Starter Computer controlled?
12-19-2012, 01:32 PM
#1
1st Gear Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Nov 2012
Location: NV
Posts: 74
Starter Computer controlled?
It seems to me that the starter in my Mustang (2013 V6 Auto) is controlled by a computer. ( Like in cars with pushbutton start.)
If I just flick the key to the start position for a fraction of a second. (Like might happen if it slips out of your hand while trying to start) The car will start fine.
In older cars, if my finger slipped off the key, the starter would just run for that fraction of a second and probably not start the car.
But in my Mustang, the starter seems to crank the engine until it starts, even if I've released the key. Similarly, if I hold the key in the start position for a long time, the starter will just crank the engine until the it starts then disengage even if I'm still holding the key in the start position.
I'm assuming that when you twist the key to the start position this simply issues a command to a computer than then actually activates the starter. I'm not sure if it cranks the engine for a fixed length of time, or it's programmed to crank until the computer decides that the car has started.
Anyone else notice this?
If I just flick the key to the start position for a fraction of a second. (Like might happen if it slips out of your hand while trying to start) The car will start fine.
In older cars, if my finger slipped off the key, the starter would just run for that fraction of a second and probably not start the car.
But in my Mustang, the starter seems to crank the engine until it starts, even if I've released the key. Similarly, if I hold the key in the start position for a long time, the starter will just crank the engine until the it starts then disengage even if I'm still holding the key in the start position.
I'm assuming that when you twist the key to the start position this simply issues a command to a computer than then actually activates the starter. I'm not sure if it cranks the engine for a fixed length of time, or it's programmed to crank until the computer decides that the car has started.
Anyone else notice this?
Last edited by vegas_; 12-19-2012 at 01:32 PM. Reason: typo
12-19-2012, 01:41 PM
#2
Gentleman's Relish
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: AZ
Posts: 13,090
Probably not computer controlled but controlled by a delay relay or timer switch. In other words, once the relay or timer switch is enganged it is set to allow current to pass through it for a set amount of time before cutting power. This avoids the whole, crank for a split second and not start.
It's like what many new Euro cars are doing (and some domestics now), hit the turn signal switch for a split second and the turn signals for that side continue to flash for a few times.
It's like what many new Euro cars are doing (and some domestics now), hit the turn signal switch for a split second and the turn signals for that side continue to flash for a few times.
12-19-2012, 04:13 PM
#3
Cut & Paste Expert
Join Date: May 2007
Location: NW Arkansas
Posts: 13,322
tHE pcm CONTROLS THE STARTING...
fricken caps lock...
key switch to pcm to starter relay to starter...
pcm no allow the starter when engine is running...
I have my starter wired on all the time and use
the clutch switch to start her...
Insert key to run and depress clutch and she starts right up...
fricken caps lock...
key switch to pcm to starter relay to starter...
pcm no allow the starter when engine is running...
I have my starter wired on all the time and use
the clutch switch to start her...
Insert key to run and depress clutch and she starts right up...
12-20-2012, 09:27 AM
#4
1st Gear Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Nov 2012
Location: NV
Posts: 74
Probably not computer controlled but controlled by a delay relay or timer switch. In other words, once the relay or timer switch is enganged it is set to allow current to pass through it for a set amount of time before cutting power. This avoids the whole, crank for a split second and not start.
It's like what many new Euro cars are doing (and some domestics now), hit the turn signal switch for a split second and the turn signals for that side continue to flash for a few times.
It's like what many new Euro cars are doing (and some domestics now), hit the turn signal switch for a split second and the turn signals for that side continue to flash for a few times.
Yeah that's probably a warranty cost item, too many idiots starting their cars while it's running, thus damaging the starter or flywheel.
It would be interesting to hear from someone in a cold climate, to see if it cranks longer in cold weather.
12-26-2012, 10:27 PM
#6
1st Gear Member
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: CA
Posts: 110
It seems to me that the starter in my Mustang (2013 V6 Auto) is controlled by a computer. ( Like in cars with pushbutton start.)
If I just flick the key to the start position for a fraction of a second. (Like might happen if it slips out of your hand while trying to start) The car will start fine.
In older cars, if my finger slipped off the key, the starter would just run for that fraction of a second and probably not start the car.
But in my Mustang, the starter seems to crank the engine until it starts, even if I've released the key. Similarly, if I hold the key in the start position for a long time, the starter will just crank the engine until the it starts then disengage even if I'm still holding the key in the start position.
I'm assuming that when you twist the key to the start position this simply issues a command to a computer than then actually activates the starter. I'm not sure if it cranks the engine for a fixed length of time, or it's programmed to crank until the computer decides that the car has started.
Anyone else notice this?
If I just flick the key to the start position for a fraction of a second. (Like might happen if it slips out of your hand while trying to start) The car will start fine.
In older cars, if my finger slipped off the key, the starter would just run for that fraction of a second and probably not start the car.
But in my Mustang, the starter seems to crank the engine until it starts, even if I've released the key. Similarly, if I hold the key in the start position for a long time, the starter will just crank the engine until the it starts then disengage even if I'm still holding the key in the start position.
I'm assuming that when you twist the key to the start position this simply issues a command to a computer than then actually activates the starter. I'm not sure if it cranks the engine for a fixed length of time, or it's programmed to crank until the computer decides that the car has started.
Anyone else notice this?
Yes, it's the same on my '11.
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