Talking Lady: "Keys are in the Ignition"

[asavage]

As you know, the console "Voice Warning" rocker switch will disable all voice messages -- except one: "Key is in the Ignition". I find key reminders annoying. My habit is to pull the key out slightly so the key switch thinks the key is out, before opening the door. All to avoid that voice.

There's a workaround. I haven't fully tested it, and actually haven't implemented it in final form yet, but I'll start here.

You can remove the lower or upper steering column shroud, find one of the wires to the key switch (Red w/Blue stripe is easy). It's a 1/4" spade connection. Pull that connector, wrap male end with tape. That's it: no more "Key" voice warning.

The "Lights are On" warning still works -- it uses the door switch for its input. Likewise, the "Fuel Level is Low" warning should be unaffected. I don't know about "Door is Ajar".

I am going to pick up a subminiature toggle switch for the lower column plastic, and put a couple of wires with terminals on them (one 1/4" male, one 1/4" female) and connect the switch to the harness. That way, should I ever feel the need, I can turn the feature back on (why?). And the harness will remain unbutchered.

[glenlloyd]

I consider the fact that mine doesn't work at all a blessing, otherwise I'd be tempted to disable it permanently.

steve a

[kassim503]

mine drives me insane

[asavage]

For foggy daytime driving, when I am running with HL on, I like a reminder to turn them off when leaving the car.

When driving long distances, it's nice to have a reminder that the fuel is low, though the gauge is adequate.

The "Parking Brake is On" could be considered a Good Thing.

I don't know that I care for the "Right Door is Ajar" thing.

It's really only the "Key is in the Ignition" one that I can't stand. I don't live where removing the keys is mandatory every time I exit.

[Carimbo]

That way, should I ever feel the need, I can turn the feature back on (why?).

Why? For when you loan your car to your girlfriend who has probably locked the keys inside almost every car she has driven. Last time was with the car running, "parked" in the middle of the street, windows rolled up and heater on fullblast, 11:30 PM. Normal buzzers or chimes are sometimes not enough. The obnoxious lady voice seems to work.

Al I liked your idea; I may do similar.

[asavage]

Pictures:





I have a dozen switches in storage, none that I liked for this app. I'll pick up some subminis tomorrow.

[kassim503]

well you cant really lock your keys in the car with these cars, try locking the drivers door and closing it- it has a anti lockout feature and the drivers door would unlock before closing.

after reading al's posting I really realize how much of a pain in the a** the key in ignition warning is, I yank the key a little bit out to turn off the alarm mabye 10-15 times a day

Is there a parking brake on feature? I dont think Ive ever heard mine, mabye ill do some driving with it on and see what it does.

[asavage]

For the "Parking Brake is On" to be heard, I think you have to set it with the car stationary, then travel above 5 MPH -- or something like that. I've heard it on the '83, can't recall if the '82 does that one too.

[kassim503]

Its so nice to have the car not talk to me when i have the keys in it anymore

[glenlloyd]

well you cant really lock your keys in the car with these cars, try locking the drivers door and closing it- it has a anti lockout feature and the drivers door would unlock before closing.

Ah, but you can. If you lock all the doors via the driver lock, then close the driver door while holding the driver outside handle in the open position, you can lock the car with the keys inside! It takes work, but it can be done!

steve a

[kassim503]

well you cant really lock your keys in the car with these cars, try locking the drivers door and closing it- it has a anti lockout feature and the drivers door would unlock before closing.

Ah, but you can. If you lock all the doors via the driver lock, then close the driver door while holding the driver outside handle in the open position, you can lock the car with the keys inside! It takes work, but it can be done!

steve a

I never knew that, i thought the only way to lock your keys in the car is to go in thru another door and lock all them manually, then shut the door on your keys

[83_maxima]

well you cant really lock your keys in the car with these cars, try locking the drivers door and closing it- it has a anti lockout feature and the drivers door would unlock before closing.

Ah, but you can. If you lock all the doors via the driver lock, then close the driver door while holding the driver outside handle in the open position, you can lock the car with the keys inside! It takes work, but it can be done!

steve a

I always have to hold the hadle up when I close the door or it doesn't lock.

This is not by design? The 84 is the same way.

[kassim503]

If its locked, then you close the door and the door unlocks, thats the anti lockout feature

[glenlloyd]

If its locked, then you close the door and the door unlocks, thats the anti lockout feature

Not if you hold the outside handle up (open position), then the door shuts and the lock remains locked. I've owned other cars that worked in this manner too, can't recall off-hand which ones but that's one of the reasons I tried it.

steve a

[goglio704]

81 Subaru was the same way, had to hold the handle up or the door would unlock as you closed it. Both my Maxima's are this way. Problem is it becomes a habit to hold the handle up and next thing you know you have locked your keys up.