Abstract: The present invention comprises a unique starter assembly for a gas discharge lamp. The starter assembly comprises a main current path with a first leg connected to one electrode of a gas discharge lamp, and a second leg connected to a second electrode of the gas discharge lamp. A starting current path is provided between the first and second electrode, and comprises an magnetic switch. The magnetic switch is actuated by an electromagnet controlled by a control circuit. The control unit may be programmed with the start time required for a particular lamp design. In an alternative embodiment, the starter assembly further comprises a radio frequency identification system. The radio frequency identification system includes a gas discharge lamp transponder. The lamp transponder is used to communicate specific lamp information to the control circuit. The control circuit may then modify the start time for that lamp based on this information.

Abstract: In a remote control communication system, a transmitting apparatus transmits operation information, which includes switch information indicating the type of the switch and operation duration information, to a receiving apparatus in a vehicle. If another operation is again carried out on any operation switch, the transmitting apparatus transmits present operation information with the operation information transmitted previously. A receiving apparatus transmits the operation information and reception duration information to a control apparatus in the vehicle. Similarly, if other operation information is received again, the receiving apparatus transmits the other operation information with the previous operation information.

Abstract: A remote start control apparatus, which is installed in a vehicle equipped with an immobilizer unit, which obtains a code output when an ignition key is inserted into a key cylinder and permits the starting of an engine when it is determined that the code is a unique vehicle code, and which controls engine start functions upon receiving an instruction from a portable transmitter, includes: an EEPROM for storing a unique vehicle code; a unit for, upon receiving an engine start instruction signal from the portable transmitter, transmitting the code in the EEPROM to the immobilizer; and a unit for, upon receiving a theft occurrence signal from a security unit, deleting the code stored in the EEPROM.

Abstract: An automobile anti-theft device disrupting normal operation of an automobile. To attain this, incorporated into an automobile is a module configured to disrupt the normal firing of the automobile's spark plugs upon actuation of a user-controlled controller. In an embodiment, the module electrically couples the automobile's coil to the automobile's distributor cap through a controller-controlled switch. In an embodiment, the module relays instruction sets to an engine control unit, upon execution of the instruction set the engine control unit disrupts spark plug firing. A method for preventing automobile theft, which incorporates into an ignition system a user-controlled module.

Abstract: A battery pack of a series combination of cell units is connected with a motor drive control circuit to drive a traction motor for a vehicle. A current sensor senses a discharge/charge current of the battery pack, and a voltage detecting circuit senses a voltage between two separate points in the series combination of the battery pack. A memory section stores a reference voltage drop quantity representing a decrease in voltage during a predetermined time interval between the two separate points. An offset detecting section compares an actual voltage drop quantity sensed by the voltage detecting circuit, with the reference voltage drop quantity, thereby detects a non-discharge/charge-current state of the current sensor, and reserves an output of the current sensor, as an offset quantity upon the detection. A correcting section corrects a sensed value of the discharge/charge current with the reserved offset quantity.

Abstract: An ignition safety system and method. A control circuit is coupled to a warning circuit indicating a safety condition. The control circuit is further coupled to a fuse circuit to control an operation of a motor ignition circuit in response to the safety condition.

Abstract: A method for enabling an apparatus (15) to operate only after detecting with receiver elements (11) located proximate to the apparatus, a signal transmitted by portable transmitted elements (1), which consists in no longer taking into account detection by the receiver means (11) of the signal transmitted by the transmitting elements (1), after activating presence sensing elements (22) provided proximate to the apparatus, or integrated in the apparatus. Once activated, the presence sensing elements (22) neutralize the transmitter/receiver device (1, 11) and the apparatus can operate normally without being perturbed by possible statics or accidental losses of signal. The inventive method and device are applicable to an antitheft safety device for a motor vehicle.

Abstract: A system for driving an electric actuator unit with a polarity-dependent actuation direction contains a driving unit with a voltage input, at least one polarity control input and two voltage outputs whose polarity depends on the polarity control signal at the polarity control input, and a control input. The actuator unit is operated in at least one of the drive directions only if a corresponding polarity control signal is present and the control input is additionally supplied with a predefined control signal.

