If you're like us, even if you haven't been paying attention, your social feed and YouTube algorithmic displays have been serving up a number of posts and videos related to a simple-to-install push button start system for 90s-era Hondas (and beyond). Responsible for these user-friendly conversion kits is Jordan Distributors, Inc. - a group that long supplied automotive parts before recently introducing their own line of innovative goods.
The focus with their endeavor thus far is simple to install components that make life easier, while adding a layer (or multiple layers) of security. While Honda theft has long been an issue, the increasing value of these 20+ year-old chassis and the impossible to find parts attached to them means the old days of a basic alarm with a siren that no one will even think twice about as it wails under the moonlight are long gone.
For some owners, modernizing certain aspects of an older Honda is a prime focus. Ditching an often-problematic distributor for a coil-on-plug conversion, for instance, is a great way to increase reliability. For cars like my 1992 Acura Integra, another point of weakness and frustration is the car's main relay.
Controlling the activation of the fuel pump, they're notorious for letting go, usually leaving owners stranded at the worst possible times. They can be opened and re-soldered, but like most items under constant use over so many years, they're destined to fail again. They're pricey and OEM versions are tough to find, leaving many to opt for aftermarket replacements. Walking into your local automotive chain store and finding a suitable replacement isn't likely to happen. That's where JDi's Main Relay Conversion Kit comes into play.
JDi's conversion consists of a direct plug that mates to the factory harness, pre-wired, and linked to a standard 5-pin relay that you'll find just about anywhere. Rather than dropping upwards of $80 to replace your original main relay, you're looking at about $10 for replacement.
In addition, JDi includes a switch with 6 feet of cable length that you can hide wherever you'd like. That switch controls the fuel pump and without it being turned on, the car can't start, adding a layer of security to your build.
Installation couldn't be any easier since JDi takes care of all the wiring. For my 2nd gen. Integra, the factory relay sits just behind the lower dash cover's coin pocket.
Remove the panel, unbolt the metal support, and it's mounted just inside. Unplug the factory harness, remove the M6 bolt holding it in place, and this is what you're left with to fully remove.
The JDi harness is an exact match, using a factory Honda plug and it easily connects.
If you'd like to add the fuel pump kill switch, it's already pre-wired, you simply interrupt the black wire using the spade connectors already on the fuel pump defeat expansion harness.
Plugged in and bolted in place, I then ran the kill switch and mounted it out of site and to a position I'd prefer to not share publicly. That's it. The entire process took about 20 minutes to complete. I now have a modern relay solution that is incredibly cheap to replace, readily available anywhere, and I've added some additional security as well. If for some reason I want to go back to the factory relay, it would take the same amount to reverse things.
With the lower portion of the dash still open, I turned my attention toward JDi's Plug And Play Push button Start Conversion Kit.
To begin, the clamshell that sits behind the steering wheel hub needs to be removed.
With the plastics out of the way, I had access to the rounded bolts that hold the ignition tumbler in place. My goal was to remove this to mount the start button where the key would usually go. Just to note, you don't have to do it this way, you can mount the button elsewhere and will not have to remove the tumbler. If you chose that option, you'll still need your key to unlock the wheel so you can drive.
The headless bolt looks more intimidating than it is. Using a flathead that I held against the bolt at a slight angle, I gave the screwdriver's end a few taps with a hammer and it began loosening.
Working my way around the bolt, after 3 taps to get it to move a little each time, it was able to be removed by hand. There's a second bolt on the opposite end that needs to be removed in the same manner.
Once the ignition is free, one portion needs to be unplugged from the factory harness, while another smaller plug is connected directly to the fuse box and is easily removed and the entire assembly is taken out.
A black push start button is included with the kit but there are upgrades available, like this deep red button. It fits perfectly into the key hole as-is, but I decided to keep the factory rubber grommet in place on mine.
On the backside, a metal ring threads on and sandwiches the button into place and it's secure.
This is the system control box and will be mounted out of sight. You can set your preferences by selecting the up or down position of each of these 4 switches. For example, number 1 in the up position will crank the engine for .8 seconds, while setting the switch to the down position will bring the cranking time up to 1 full second for cars that need a little more time to fully engage. You can also choose to start immediately once the button is pushed or pause for a few moments to let the ECU power up and the fuel pump to prime. The options are listed in the user manual and should be set up before finishing the install, when they're still easy to get to.
Back under the dash, you'll need to pull signal from the brake pedal sensor, so the system knows the brake is engaged to allow start up. There's no need to de-pin anything, you simply clip on this included quick connecter that accepts a spade connector from the harness (orange wire).
The kit's main harness plugs into the factory wiring harness on one end, and to the fuse box on the other end - the exact same way original ignition was connected. The only difference is you'll need to source a ground for the harness. There are multiple M6 bolts under the dash within close proximity to choose from.
The last piece of the install is another one I'll keep to myself in terms of its final location, but it's this circular antenna which reads your access key and allows the vehicle to be started. Since each kit has its own unique code, your key can't be copied. Included in the standard kit are 2 small key fobs and a credit card-sized version.
Other key options are available and include leather key tags and discreet, adhesive-backed "button" that you can attach to your phone. If you're removing the factory ignition cylinder, all you need to start and drive is one of the above options.
With everything connected and secured under the dash, the car was fired up after about 35min of install time. Scan the key fob and listen for the 2 beeps, then tap the start button once and it's exactly like turning your OEM ignition to the first click - my stereo powers up. A second tap turns on my ECU and digital dash. With my foot on the brake, the car fires. Once the car is running, to turn it off, I just put my foot back on the brake and tap the start button once, and it shuts down.
Currently, the push button start system is available for all 1988-2011 Civic and 1990-97 Integra, but the group also offers complete kits for various model Accord, Prelude, CRV, TSX, and more.
It's a tough combo to beat on both the push button start and main relay conversion, both of which offer simple installation, added security, modernization, and a very reasonable entry price. And they've got other products available with security in mind, like their Ghost Lock kit that features integrated 4G LTE tracking via Trackmate GP, LLC., allowing you to keep tabs on your vehicle from your phone and even disable its fuel pump remotely.
This Ghost Box 2.0 Bluetooth device is perfect for those that want music in their car but don't want a radio in place whether it be due to potential theft, not wanting to give up space that could be used for gauges, or simply want a clean look.
With 4-channels at 50 watts each, the Ghost Box can power your front and rear speakers and if you need more, there's a set of RCA outputs to connect an amplifier. All housed in this compact box that can be placed just about anywhere out of sight and, of course, it just plugs right in using a factory Honda harness. And, if you want to mount it well out of the way, there's an extension harness available.
With everyone using their phones to stream music or podcasts, this is the perfect way to maintain that while avoiding using an actual head unit. JDi offers Honda, Toyota, Nissan, Mazda, and universal harnesses.
The term plug-and-play gets thrown around quite a bit in our industry, and JDi might as well use that as their company motto. They've seemingly thought of everything, and the result is a product that literally anyone can install with the most basic hand tools and realize modern touches and much needed additional security.