S2000 push-start (engine start) button

S2000 push-start (engine start) button

Electrical Ignition / Starter switch Verified Modification Required

Compatibility Overview

Source Vehicle

S2000

Generation: AP1/AP2

Years: 1999-2009

Target Vehicle

RSX

Generation: DC5

Years: 2002-2006

Installation Difficulty

Easy Basic tools
Moderate Some experience
Difficult Skilled work
Expert Professional

Reference

B18A1 specs → B18C2 specs → B18C7 specs → EC specs → ED specs → EL specs → EM specs → EN specs → ER specs → ES specs → S20 Transmission → RNE ECU → S20 →
Nothing bolts up directly. The button functions as a momentary starter trigger, not a full keyless system: the key must still be inserted and turned to ON so the immobilizer is satisfied, and the button only cranks the starter. Required extras are a 12V 30A SPDT 5-pin relay, 16-18 gauge wire, connectors, and a mounting bezel. Plug-and-play harness kits that plug into the back of the button are sold and reduce the amount of tapping required.
The S2000 button does not fit any RSX opening natively. It needs a custom-molded bezel or panel (the JDM right-hand-drive bezel does not suit a left-hand-drive RSX), or it can be fitted into an existing switch opening such as the hazard-switch location or the round power-mirror switch location by carefully enlarging and beveling the hole and relocating the displaced switch. The wiring is not plug-and-play in the base install: the button drives a 12V 30A SPDT relay whose contacts bridge the RSX ignition-switch crank wires (WHITE and BLACK/WHITE at the brown 8-pin connector), while button power and ground are tapped from the cigarette-lighter harness (YELLOW/GREEN positive, BLACK ground).

Important Caveats

  • • The base single-relay wiring leaves the ACC and IG2 circuits energized during cranking, which can send a spike into the accessory/radio circuit; a two-relay setup is the correct fix per the RSX service manual.
  • • Wiring into the wrong ignition leads can tie cranking to the clutch switch, causing the starter to engage whenever the clutch is pressed.
  • • Do not disable the immobilizer; the starter will crank but the engine will not run.
  • • Use an SPDT 5-pin relay, not an SPST 4-pin relay.

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Community Verification

1
user verified this swap
By KSMatic via Club RSX
Added 1 day ago

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