I need help for incapacitated/elderly Jimny driver

Hello everyone and thank you for opening this post. So my mother's arthritis has been worsening, and now she has to use her other hand (left one) to turn the keys to start the engine (driving seat is on the left), really not practical. Luckily it's automatic so she doesn't need to change gear. I was thinking about getting a pushable button for starting the engine, key-less style, but i'm not sure it's feasible on the Jimmy. It's the latest model, bought it a week ago. What do you guys suggest? Is there any technical solution i could adopt to avoid that (for her) too strong torsion of the whrist to turn the keys? Thank you, any kind of input is really appreciated. Cheers from Italy.

Phil

Hi Phil,
Fitting a start button is one thing the other is the steering lock, so not so straight forward. In the UK I would suggest a "Motability" car dealer who would happily advise. Italy will have similar dealers who specialise in modifying cars for the disabled.

Hope you get it sorted for the old girl.

Sniper

Thank you for your answer. I don't currently need a steering lock, i might have mis-expressed myself, the button would do just fine (for now). Cheers.

What sniper means is you need to turn the key to disengage the standard (on all cars) steering lock. Though as said Motability must have a solution for this.

Yes, to be clear,

The ignition key disengages the steering lock and starts the car, two functions.

The steering lock is a mechanism behind the key which attaches automatically when the key is removed. This would need to be removed or automated with servo's.

The electrical switching is simple, you can buy a ready made switch panel from motorsports retailers (larkspeed.co.uk). They are simple to wire but I would suggest that any work is done by a competent person, fire is a serious risk in cars.

Not such a simple job, a disability specialist would give the best advice.

Regards,

sniper

There is also a start signal to the ECU that comes from a switch on the back of the ignition switch. The immobiliser antenna is there as well although its fairly simple to relocate it.