Abstract: A starter motor is prevented from being rotated together with an engine after the start of a engine. When motor speed exceeds the cranking speed after the start of the engine, a speed judging section 36 judges that the starter motor is rotated together with the engine. A current-supply stopping section 38 commands to stop energizing a motor 3a in response to the judge. After the electricity supply is stopped, if the rotation speed is reduced to a value close to the cranking speed, judging section 36 outputs a signal to cancel the current-supply stopping commands from the current-supply stopping section 38. The detection of the motor speed is also continued even after the ignition, and if the speed is further increased, the speed detection is stopped. If the speed is increased to a value showing complete explosion, the speed judging section 36 switches the relays to a generator.

Abstract: An engine start control system of the present invention has a power supply controller which includes an ignition power supply relay activating an electric component of a vehicle and a central processing unit controlling the ignition power supply relay, a communication device communicating with a portable unit to authenticate a validity of the portable unit and performing engine start control. Further, the engine start control system has the a first drive line provided between the communication device and the ignition power supply relay and not routed through the central processing unit. By this structure, the system can obtain redundancy.

Abstract: A system, capacitor having auxiliary cells, and associated methods for starting an engine is provided. The capacitor is an enhanced-power capacitor that provides enhanced cranking power. The capacitor is isolated from the battery and the rest of the engine's electrical system at preselected times. The capacitor is electrically connected to the alternator when the engine is running and is charged by the alternator. When the engine is not running, the capacitor is electrically isolated to prevent the capacitor discharging by powering accessory devices; the battery can power devices while the capacitor remains electrically isolated. During starting, the capacitor provides all the power supplied to the starter solenoid. If the battery is too weak to energize the electrical system during starting, an override allows the capacitor to provide power for all starting functions.

Abstract: An engine control system (10) operates off a microprocessor of an engine control module, ECM (62), which will automatically start a combustion engine (12) upon any one of a series of enabler signals (68, 67, 70) indicative of low battery voltage, low cab temperature and/or low engine temperature. The system (10) also includes safety measures which will override the automatic starting of the engine. For instance, the vehicle will not automatically start if a vehicle speed is detected, if the parking brake is not set, if the ignition key (50) is not in the “on” position, or if the hood (56) is open. Moreover, the system (10) is configured not to start if the fuel level is low, thus preventing an unintended depletion of fuel which could strand the vehicle and operator.

Abstract: A self-powering input buffer includes a first circuit leg that stores a charge, such as in a capacitor and a second circuit leg with a buffer powered by the first circuit leg that detects a state of an input with reference to a threshold. A transistor switch is coupled between the circuit legs. If the buffer detects an input voltage higher than the predetermined threshold the buffer drives the transistor switch ON to conduct current from the first circuit leg to the output. If the buffer detects an input voltage lower than the predetermined threshold the buffer drives the transistor switch OFF to disconnect the first circuit leg from the output. During a voltage dip the capacitor provides supplemental power as long as the input is above the threshold.

Abstract: An automotive electric power unit is provided to reduce the occurrence of electromagnetic noise caused by change in magnetic fields when the current dropps to zero when an ignition switch is being switched off. When the ignition switch is switched off, an input voltage to an ON/OFF control terminal of a DC/DC converter gently decreases through a potential difference between terminals of a motor driving load connected thereto. Accordingly, a control device, for which a detecting voltage is set relatively high, first detects an OFF state of the ignition switch and disconnects power loads such as a cooling fan, air conditioner, and defroster from the DC/DC converter by regulating relays. Then, the DC/DC converter, for which a detecting voltage is set lower than the detecting voltage for the control device, detects the OFF state of the ignition switch and stops stepping down the voltage so that a charging current for a battery of the load current thereof is shut off.

Abstract: A vehicle window control system for a vehicle having a data communications bus may include at least one vehicle device associated with operating a window of the vehicle, a window operation transmitter, a receiver at the vehicle for receiving signals from the window operation transmitter, and a controller connected to the data communications bus for communicating with the at least one vehicle device associated with operating the window of the vehicle. The vehicle window controller may also be connected to the receiver and may be responsive to signals from the window operation transmitter. A window piggyback controller may operate the windows based on signals on the data communications bus, such as door lock or door unlock signals.

Abstract: A power supply control system for a vehicle that is provided with a lead-acid battery with comparatively high output density and low energy density, and a lithium-ion battery with comparatively low output density and high energy density. On an engine start that accompanies an ignition operation of a vehicle operator, power is supplied to a starter from the lead-acid battery and the engine is started. On an engine restart that accompanies an idling stop control, power is supplied to the starter from the lithium-ion battery and the engine is started.

