Turbo timer, Installation and Disabling Do-It-Yourself, Is it necessary for Diesel, What to do if it doesn’t work, Models: Apexi, Starline, Magicar, Sheriff, Sherkhan

The turbine, which came into the world of automobile manufacturing, made it possible to improve the dynamic characteristics of the car and reduce the emission of harmful substances, but it brought its own subtleties to the operation of the iron horse. If a turbocharged engine is turned off immediately after a trip, the oil overheats and gases become clogged. This does not have the best effect on the resource of the power stop, so before stopping the engine it is important to let it run at idle speed, allowing the turbine to cool down.

Compressor and turbine cutaway

The main purpose of the turbo timer

The main objectives of the turbo timer are to save the car owner’s time and increase the service life of the power plant. There are many reasons why the car owner immediately turned off the engine at the end of the trip:

lack of time to wait until the turbine cools down;
forgetfulness, especially if cars with naturally aspirated engines were previously used;
ignorance of the intricacies of operating a turbo engine;
other subjective factors.

If the engine is periodically stopped incorrectly, expensive turbine repairs will not keep you waiting. Very often, clogged exhaust gases and overheated oil damage the mechanism within a few months of improper use. To prevent the negative consequences of turning off the engine at the wrong time, a turbo timer is used.

After installing a turbo timer, the car owner will no longer have to sit and wait for the turbine to cool down. Everything happens automatically. The device prevents the engine from turning off for several minutes, despite the fact that the car owner has left the cabin. In this case, the car may be under alarm. Moreover, the turbo timer itself is often part of security systems.

Block diagram of a turbocharged engine

Purpose and principle of operation of the turbo timer.

The opinions of car owners regarding the use of turbo timers are divided - some consider the device necessary for cars equipped with turbocharged engines, opponents consider it unacceptable to pay for a device that is not necessary for operation by reducing the level of safety.

The main argument is the operating principle of a car turbocharger.

How a turbine works, the purpose of a turbo timer.

In the design of a turbocharger, the main role is played by the turbine and discharge (compressor) wheels mounted on a common shaft.

The first is driven into rotation by the flow of exhaust gases coming from the exhaust manifold. The rotation is transmitted to the compressor, which compresses the air taken from the air filter and forces it into the intake manifold. This leads to an increase in the concentration of oxygen in the fuel-air mixture, more complete combustion of fuel, improved traction characteristics of the engine, and a decrease in the content of toxic gases in the exhaust.

At the same time, the temperature in the working volume of the internal combustion engine and, accordingly, the exhaust gases increases (in modern turbocharged engines it can exceed 800 degrees). The turbine wheel operates under conditions of severe thermal loads; high rotation speeds of the turbocharger (in some models over 200 thousand revolutions per minute) additionally lead to an increase in heat losses in the bearings (regardless of the type or design).

The cooling functions are performed by the engine oil supplied to the unit during engine operation. When the power unit is stopped or the ignition is turned off, the oil circulation stops. If the turbine was previously operated in modes close to the maximum, there is a danger of overheating.

Possible consequences include:

violation of the structure of materials;
deformation of nodes;
burning of the oil remaining in the channels, coking of the system, blockage of gases, failure.

Manufacturers in their operating instructions began to draw attention to the inadmissibility of stopping an engine equipped with a turbocharger immediately after intensive use. For a car owner, failure to follow recommendations often results in thousands of rubles in costs for repairs or replacement of the turbine.

A turbo timer is an electronic device that prevents the occurrence of such emergency situations by maintaining idle speed of the internal combustion engine for a specified time after turning off the ignition. This ensures that the turbocharger elements are cooled to a safe level. Upon completion of the process, the engine ignition system is automatically turned off.

How the turbo timer works

After the car owner has reached his destination, he stops the car and removes the key from the ignition. In a car without a turbo timer, the engine will stop the moment the key is pulled out and processes will begin in the turbo mechanism that damage the system. An iron horse equipped, for example, with Starline will not stall immediately, but will continue to work even if the owner is not in the cabin. The car enthusiast can turn on the security system and go about his business without waiting for the time required for the turbine to cool down.

