Why let the ECU run the starter?
With the ECU in charge of the starter, you get push-button starting, a limit on how long the starter can crank, automatic disengagement once the engine fires, and interlocks so it can't crank in gear. On a race car with a start button, that means a quick jab starts the engine, the starter never grinds while the engine is running, and the car can't lurch forward because someone hit the button in gear.
General settings
| Setting | Range | What it does |
|---|---|---|
| Max Starting Attempt Time | 0.5 to 10.0 seconds | The longest the starter will run on one attempt. Only applies when the ECU has a start button or key input |
| Starter-Off Engine RPM | 10 to 5000 rpm | Once the engine reaches this speed, the starter won't engage |
For crank time, long enough to reliably start a warm or cold engine is right, but not so long that a no-start turns into a flat battery or a hot starter. For starter-off rpm, pick a speed the engine will run at on its own without stalling, comfortably above cranking speed.
Lockouts
Lockouts stop the starter engaging unless a condition is met. We recommend using at least one, so the engine can't be cranked by accident.
- Brake Not Applied: the brake pedal must be pressed to crank.
- Clutch Not Applied: the clutch pedal must be down to crank. This is the classic manual-car interlock.
- Not In Neutral Gear / Park: the car has to be in neutral, or park on an automatic.
- Custom Condition: build your own blocking condition from any channel.
Each lockout depends on the ECU actually seeing that input, such as a brake pedal switch, clutch switch or neutral switch. Check each one in NSP before trusting it.
Disable Starter Motor When
This is another way to add your own condition that prevents the starter engaging. Use it for anything the built-in lockouts don't cover, such as an arming switch, or blocking the starter while a security feature is active.
A starter solenoid draws far more current than an ECU output can handle. The ECU should switch a relay, and the relay feeds the solenoid. See starter motor wiring for how to connect it.