Abstract: The system is directed to preserve the starter/alternator in an IC engine installation from potential overload and failure in response to electrical load increases. The system controller monitors starter/alternator output and phase current and regulates output voltage when monitored currents reach predetermined thresholds. Output voltage is stepped down incrementally to check output currents at threshold non-failure creating levels. When current demand, i.e., load, decreases, output voltage is stepped up incrementally to return to an original set point for voltage.

Abstract: Power supply equipment for a motor vehicle, includes a motor generator, an inverter for driving the motor generator, a battery and a capacitor of an electrical double layer, wherein the capacitor is directly connected to a DC side of the inverter and the battery is connected in parallel with the capacitor via a first switching unit. When an engine is started up, the power stored in the capacitor is used, and the switching units are turned off to separate the battery from the start-up of the engine.

Abstract: Each of the phases of coil in an armature winding of a dynamoelectric machine is constructed so as to have six turns, an inverter has a plurality of element-diode sets, each element-diode set including a pair of switching elements connected in series and diodes connected in parallel to the switching elements, connection points of the switching elements connected in series are connected to the dynamoelectric machine, a control apparatus controls the inverter such that the dynamoelectric machine is driven by supplying electric power from a first battery to the dynamoelectric machine during starting of an engine, and alternator mode electric power generation is performed by the dynamoelectric machine at least in a normal rotational speed region of the engine.

Abstract: An electronic key device for a vehicle which performs starting of the vehicle by performing ID verification against a portable electronic key unit includes an ID verification device, a decision device, and a vehicle starting control device. When the number of times that the result of ID checking by the ID verification device is negative and also the portable key unit is not present within the vehicle arrives at a predetermined value, a locked mode is set in which thereafter starting of the vehicle is prohibited unless a predetermined procedure is performed. When the result of ID checking by the ID verification device is affirmative and the portable key unit is not present within the vehicle, then no such predetermined number of times calculation for setting the locked mode is performed.

Abstract: In an engine starting system for an outboard motor mounted having a propeller and a steering mechanism driven by an electric motor, including a battery connected to the engine; a starter motor and an ignition switch provided in a voltage supply circuit from the battery to the starter motor, the positions of the ignition switch is arranged to have a START position at which the starter motor, the electric motor and other electric loads are supplied with the voltage from the battery; an ON position at which the voltage supply to the starter motor is discontinued when the key is turned from the START position, a first OFF position at which the voltage supply to the electric motor and the other electric loads is discontinued when the key is turned from the ON position, and a second OFF position at which the current supply to the electric actuator is still continued when the key is turned from the ON position.

Abstract: An electronic starter and steering locking device for a motor vehicle has a steering locking unit including a locking control unit that operates an actuating unit for locking and unlocking a vehicle steering element; a vehicle starter unit for starting and shutting off the motor vehicle; and a voltage supply. The locking control unit is permanently connected to the voltage supply independently of the driving state of the vehicle, while the locking actuating unit is connected to the voltage supply via interrupter switching means which can be switched over as a function of the operating state of the vehicle starter unit and/or of the switched position of a drive train transmission shift lever.

Abstract: Device for vehicles that includes an electrical cable mat (1), an ignition lock (11, 16), and an antenna (9). The antenna (9) is arranged adjacent to the ignition lock which interacts with a transmit/receive device. The antenna is further arranged to communicate with a key (25) dedicated to the ignition lock (11, 16). The antenna (9) is directly electrically integrated into the cable mat (1) thereby enabling the ignition lock (11, 16) and the antenna (9) to be assembled into one unit by means of coupling means (20-22). An electrical cable bunch for a motor vehicle is also provided intended to interact with an electronic antitheft-system including an antenna for receiving signals from an ignition key dedicated to the vehicle and an electronic unit which processes the signals from the antenna with the antenna being integrated contactlessly in the cable bunch.

Abstract: A dual voltage automotive electrical system includes a generator for generating a first nominal voltage on a first voltage bus and a bi-directional DC/DC converter for converting the first nominal voltage to a second nominal voltage on a second voltage bus, the second nominal voltage being lower than said first nominal voltage. A battery is coupled to the first voltage bus and selectably coupled to the second voltage bus, and is capable of supplying power to loads on both the first voltage bus and the second voltage bus.

Abstract: A vehicle having an internal combustion engine, a cranking motor, and a battery includes a double-layer capacitor characterized by a capacitance greater than 150 farads, and a low internal resistance. First and second electrical paths interconnect the capacitor with the cranking motor. A control circuit is coupled between the positive and negative terminals of at least one of the capacitor and battery, and this control circuit includes a switch that applies a variable control voltage to a relay in response to the position of the switch. The relay is included in one of the electrical paths, and the relay isolates the capacitor from the cranking motor when switched to the open-circuit condition by the control voltage and enables the capacitor to supply cranking current to the cranking motor when the control voltage places the relay in the closed-circuit condition.

