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How To/DIY: Wire external buttons to lock and unlock doors

Discussion in '2nd Gen. Tacomas (2005-2015)' started by EatSleepTacos, Apr 16, 2016.

  1. Apr 16, 2016 at 9:40 AM
    #1
    EatSleepTacos

    EatSleepTacos [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Alright guys, I finished everything up. Only took about two hours, and that was taking my time. This my first write up so bear with me. These are harder to make than you think!

    This will give you the ability to lock and unlock your truck from the outside. The toggle switch will allow you to activate and deactivate the unlock button. This will make more sense later on. Why would I want to do this you may ask? For me, it's so I can run into the store while leaving my truck running to keep it cold in the Florida heat. This will also work with the truck off, so it's great for locking your keys in the truck at a beach, hiking, etc. Anyways, here's a mini write up.

    Disclaimer: Check your local laws first because in some states it is illegal to leave an unattended vehicle while running. You are solely responsible for any work you do on your truck and if you get your truck broken into because of this. Proceed at your own risk!

    What you'll need:
    Tacoma
    Two momentary push buttons
    http://www.amazon.com/Support-Black...&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00
    Toggle Switch (Optional)
    Two 18-22 gauge wire taps
    Wire
    Misc. Electrical connectors

    Tools:
    Drill with 1/2" bit
    Dremel with cut off wheel
    Wire strippers
    Wire cutters
    Electrical crimper tool
    Soldering iron (not what I used, but preferable)

    Step 1:
    Figure out where you want to hide your buttons. I have no problem showing you where I hid mine because 99% of the time the unlock button won't be active. I put mine right inside the grill. The two points where the grill attaches on top is hollow, so I took advantage of that.

    Step 2:
    Mount your buttons. The ones I linked require you to drill a 1/2" hole. If you plan on mounting in the same spot that I did, you'll be required to use a dremel and cut out the bottom portion of where the buttons are mounted.
    20160414_195233.jpg 20160414_200254.jpg

    Step 3 (Optional, but recommended):
    Mount your toggle switch. This will make it so your unlock button isn't active all the time. Now not just anyone can come up and unlock your truck. This is where I put mine.
    20160414_193450.jpg

    Step 4: Ground your buttons. The way this mod works is by sending a ground to the wires we are tapping into. No 12v needed! This is where you should use a soldering iron to connect the wire to the buttons. There isn't enough room between the closed hood and the top of these buttons for a typical blade connector. I used this stuff I had which is basically a plastic version of a soldering iron. Pretty neat!
    20160415_162523.jpg 20160415_163223.jpg

    Step 5: Now comes the fun part. Figuring out which wires to tap into! You're going to tap into the green/black wire for the unlock button and the purple for the lock button. These wires are located behind the driver side kick panel. If you want to test the wires before you tap into them (I would) then here's a simple way to do it. Take a small strip of wire (12" should do) and strip each end off exposing about 1/2" of copper. Shove one side into the connector with the wire you want to test and tap the other side against a good ground. If it locks/unlocks, then you've got the right wire!
    unnamed.jpg

    Step 6: Now that you've got your correct wires tapped, you have to run them through the firewall and to the other connector on your buttons. If you've got the toggle switch, make sure you run it through that first.
    External Unlock Diagram.jpg 20160416_104946.jpg 20160416_105517.jpg
    Step 7: Make sure and test everything out, and you're done! This isn't the best write up, so feel free to ask any questions.
     
    Last edited: Apr 17, 2016
    TheDevilYouLove and Bocsy44 like this.
  2. Apr 16, 2016 at 11:37 AM
    #2
    Robman

    Robman Well-Known Member

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    Not sure if you mention this in your write up, why not toggle the lock also? I could see my keys in the truck and some mechanic or other hitting that button looking for the latch. Now the keys are locked in.
     
  3. Apr 16, 2016 at 11:40 AM
    #3
    EatSleepTacos

    EatSleepTacos [OP] Well-Known Member

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    A good point for some to think about. My button is tucked up in there pretty good and it would be hard to accidentally hit it. A DPST toggle would be a good idea, so then you could toggle them both with a single switch.

    Plus for extra insurance I have a "dumb" key hidden outside my truck, in case my battery is ever dead and this method does no good.
     
