Alternatives to Volt Start?

[mlts22]

I remember reading about an accessory kit for Fords which would watch the chassis batteries, was configured as a key in the Ford PATS system that would allow the engine to be started... but if the vehicle was put in drive or the brake pressed, the engine would be killed. This was to be as a security feature so the vehicle would have to have a "real" key inserted to have it move.

I did a quick search, found plenty of alarms, but none that will autostart on low batteries. Are they still being made?

[Davydd]

You are describing how Advanced RV works.

[markopolo]

I think there would be a few products out there that could handle that job. It's hard to get the right results from a search engine though because some remote starters have a voltage sense but that is only to inform the computer that the car has actually started. You have to weed out those type of results.

Here's something that looks like it would do what you want:

http://www.vanner.com/manuals/IdleWatch-12-24.pdf

While enabled, the Vanner IdleWATCH™ constantly monitors the state of charge (SOC) and state of health (SOH) of a vehicle‟s auxiliary batteries for the purpose of automatically controlling loads and starting the engine to recharge the batteries.

also: http://www.vanner.com/manuals/idleWATCH-II.pdf
and: http://mobilepowersolutionsinc.com/p...2010-15-12.pdf

Here's another: The Grip Idle Management System? | 844-304-0400

Anti-Idling Equipment in Patrol Cars Could Save Columbus $1.2M Annually - Top News - Fuel Management - Top News - Government Fleet

Idle Smart

Idle Smart's Battery Protect Ensures Engine Starts - News - TruckingInfo.com

http://www.intermotive.net/LGS/ecolockambulance.pdf

[mlts22]

Thanks for the links. Something like that, coupled with a decent alternator would go a long way in ensuring a vehicle would always have its batteries topped off when needed.