Abstract: The invention relates to an ignition device for a pyrotechnic occupant protective system which contains an ignition unit (18), an ignition switch (20) and an electronic unit (4). A voltage output (14) of the electronic unit (4) can be charged via an external supply line (10) up to a predetermined ignition voltage. The ignition switch (20) can be closed by a signal, which can be generated on the control output, so that the ignition voltage is discharged while passing through the ignition unit (18). The electronic unit (4) can be controlled in such a manner that test signals of a predeterminable duration can be generated on the control output (22) and the function of the ignition unit can be tested by using these test signals.

Abstract: Anti-theft security devices for a motor vehicle, comprise portable transmitting elements, of a receiving module on board the vehicle and of elements controlling a system for interrupting at least one circuit required for operating the vehicle (ignition circuit engine, fuel intake circuit or other . . . ) when the distance between the transmitting elements and the receiving elements exceeds a certain value. The method for managing the operation of such a device consists, when resetting the affected circuit(s), following an interruption relative to accidental signal loss, in performing this resetting only very gradually.

Abstract: An engine control system (10) operates off a microprocessor of an engine control module, ECM (62), which will automatically start a combustion engine (12) upon any one of a series of enabler signals (68, 67, 70) indicative of low battery voltage, low cab temperature and/or low engine temperature. The system (10) also includes safety measures which will override the automatic starting of the engine. For instance, the vehicle will not automatically start if a vehicle speed is detected, if the parking brake is not set, if the ignition key (50) is not in the “on” position, or if the hood (56) is open. Moreover, the system (10) is configured not to start if the fuel level is low, thus preventing an unintended depletion of fuel which could strand the vehicle and operator.

Abstract: A vehicle having an internal combustion engine, a cranking motor, and a battery includes a double-layer capacitor characterized by a capacitance greater than 150 farads, and a low internal resistance. First and second electrical paths interconnect the capacitor with the cranking motor. A control circuit is coupled between the positive and negative terminals of the capacitor, and this control circuit includes a switch that applies a variable control voltage to a relay in response to the position of the switch. The relay is included in one of the electrical paths, and the relay isolates the capacitor from the cranking motor when switched to the open-circuit condition by the control voltage and enables the capacitor to supply cranking current to the cranking motor when the control voltage places the relay in the closed-circuit condition.

Abstract: The present invention describes a circuit for activating a control unit such as an ABS controller in a vehicle by way of a CAN bus, with the ignition turned off, which is in particular characterized by a first input for a logic activation signal for the control unit, an input filter for suppressing disturbing pulses in the activation signal, and a device for producing an output signal (CAN_WU) that activates the control unit when a predeterminable number of activation signals is recorded within a predeterminable duration.

Abstract: A method for controlling an engine and a belt-driven integrated starter (B-ISG) connected to the engine. The method includes determining engine running indicators and engine stopped indicators. Based on the indicators, the method controls the engine and the B-ISG for coordinating engine stops and starts with a capability of the B-ISG to start the engine.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for short circuit protection to a motor vehicle starter circuit. The invention includes providing a switching mechanism positioned intermediate to a DC power source and the starter. A controller manipulates the switching mechanism between an open position and a closed position, the closed position connecting the starter circuit to the DC power source and the open position disconnecting the starter circuit from the DC power source.

Abstract: When a vehicle, for example, a passenger vehicle stops, electric power is supplied to a passenger compartment mechanism and/or an entertainment device from a power supply isolated from the device relating to a vehicle travel system. Electric power consumption is managed to secure the electric power necessary to create a travel start possible state. Further, a key position is provided to supply electric power only to the passenger compartment mechanism and/or the entertainment device. With this arrangement, music and the like can be comfortably enjoyed by stopping the vehicle.

Abstract: A remote starting system shutoff system and method for a vehicle includes a vehicle power plant and a remote starting system that is connected to the vehicle power plant. A transmitter actuates the remote starting system to start the vehicle power plant. A vehicle hazard switch in the passenger compartment of the vehicle has first and second positions. When the hazard switch is in the first position, the vehicle power plant can be started using the transmitter. After the vehicle power plant is started, the remote starting system turns the vehicle power plant off if the hazard switch transitions from the first position to the second position. Remote starting is disabled anytime that the switch is in the second position. The transmitter is preferably a radio frequency transmitter. The vehicle power plant is selected from the group of internal combustion engines, diesel engines, hybrids and fuel cells.

