What it does
With the Turbo Timer enabled, switching the ignition key off doesn't stop the engine right away. The Elite keeps it running for a time you program, letting oil and coolant carry heat away from the turbo before everything stops. It can then keep itself powered a bit longer to run things like thermo fans.
The ECU can only keep itself and the engine alive after key-off if it controls its own power. That means the Engine Control Relay must be wired to, and set up in, the Elite first.
The settings
| Setting | What it does | Our advice |
|---|---|---|
| Time (Turbo Timer table) | Seconds the timer runs after key-off. Can be mapped up to 3D, 8x8 | Start with a single conservative value. If you map it in 2D or 3D, choose axes that reflect how hot the turbo is likely to be, so a hard run earns a longer cool-down |
| Key Disable | Lets the driver cancel the timer. Turning the key on and off again stops the engine | Turn it on. You always want a quick way to shut the engine down |
| Engine Run Percentage | How much of the Time the engine keeps running; the rest is ECU-only time | Set so the engine gets the cool-down it needs and fans get the remainder |
| Post Ignition Enable | Extra time the ECU stays powered after the timer finishes, to run ancillaries | Useful if your fans need to keep running after the engine stops |
Worked example
Say the table gives 60 seconds and Engine Run Percentage is 75%. After key-off, the engine idles for 45 seconds, then stops. The Elite stays powered for the other 15 seconds so it can keep running, for example, the thermo fan on its normal control. Post Ignition Enable can add more ECU-only time on top of that.
Things to think about
- Security: the engine is running with the key off. Don't leave the car unattended during a cool-down, and check your local rules on idling unattended.
- Safety in the garage: an engine running with the key off can catch people out. Make sure everyone who drives the car knows how to cancel it.
- Battery: long post-ignition times with fans running will drain a weak battery.
FAQ
Why won't my turbo timer work?
Almost always the Engine Control Relay isn't wired or configured, so the ECU loses power the moment the key goes off.
Is this on Nexus too?
Yes, Nexus has its own version in NSP. See turbo timer. For other Elite features, browse boost control and decel.
