If you’re like us, even if you’re not paying attention, your social feeds and YouTube algorithms reveal that there are already plenty of posts and videos related to the easy-to-install push-button start system of the 90s Honda (and beyond).Responsible for these user-friendly conversion kits is Jordan Distributors, Inc. – a long-standing supplier of auto parts before recently launching its own line of innovative products.
So far, their efforts have focused on simply installing components that make life easier, while adding a layer (or layers) of security.While Honda theft has long been a problem, the increasing value of these 20+ year old chassis and the inability to find the parts that connect to them means the old days of basic sirens with sirens that no one would think twice about in the moonlight. The wailing is long gone.
For some owners, modernizing some aspects of the old Honda is the main concern.For example, ditching an often-problematic distributor for coil-plug conversions is a great way to improve reliability.With a car 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, often leaving owners in trouble at the worst of times.They can be opened and re-soldered, but like most items that have been in constant use over the years, they are doomed to fail again.They are expensive, and OEM versions are hard to find, leaving many opting for aftermarket replacements.Walking into your local car chain and finding a suitable replacement is unlikely to happen.This is where JDi’s main relay conversion kits come into play.
JDi’s conversions include direct plugs that mate with factory wiring harnesses, pre-wired, and connect to standard 5-pin relays you can find almost anywhere.Instead of dropping over $80 to replace your original main relay, you’re looking for about $10 to replace.
Additionally, JDi includes a switch with a 6-foot cable that you can hide anywhere you like.This switch controls the fuel pump, and without turning it on, the car won’t start, adding a layer of safety to your build.
Installation couldn’t be easier as JDi took care of all the wiring.For my second generation.Integra, the factory relay is located behind the coin pocket in the lower dash cover.
Remove the panel, loosen the metal bracket, and it will fit inside.Unplug the factory wiring harness, remove the M6 bolts that hold it in place, and that’s what you’ll be removing completely.
If you want to add a fuel pump shutoff switch, it’s already pre-wired, you just use the spade connector on the fuel pump fail extension harness to interrupt the black wire.
Plugged in and bolted into place, then I ran the kill switch and installed it off-site and in a location I didn’t want to share publicly.That’s it.The whole process takes about 20 minutes to complete.I now have a modern relay solution that is very cheap to replace, available everywhere, and I’ve added some extra security.If for some reason I wanted to go back to the factory relay, it would take the same amount to reverse things.
With the lower part of the dash still open, I turned my attention to JDi’s plug-and-play button Start Conversion Kit.
Without the plastic, I have access to the round bolts that hold the ignition in place.My goal is to remove it to fit the start button where the key would normally be.Note that you don’t have to do this, you can mount the button elsewhere without having to remove the roller.If you choose this option, you still need your key to unlock the wheels so you can drive.
Headless bolts look more intimidating than they actually are.With a flat head, I leaned against the bolt at a slight angle, I hit the end of the screwdriver a few times with a hammer and it started to come loose.
Work around the bolt, after 3 taps at a time to move it a bit, you can remove it by hand.The other end has a second bolt that needs to be removed in the same way.
Once the ignition is free, one part needs to be unplugged from the factory wiring harness, while another smaller plug goes directly to the fuse box and is easily removed and the entire assembly is taken out.
A black push-to-start button is included in the kit, but there are also upgrades available, such as this crimson button.It fits the keyhole perfectly as is, but I decided to leave the factory rubber grommet in my place.
This is the system control box and will be installed out of sight.You can set your preference by selecting the up or down position of each of these 4 switches.For example, number 1 in the up position will start the engine for 0.8 seconds, while setting the switch to the down position will give up to 1 second for a car that takes more time to fully engage.You can also choose to start immediately after pressing the button or pause for a moment to allow the ECU to energize and start the fuel pump.These options are listed in the user manual and should be set before completing the installation, when they are still readily available.
Back under the dash, you need to pull the signal from the brake pedal sensor so the system knows the brakes are engaged to allow launch.There is no need to remove anything, you just clip on this included quick connector which accepts a spade connector from the wire harness (orange wire).
The kit’s main harness goes into the factory harness on one end and the fuse box on the other – exactly the way the original ignition was wired.The only difference is that you need to provide ground for the wiring harness.Several M6 bolts are available under the dash.
The last part of the installation is another final location that I will keep for myself, but it’s this circular antenna that reads your access key and allows the vehicle to start.Since each kit has its own unique code, your key cannot be duplicated.Included in the standard kit are 2 small keychains and a credit card sized version.
Other key options are also available, including leather key labels and hidden adhesive-backed “buttons” that you can attach to your phone.If you’re removing the factory fired cylinder, you only need to start and drive one of the options above.
After connecting and securing everything under the dash, the car was on fire after about 35 minutes of installation.Scan the key fob and listen for 2 beeps, then tap the start button once, it’s like turning your OEM ignition to the first tap – my stereo turned on.A second tap opens my ECU and digital dashboard.My foot hit the brakes and the car caught fire.Once the car is running, to shut it off, I just put my foot back on the brake and tap the start button once and it shuts off.
Currently, the push-button start system is available on all 1988-2011 Civics and 1990-97 Integras, but the group also offers complete kits for various models Accord, Prelude, CRV, TSX and more.
It’s a hard-to-beat combination when it comes to push-button start and main relay switching, both offering easy installation, added safety, modernity and a very reasonable entry price.They also offer other products with security, such as their Ghost Lock kit, which features integrated 4G LTE tracking via Trackmate GP, LLC., allowing you to keep an eye on your vehicle from your phone and even disable its fuel pump remotely.
This Ghost Box 2.0 Bluetooth device is perfect for those who want to put music in their car but don’t want to install a radio, whether it’s due to potential theft, don’t want to give up space available for the gauges, or just want a clean look.
The Ghost Box has 4 channels of 50 watts each to power your front and rear speakers, and a set of RCA outputs to hook up to an amplifier if you need more.It’s all packed into this compact box that fits almost anywhere you can’t see it, and of course, it just plugs in using a factory Honda wiring harness.And, if you want to have it installed, an extension harness is available.
Since everyone uses their phone to stream music or podcasts, it’s the perfect way to stay that way while avoiding an actual console.JDi supplies Honda, Toyota, Nissan, Mazda and Universal wiring harnesses.
The term plug and play is so widely used in our industry that JDi might as well use it as their company motto.They seem to have thought of everything, and the result is a product that anyone can install with the most basic hand tools and achieve modern style and much-needed extra security.