  4. Apr 16, 2016 at 11:42 AM
    #4
    Ohiophil

    Ohiophil This space intentionally left blank

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    Pretty cool idea. A cheaper alternative to remote start. ( with remote start you can press a button to let it run and take the keys with you ).

    Here's the only problem that I see with this. Around here in Ohio, they can and will tow your car if you leave it running with the keys in it.
     
  5. Apr 16, 2016 at 11:42 AM
    #5
    EatSleepTacos

    EatSleepTacos [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Really? That's pretty ridiculous. Even if it's in a parking spot?
     
  6. Apr 16, 2016 at 11:46 AM
    #6
    Ohiophil

    Ohiophil This space intentionally left blank

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    Yep. They put in on the news right before winter and summer every year. It's because of car thieves. If you have remote start, it's ok because they cannot drive off
     
  7. Apr 16, 2016 at 11:47 AM
    #7
    EatSleepTacos

    EatSleepTacos [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Would this be similar enough for them to allow it since the car is locked? Or no, because they could just smash a window and pull away.
     
  8. Apr 16, 2016 at 11:49 AM
    #8
    EatSleepTacos

    EatSleepTacos [OP] Well-Known Member

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    I don't think I'll have any problems with the law. Fingers crossed at least! Besides, longest I'd leave it running and unattended would be a couple minutes. I've done it for years, just with an unlocked car, and haven't had any issues yet.
     
    scottalot[QUOTED] likes this.
  9. Apr 16, 2016 at 11:49 AM
    #9
    Robman

    Robman Well-Known Member

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    This isn't remote start dude. This is door lock/unlock. Say your at the beach and want to leave the keys in the truck.

    Yes I just noticed that. Nice work. Been meaning to do something like this just can't decided on a location that won't attract attention.
     
  10. Apr 16, 2016 at 11:50 AM
    #10
    Robman

    Robman Well-Known Member

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    What am I missing with all this remote start discussion?
     
  11. Apr 16, 2016 at 11:50 AM
    #11
    Ohiophil

    Ohiophil This space intentionally left blank

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    No, at least not in Ohio. Locked doors don't make a difference. People have used spare keys to lock up a running car only to find it missing when they got back. Along with a huge tow bill. Be careful and check the laws in your area. Maybe it's different where you are
     
  12. Apr 16, 2016 at 11:51 AM
    #12
    EatSleepTacos

    EatSleepTacos [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Another great use for it that I plan on utilizing. As far as the remote start, some allow you to leave your car running, but pull the keys out and lock it so it's secure.
     
  13. Apr 16, 2016 at 11:52 AM
    #13
    Ohiophil

    Ohiophil This space intentionally left blank

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    No shit. Read my post
     
  14. Apr 16, 2016 at 11:52 AM
    #14
    EatSleepTacos

    EatSleepTacos [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Thanks for the heads up! I'll update the OP to reflect this.
     
  15. Apr 16, 2016 at 11:53 AM
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    Robman

    Robman Well-Known Member

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    Got it. Guess I shouldn't skim posts before I reply. Truth is I just read this to get an idea of where to put my buttons. I didn't think of using this to leave a car running with keys inside.
     
  16. Apr 16, 2016 at 11:53 AM
    #16
    EatSleepTacos

    EatSleepTacos [OP] Well-Known Member

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    It'll work with it not running!
     
    scottalot[QUOTED] likes this.
  17. Apr 16, 2016 at 12:01 PM
    #17
    Ohiophil

    Ohiophil This space intentionally left blank

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    Remote start will let you do the same thing without leaving keys in the car. That's all. This is definitely a cheaper alternative for when you want to keep it cool/warm without the hassle of a spare key
     
    EatSleepTacos[OP] likes this.
  18. Apr 16, 2016 at 2:24 PM
    #18
    Pro Taco 11

    Pro Taco 11 Sitt Head

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    We have a toggle lock unlock switch on our ambulances so it can stay running to keep patient compartment cool of hot weather depending. Also for drugs, great write up.
     
  19. Apr 16, 2016 at 2:51 PM
    #19
    EatSleepTacos

    EatSleepTacos [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Thats where the idea originally came from. When my wife was a volunteer emt, she mentioned it. After that I had to have it!
     
  20. Apr 16, 2016 at 6:22 PM
    #20
    Pro Taco 11

    Pro Taco 11 Sitt Head

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    Not gonna lie, Im going to have to do this now. Never thought of it though.
     
    EatSleepTacos[OP] likes this.

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