Auto-lock after shutdown module NO LONGER available

I have discontinued availability of this module due to lack of interest.

 

Re: Auto-lock after shutdown module now available!

Mike, I'm developing the installation instructions tonight.

Here's a quick summary:

Note: All wires are directly in front of you in plain view on the side of the connector facing you. If you are having trouble reaching the wire, that is the WRONG wire. If it seems difficult to acces, it's the wrong wire; double check the photos for clarification.

1. Open driver's door.
2. Pull up front of trim panel on bottom of door jam. (No tools required).
3. Pull off driver's kick panel. (No tools required).
4. Locate the RED wire in the corner of the BLUE connector directly facing you. (See photo). Using pliers, crimp a BLUE crimp connector (included) onto this wire.
5. Plug the Red wire from the module into the crimp connector on the RED wire.
6. (Repeat for the other three wires) (Nate's note: I'll complete this part of the instructions tonight after I take photos, but you get the idea).
7. Use zip tie (included) to locate module in a position that won't rattle. (See photo).
8. Replace kick panel by snapping in place as shown.
9. Replace lower door jam panel be snapping in place. (As shown).


That's it.

Mike, it sounds like you might be a 255 seconds customer; that is, you could continue to lock the vehicle as normal but add the module as a backup in case you forget. There will be no problems with this.

Nate

 

Re: Auto-lock after shutdown module now available!

Yes, the module uses "key-on" as the determination to auto-lock. If the "auto-lock" occurs while the hatch is open, then the car will remain locked.

I could hook up the module to lock after a delay anytime the driver's door is detected to be unlocked... this would mean the car is kept in the locked state all the time; it would be impossible to keep the car unlocked. Perhaps this is what you would prefer?

Nate

 

Re: Auto-lock after shutdown module now available!

Sounds good Mike! Let me know if you are ready to order. Please alert your dealership that the car auto-locks; any dealership worth their salt rolls the window down first thing in case the car is equipped with an auto-lock or auto-arming feature.

Also note that dealerships that accidentally lock the keys in the car can retrieve the key code from their computer using the VIN and cut a full-size mechanical key to get in.

Simply leaving the fob in the slot won't prevent locking if the doors are closed. After all, you may be sitting in the car, trying to lock the doors! If the hood is up, arming will be delayed until it is closed.

Nate

 

Re: Auto-lock after shutdown module now available!

V8, the only time the car will lock if it is on is 15 seconds (or whatever you want) after powering up. If you start the car, jump out, and shut the door, yes, it will lock.

The other trigger is powering down and opening the door.

I could build you a module to do what you described, but I don't think the SE/SS system will let you back in if the car is on!

Perhaps you should consider getting my module but turning the car on and off at deliveries. My module will handle all of your locking needs, so you won't have to mess with the button.

Delivering a package? Just get the hatch opened within 30 seconds (or whatever you would like me to program) and the car will still lock with the hatch open, then arm the alarm after closing.

SE/SS will be ready for you when you get back. The cycle will repeat without problems.

Nate

 

Re: Auto-lock after shutdown module now available!

V8, I am willing to build you a custom module that detects door open while the car is on, then locks the doors a few seconds later. The thing is, the only way back into the car is with the mechanical key. The SE/SS doesn't seem to work, and the remote doesn't work either.

Would you still be interested in buying a module knowing you need to use the mechanical key?

Nate

 

Re: Auto-lock after shutdown module now available!

I need to find a good switch that fits in by the SKS cancel switch. It would either be on or off for the entire module.

As far as the hatch goes, I can set the delay long enough for you to get out, open the hatch, and then if the doors lock, you can close the hatch and all will be locked. You let me know how long that is.

Nate

 

Re: Auto-lock after shutdown module now available!

No, I never found a switch. I certainly searched a lot, though. This whole thing is really becoming time consuming for thus far zero sales.

I think I'm going to stop offering these because it's too much trouble.

Also, the whole thing really only works right with the two-module solution, which has driven up the cost for potential buyers.

Now I know how Coastal Dave must feel. (My sympathies, Dave!)

I've heard the saying that with any engineering project, you can have it good, fast, and cheap. Pick any two.

I'd say two out of three is a pretty good accomplishment.

I started out thinking, hey, I LOVE this mod, I should share this. Now, I kind of feel like my mods are worth documenting, but the effort required to go commercial is too high for such a venture.

So, it was initially fast and cheap, but not that good. Now, it's fast and good, but not that cheap. So, I had been focusing on coming up with a solution that was good and cheap, but it wasn't going to be fast (a long time out). That has ground to a halt, so I have to give up. I've probably got 40 man hours and $400 invested and there seems to be no hope of recouping any of this.

Thanks to those of you who supported me when (I thought) I had a fast, good, cheap solution.

So, I'm "unannouncing" the availability of this mod because there just isn't enough interest to get it off the ground. Perhaps Toyota will add these features to 2006 Prius models and people can trade in for one.

Nate

 

Tom, there just isn't enough interest in this mod. I think what people want is Toyota to address these issues themselves, and to include FOB detection, speed-based or "in gear" locking, smart key on the rear doors, and a valet switch to turn off the auto-lock.

I offered timer lock at startup, timer/trigger unlock after shutdown, and timer lock after shutdown, and there wasn't any real interest. Everyone seems to say, "Nice start, but it needs to do more and cost less." I'm not going to be able to pull this off anytime soon.

I will continue to enjoy my "hands free" SKS but everyone else will have to wait (or go buy an Avalon; it addresses the rear door and lock/ unlock issues).

I think the module's construction and hookups are no secret: Four wires: power, ground, trigger (= powered while key on), action (=simulate a key turn by shorting "key lock" wire to ground).

For the other module, it's five wires: power, ground, trigger (= powered while key on), action 1 (=simulate pressing "lock" by shorting to ground), action 2 (=simulate pressing "unlock" by shorting wire to ground).

Nate