Abstract: An electric power supply system for a vehicle has an electric power line wired in a loop configuration. From the electric power line power is supplied to a load, and to another system which supplies control system power supply. One shutdown circuit is provided in a module connected to the loop configured power supply line. When the electric power line and the load are short circuited, the shutdown can isolate and shut down only the failure point. Further, when the car is not in use, by stopping the power supply to the load, current consumption can be restrained. In response to detection of a ground short and a failure of a connection of a connector, an over-current prevention of an electric power line, a simple construction can be provided and a low current consumption can be realized.

Abstract: A safety device for a remotely-activated power supplying system of a manual transmission vehicle includes a starting safety unit connected to a main controller for detecting the presence of a safety condition, and an ignition key detector connected to the main controller for detecting if an ignition key is uprooted from a key-operated power supplying system. Thus, the main controller can be configured to activate a power supplying device to supply electric power to an ignition system when a wirelessly transmitted start signal is received by the main controller, when the safety condition is detected by the starting safety unit, and when the ignition key detector detects that the ignition key is uprooted.

Abstract: Herein is disclosed a snowmobile configured to start in response to a remote-start signal. One embodiment of the invention includes a snowmobile outfitted with a remote starting system. The remote starting system, itself, includes a remote starting activation switch that transmits a radio frequency signal to a remote starter module to initiate starting of an engine within the snowmobile. The remote starter module receives the radio frequency signal from the remote starting activation switch and, in response to receiving the radio frequency signal, initiates closure of a switch interposed between a battery and a starter motor, thereby causing the starter motor to crank and start the engine of the snowmobile.

Abstract: An electrical accessory device controller system and process for controlling for a motor vehicle having a vehicle battery and an alternator. The system is provided with an electrical interface for an electrical accessory device, a device for detecting the voltage of the vehicle electrical system, and a power supply control unit to connect the electrical accessory device to the battery according to the detected battery voltage or to disconnect the electrical accessory device from it. Furthermore, there is an auxiliary energy storage device rechargeable by the alternator and which is connected to the power supply control unit. The power supply control unit is made such that depending on the detected voltage of the vehicle electrical system it electrically connects the auxiliary power storage device to the electrical accessory device to the battery or disconnects the electrical accessory device from it.

Abstract: When a key is rotated, it is moved in order of an ON position, an R position, an N position and a D position so that the range of an automatic transmission is switched. Moreover, when the key 13 is pressed in the ON position and the N position, it is moved to a START position so that power is applied to a starter. In this case, it is possible to carry out an operation for starting an engine and an operation for switching the range of the automatic transmission by manipulating the same key in a different direction. Therefore, the operation for starting an engine and the operation for switching the range of the automatic transmission can be carried out easily.

Abstract: A control system includes a transmitter, a receiver for receiving signals from the transmitter, and a multi-vehicle compatible controller cooperating with the transmitter and receiver. The multi-vehicle compatible controller is for storing a set of device codes for a given vehicle device for a plurality of different vehicles, for reading a device code from a data communications bus, and for determining a match between a read device code and the stored device codes to thereby provide compatibility with a plurality of different vehicles. Such an arrangement provides for a relatively simple and straightforward approach to interface with a vehicle having a data communications bus. The multi-vehicle compatible controller may include a memory for the stored device codes, and a processor cooperating with the memory for determining the match between the read device code and the stored device codes.

Abstract: A remote start control system may include an engine speed data bus reader at the vehicle for reading the engine speed signal on the vehicle data communications bus, and a remote start controller at the vehicle and connected to a receiver and the engine speed data bus reader for operating the engine starter based upon a remote start transmitter and based upon the engine speed signal. In some embodiments, the engine speed signal may include a digital code, and the engine speed data bus reader reads the digital code and converts the digital code into a pulsed tachometer emulation signal for the remote start controller. In other embodiments, the engine speed data bus reader generates an output level based upon the digital code exceeding at least one threshold, such as an engine started or engine overspeed threshold. The remote start control system is readily interfaced to a vehicle having a data communications bus to thereby be able to operate using an engine speed signal.

Abstract: When an electronic control unit (ECU) detects that an ignition key is turned to an accessory-on position, it is monitored whether or not an object exists in the vicinity of an exhaust tail pipe. In case where the object is detected in the vicinity of the exhaust tail pipe, a warning is raised inside and outside of a vehicle. At the same time, when it is detected that the ignition key is turned to an engine starting position, the ECU inhibits starting the engine of the vehicle for safty.