Turbine structure

The turbo timer allows the car owner to set the time that the engine will run after setting the car alarm. In addition to shutting down the engine after the required period of time, the device is capable of providing remote starting. This is especially true in winter, when it is not very comfortable to wait for the power plant and interior to warm up.

What is a turbo timer and why is it needed?

A turbo timer is a very small electronic gadget that can significantly increase the service life of a car turbine. In essence, it is a small specialized controller that independently turns off the engine some time after the ignition key is removed from the lock. During this entire period, the power unit continues to operate at idle speed. The turbo timer is installed directly under the car's dashboard and connected to the ignition switch.

What does an installed turbo timer look like?

The essence of the turbo timer is to allow the turbine to gradually cool down after operating at very high temperatures. The fact is that it is cooled by machine oil, which is supplied to it by the engine oil pump. If the motor stops working, then the supply of lubricant (which is also a coolant) stops. This can lead to failure of parts such as turbine bearings.

Experienced drivers, who often operate the turbocharged engines of their cars at high speeds and thereby heat the turbines to very high temperatures, before turning off the engines, leave them idling for a certain time, and only then turn off the ignition. Thus, the turbine has time to cool down and is provided with normal cooling. If you use a turbo timer, then you don’t need to wait this period while sitting in the car. You can remove the key from the waiting lock and go about your business, and the “smart” electronics will turn off the engine itself a little later.

It should be noted that if someone breaks into a car with a working turbo timer when the owner has already left the car, he will not be able to steal it. The fact is that this device blocks control of the car and, moreover, when an attacker tries to drive away in it, it turns on the alarm.

Feasibility of installation

It is most advisable to install a turbo timer in the following cases:

A turbocharged diesel engine is installed in an all-terrain vehicle, primarily used in off-road applications. The operating mode is predominantly harsh. Often you have to drive with the maximum permissible load and with no cooling by the oncoming air flow;
The decision to install a turbine on an atmospheric engine was made independently.

Installing a turbo timer seems less relevant in the following cases:

Gasoline or diesel engines are used in a gentle mode. Movement occurs mainly around the city. The driving style is far from dynamic. Before stopping, the speed rarely exceeds 2000. The power plant uses high-quality oil;
The car already has a car alarm with a turbo timer, for example, Starline. Installing an additional device will be unnecessary;
The car is under warranty and installing additional equipment will lead to its loss. In this case, you need to get advice from a car dealership about the possibility of installing the device.

Whether to install a turbo timer or not is a personal matter for the owner. Much depends not only on the mode of operation of the iron horse, but also on the workload of the car enthusiast. It should be taken into account that even after installation, it is possible to disable the turbo timer, allowing you to use the machine in the previous mode.

Device selection

Before starting installation, you need to decide on the manufacturer of the turbo timer. The following performed best on the market:

Starline;
Pandora;
Apexy;
Sheriff;
Magicar;
Sherkhan.

The equipment is also important. For example, by purchasing an alarm system with a Starline or Magicar turbo timer, a car owner can expect to receive:

Control block;
a display that displays the time before the engine turns off and helps to configure the turbo timer;

Turbo timer display
cables and fasteners necessary to connect the turbo timer with your own hands;
instructions explaining why this or that mode is used;
a guide, for example, on how to disable the turbo timer.

Most turbo timers are installed under the dashboard. This is done not only for aesthetic purposes, but also to hide the device from prying eyes, since it has an alarm function. If there is a pre-installed security system, this criterion is not so relevant.

Setting up the turbo timer

Setting up the Starline turbo timer functions is implemented by selecting two parameters:

engine idle time;
dependence on the temperature of the turbo mechanism.

Early versions of Starline did not have the ability to set a specified operating time using the key fob. In later versions, for example, A93, it is possible to set the engine operating time after removing the ignition key from 1 to 60 seconds. The longest time allows you to set A63. It allows the engine to run for 240 seconds after the owner leaves the salon.

Magicar has a working algorithm similar to Starline. The main difference is the ability to set the engine to run for 5 minutes after a trip. Some Agicar models have several preset modes to simplify user setup.

Who needs a turbo timer?

