Ignition Switch

Nexus Series Firmware Help › Electrical › Ignition SwitchUpdated Sep 2026

The Nexus needs to know what kind of ignition switch you have, a push button or a traditional key, so it can power up and stay on correctly.

This setting tells the Nexus how to interpret your ignition switch. It's a small setting, but get it wrong and the ECU may shut down the moment you let go of the button, or never power off at all.

Choosing the switch type

  • On / Off Switch: for a traditional key or a toggle. The switch stays on the whole time the engine runs, and turning it off shuts things down.
  • Momentary: for a push button that's only on while pressed. The ECU latches its own power through the engine control relay once you release the button, so the car keeps running.

Wiring

The ignition switch has to be wired to the dedicated +12V Ignition Switch Input. No other input can be used for this function.

If you're building a push-button start, read up on the engine control relay and start/stop button setup before you wire it, since the relay latching is what keeps the car running after you release the button. Not sure which suits your build? Ask us.