the ignition off? and you'd have the potential of being able to drive the car without key in ignition and hence with steering lock still on. You'd also have to work out a way of the boot button doing dual function of latching ignition on, but only operating starter motor while button is pressed for example.

And seeing how some Focus boot buttons are prone to getting water in them that would be rather tricky if it decided to short itself out.....

Linking with the central locking system would maybe get round some of the problems with security, but could then take you into having to work with canbus signals instead of straight forward switched feeds.

I'm thinking about connecting straight to the starter wires located at the key switch, but indeed, I'd somehow have to turn on the ignition as well. Regarding safety, I planned on installing a on/off button for the gimmick somewhere under the dash, which I'd only turn on the night before.

You are also right about the steering lock, but I would classify these caveats luxury at the moment, given the simple nature of the installation. I wouldn't mind turning off the engine and then back on using the key. (But I do wonder what would happen if I were to turn the key to ignition and starter while the engine would be still running - would this damage the starter ?)

I don't think the starter would like being operated while the engine is already running, I put in a starter button on my ST170 which operated starter motor but only after ignition key was at position 2. I picked up an engine running signal going to EATC panel to operate an interlock relay so it wouldn't work with engine running.

Also, on mk1 Focus it actually fed starter motor current directly through ignition switch, you'd need to use a 30A relay if mk2 works the same or you'd burn out either the boot switch wiring, the boot switch or both.

Have you had a look at the wiring schematic file that's a sticky topic on the forum? that'd give you an idea of what you're looking at.

Wouldn't it be easier to buy a remote start alarm. Seen a few cheap enough and wouldn't break the bank either.

Hmm.. indeed, it's starting to get more complicated than I'd originaly thought... I'll have to take a close look at the wiring, I found the pdf file you were mentioning.

supercmaxer, could you recommend some aftermarket remote starters ? I'll have to order one online, the ones imported here in Romania are more expensive. I'll have a look on ebay if you know any brands/models.

Hmm.. indeed, it's starting to get more complicated than I'd originaly thought... I'll have to take a close look at the wiring, I found the pdf file you were mentioning.

supercmaxer, could you recommend some aftermarket remote starters ? I'll have to order one online, the ones imported here in Romania are more expensive. I'll have a look on ebay if you know any brands/models.

There are a few out there, Clifford well known alarm company, I used to have a cobra system in my ford Orion back in the days and that worked a treat fully fitted. Are you fitting it yourself?

Look on eBay uk. Some auto electricians might fit it for about £100.