Perhaps the only category of car owners who require such an addition are those drivers who are used to driving at high speeds (from 5,000 per minute) or if the car is constantly used in off-road conditions. However, even they do not have to install a turbo timer. Just leave the car idling for a few minutes and the problem will be solved. Therefore, it would be more accurate to say that such a device is more needed by those who do not have the opportunity to stay in the car for some time after finishing the ride.

Healthy! If the car owner drives at 2000-3000 rpm, then a turbo timer is completely unnecessary, because the system does not heat up so much as to fail.

But even in such a situation, an additional adapter may turn out to be completely useless:

Today more modern turbines are produced. During their operation, the bearings do not heat up to extreme temperatures, even at high speeds.
Premium class cars are usually equipped with turbocharged cooling systems that are responsible for proper oil circulation.

Owners of such cars do not need to rack their brains; manufacturers have already thought of everything. But, even if the standard vehicle wiring includes an additional socket for a turbo timer, this does not mean that it must be installed. Moreover, such a module can create more problems than it solves.

Device activation

After completing the setup, you must select the desired option to turn on the device. The Apexi turbo timer allows activation in the following ways:

after turning on the handbrake and turning off the ignition;
using a key fob, after arming the car;
when securing the car with the parking brake.

The implementation of how to disable the turbo timer for each model is done differently. Usually it is enough to perform the reverse actions of activation. If the turbo timer is not in demand, you should deactivate the icon on the key fob.

2. Activating the turbo timer (programming the operating time)

Setting the Starline a93 turbo timer depends on which option is programmed with function 12 - the ignition support method. It is selected by the car alarm installer. There are 4 options to activate ignition support:

when turning off the ignition with the key;
when you press button 2 on the key fob and the hand brake is applied;
when applying the handbrake (mode 1, factory settings);
Ignition support is disabled (automatic and remote engine starting is not possible on cars with manual transmission).

Methods for activating the Starline A93 turbo timer
To activate the mode, you need to have an idea of the cursor programming method. When a function is running, the key fob display displays an icon used to indicate this very function. To program any mode using the cursor method:

1. Press button 3 until 2 beeps sound.

2. Move the flashing cursor to the desired icon: button 2 scrolls to the left, keys 3, 4 scrolls to the right.

3. To turn the mode on and off, press button 1.

Comparison of installation with and without alarm

If you install a turbo timer together with an alarm system, then the main advantage is the smaller number of elements compared to the separate installation of each unit. This option is well suited for new cars that do not have a security system. If you have an old, unreliable alarm system, a comprehensive replacement is also recommended.

If there is a good, previously installed alarm system, it should not be dismantled. Even if there is no separate channel for the turbo timer, there are options for installing it. The advantage of such an installation is the ability to create a system that is more secure from the actions of intruders.

Problems encountered with the device

Reasons why the turbo timer does not work:

incorrect connection to the engine starting circuit;
incorrect settings;
the handbrake is not engaged;
the selector is not in parking mode;
On the key fob, the turbo mode is inactive.

You should start diagnosing the problem by checking the settings. If activation still does not occur, you should pay attention to the connection diagram. It is necessary to check the reliability of the cables and the absence of breaks in the conductors going to the timer.

Self-installation and setup of a turbo timer

The reliability of the system and the safety of the vehicle depend on a correctly installed turbo timer, so it is recommended to follow the instructions below:

disassemble the lower part of the torpedo;
connect the turbo timer according to the image below;

Turbo timer connection diagram
perform a test run and configure the device;
make sure it works;
secure all removed elements in place.

In addition to the timer, you will need some tools for installation. Using pliers and screwdrivers, you can disassemble and reassemble elements of the car interior. Since the operation of the machine is accompanied by increased vibration, all wires must be secured with clamps, and the connections must be insulated using heat shrink.

The move away from naturally aspirated engines brought its own peculiarities to the operation of iron horses. The installed timer will allow you to take care of the car without wasting time on cooling the turbine, and combination with the security system will protect the car from theft.

If you have any questions, leave them in the comments below the article. We or our visitors will be happy to answer them

Installation and configuration.

The installation and configuration of the turbo timer (especially alarm units with built-in device functions) should be entrusted to qualified personnel of service centers or specialized companies.