So, um, let's just say someone I know accidently turned their key to try and start their car while was already idling. Let's also say that this person has done this about 2 times on a 1 year old car that is quite popular around here.

Besides making a utterly terrible sound, what exactly does this do to the car? Do I, I mean my friend, have anything to worry about?

 

Nah.

The terrible sound is the starter gear grinding on the flywheel teeth - but it doesn't do squat except make some expensive filings in the bellhousing. If the starter actually managed to engage the teeth, there would likely be a broken starter, but the teeth are rounded and can take the mis-treatment.

Come on, we've all done it!

It's like arson - who hasn't burned down some famous public building? We should all just admit our faults and move on......
Maybe I've said too much.
Bad analogy.
Forget I mentioned it........

S

 

lol i knew it !!!

 

No harm, no foul. Just try not to do it often.

 

Good. I actually found a patent online that completely disables starter motor while the engine is running. I wonder if cars are going to start using this in the coming years.

As for the arson thing, I'm more of a grand theft guy.

 

Terrorism here.


I mean-

 

Child Pornog-

*runs*

 

get a louder exhaust, you wont make that mistake again.

 

Surprisingly it's already in a lot of cars these days. I know exactly what you mean. I just drove a car a couple weeks ago, forgot what it was, and it had that. The key still turns back but nothing happens if it's already running.

 

Really? What kind of car was it?

 

Just helpin ;P

 

oh, wow, I feel sheepish....

 

My 2001 Impala won't engage the starter if the engine is running. You don't even have to hold the key until the engine fires. Just a simple flick will do.

The 8, however, not so much. It surprised me to discover this, considering all the fun high-tech this car has that my Impala doesn't.

 

Get a nice gurgly exhaust, and you definately wont do it

 

I think the JDM Start Button also has circuit to prevent you from engaging the starter if car already started, in case any one press the button twice I guess...

 

Greatly appreciated lol Yea I forgot exactly what it was Danny Ocean, but more and more have them these days, like MikeBusch2 said about his Impala

 

your correct. and any start button(a hacked JDM, or a $20 ebay one) for that matter wont do anything if you took the time to wire in a relay to protect it from just that.

 

You wouldn't happen to have the relay wiring diagram would you?... just curious how to wire one up. thanx

 

How to make your car say, "I HATE YOU!" in the nicest possible way it can.