Abstract: A system for enabling successful use of HID lamps in aircraft, including in particular high power lamps for use as landing lights and taxi lights, utilizes a sealed beam HID lamp which during normal operation has an external temperature considerably lower than the external temperature of a quartz halogen or incandescent sealed beam lamp of equivalent light output. The lower external temperature arises in part from the use of a gas fill in the sealed beam. A detector is provided to monitor the seal integrity of the sealed beam HID lamp and further to provide a response to seal failure resulting in disablement of the lamp. Exemplary ways for accomplishing seal failure detection include radioactive detection, pressure monitoring, and chemical sensing, or other ways wherein detection of a failed seal is followed by an electrical output used to terminate or preclude lamp operation.

Abstract: An engine starter system includes a current switching device for controlling an armature current, a shorting relay for electrically shorting the current switching device, and an electronic control circuit. In a normal starting mode, the electronic control circuit gradually increases the armature current by varying a duty ratio of the current switching device. When the armature current becomes larger than an allowable current value of the current switching device, an armature is energized through the shorting relay. In an economy-running starting mode, the armature current is controlled through the current switching device until the engine is completely started.

Abstract: Two low-voltage energy storage devices (B1 and B2) are provided in an arrangement that ensures, on the one hand, a high start power in the vehicle electrical system, resulting from being connected to a higher-level voltage, for a starter generator (SG) that is coupled to an internal combustion engine. The arrangement additionally ensures, on the other hand, full compatibility with low-voltage vehicle electrical system consumers (VB). The arrangement allows the two low-voltage energy storage devices (B1 and B2), either separately or when connected in parallel, to supply the vehicle electrical system consumers (VB) with a low voltage. In addition, the arrangement allows the two low-voltage energy storage devices (B1 and B2), when connected in series, to provide the high start power with increased voltage and correspondingly reduced current intensity at least for a cold start of the starter generator (SG).

Abstract: A motorcycle wiring harness for use with aftermarket motorcycle frames and one of several types of Harley Davidson® engines that permit the engine to be operated without one or more of the factory provided features or interlocks.

Abstract: A system, capacitor having auxiliary cells, and associated methods for starting an engine is provided. The capacitor is an enhanced-power capacitor that provides enhanced cranking power. The capacitor is isolated from the battery and the rest of the engine's electrical system at preselected times. The capacitor is electrically connected to the alternator when the engine is running and is charged by the alternator. When the engine is not running, the capacitor is electrically isolated to prevent the capacitor discharging by powering accessory devices; the battery can power devices while the capacitor remains electrically isolated. During starting, the capacitor provides all the power supplied to the starter solenoid. If the battery is too weak to energize the electrical system during starting, an override allows the capacitor to provide power for all starting functions.

Abstract: A key fob for a vehicular remote keyless entry system includes a main body which houses electronics for activating the remote keyless entry system. The key fob further includes first and second components having different identifying indicia. The first and second components are releasably secured to the main body, such that they can be interchanged to function as visual or tactile identifiers.

Abstract: A safety switch apparatus for use in a remote starter system of a vehicle, the apparatus having a magnetically actuated electrical switch for disabling the starter system when the switch is closed and a transmission of the vehicle is in-gear, and a magnet for urging the switch into a switched position when the magnet is adjacent thereto. The switch is securely mountable at a fixed mounting position on a frame of the vehicle, and the magnet is directly and securely mountable on a translatable portion of a user actuator for shifting the transmission. The translatable portion of the user actuator is operatively interposed between the transmission and a shifter handle portion of the user actuator. Both the fixed mounting position and the translatable portion are substantially concealed and substantially exterior relative to an interior seating compartment of the vehicle.

Abstract: The method of making secure a hands-free access and/or starting system for a motor vehicle, the hands-free system a control unit (2) placed in the vehicle and a portable identifier (1) suitable for communicating remotely and cordlessly with the control unit in order to be authenticated, the method consists in recording (30) a first data item in the identifier by communicating with the control unit in response to detecting starting of the vehicle engine, and in recording (60) a second data item to replace the first data item in the identifier by communicating with the control unit in response to detecting normal stopping of the vehicle engine. In the case of lending of the vehicle, the borrower of the vehicle must return an identifier containing the second data item in order to prove that he left the vehicle in an authorized manner.