If you have a car with a turbocharged engine, then you have probably heard of a turbo timer. But what is a turbo timer in a car alarm and why is it needed?
Turbo timer is an electronic device capable of extending the life of the turbocharger. The principle of operation is simple, in order to cool the turbine parts after the ignition is turned off, the turbo timer keeps the engine idling for a few more minutes, necessary for cooling and establishing a safe temperature for the turbine at the time of engine shutdown.
Installing a turbo timer
The turbo timer can be made as a separate device or be a function of a car alarm with auto start. Undoubtedly, it is more convenient and more profitable to buy a car alarm with auto start equipped with a turbo timer function than to purchase two devices separately! Firstly, you save on purchase and installation, and secondly, you increase the car's theft resistance!
The installation of a turbo timer, including in combination with a car alarm, takes place under the instrument panel in the ignition switch circuit. We recommend that you perform this process in a specialized car service! After installation, it is imperative to adjust the operation of the turbo timer based on your driving style and climatic conditions. The more actively you drive the car, the longer the turbo timer must be set. The recommended operating time of the turbo timer is 1-3 minutes!
Having completed the trip, the motorist puts his car in the parking lot and turns off the ignition at that moment and the turbo timer comes into operation. The device is included in the ignition lock circuit and allows the engine to idle for another 1-3 minutes, this time is enough to cool the turbine, while the car alarm will already prevent any attempts to steal. After the programmed time has elapsed, the device will automatically turn off the engine and confirm full arming.
Car alarm with turbo timer
When choosing a car alarm with a turbo timer, we recommend paying attention to models with an auto start function. , You will not only safely shut down the engine for turbocharger parts, but also be able to start it remotely before your trip! It's comfortable! You will sit in a warm or cooled cabin (depending on the settings of the car's climate system), and the engine will be immediately ready to start the trip!
What is a diesel turbo timer - owners of four-wheeled vehicles with a diesel power unit quite often think about
The expediency of using a turbo timer and its purpose for this type of engine.
The main purpose of the turbo timer on a diesel power unit.
It is no secret to anyone that most diesel car engines are equipped with a turbine. The main purpose, which is the injection of air flow into the combustion chamber. And in order to increase the operational life of the turbine, turbo timers were developed.
Many owners of diesel cars know that the car should work as long as possible without major repairs; it is contraindicated to immediately turn off the engine after any trips. It is important that the power unit idle a little. Otherwise, due to the sudden cooling of the turbine, the latter can quickly break down. It is to control the time and the process of equalizing the temperature of the automobile turbine after the completion of the movement on the car that a turbo timer is installed, which forces the engine to work, even if the key in the ignition is turned to the off position.
The feasibility of the installation.
Installation of this device on vehicles is a personal matter of the motorist. However, in most cases, this device will only benefit. So, for example, car rental services must supply all diesel power units with a turbo timer. This is due to the fact that it is not known which driver will drive the car and it is unlikely that he will worry about the condition of the components and systems of a vehicle that does not belong to him.
Naturally, not only cars belonging to various organizations need the installation of turbo timers. For owners of private transport, this device will also serve well. The installation is especially recommended on all cars belonging to the type of SUVs and minibuses, since the operation of the latter takes place in the mode of constantly high loads.
It will not be superfluous to install it on passenger vehicles with a diesel engine, especially if its owner likes an aggressive way of driving at high speeds.
Note to the car enthusiast.
What is a diesel turbo timer - despite all the positive aspects of a turbo timer, many automakers still do not install this device in the production process of a vehicle with a diesel engine. And in the case of self-installation of this device, you can lose the warranty on a new car. Therefore, car owners are left to decide on the installation of a turbo timer on their car.
Turbo timer- serves to extend the life of the car's turbine. The turbo timer is installed on cars with a turbocharged engine. After turning off the ignition, the turbo timer keeps the engine idling for 1-3 minutes, this time is enough for the turbine temperature to drop to a safe level.
Installing a turbo timer
The turbo timer is installed under the dashboard of the car and its installation does not betray itself. The turbo timer is connected directly to the wires coming from the ignition switch.
Turbo timers are made as a separate unit, regardless of the car alarm, these are absolute TTX, HKS, Apexi, Greddy, TT, Blitz turbo timers.
Turbo timer in alarms is when the turbo timer is built into the alarm unit. These are usually car alarms with StarLine and Pandora autostart.
(car alarms with turbo timer).
How a turbo timer works
When you arrive by car, you turn off the ignition and remove the key from the ignition, the engine remains running, you put the car on the alarm and go about your business. The car will work for the programmed time, for example: 1 min, 2 min, 3 min depending on the car alarm, after the time has elapsed, the turbo timer will turn off the engine. The time is programmed during installation.
You can buy a car alarm with a turbo timer in our online store www.site.
For compact engines of modern cars, a turbocharger has become a solution that allows improving dynamic, power, and environmental performance. However, the turbine is a rather complex technological equipment, ignorance of the operating rules of which causes serious malfunctions and expensive repairs. A useful device called a turbo timer is designed to make life easier for car owners.
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 optional for operation by reducing the level of safety.
The principle of operation of an automobile turbocharger is given as the main argument.
How a turbine works, the purpose of a turbo timer.
In the design of the turbocharger, the main role is played by the turbine and discharge (compressor) wheels mounted on a common shaft.
The first is driven 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, forcing it into the intake manifold. This leads to an increase in the oxygen concentration in the fuel-air mixture, a more complete combustion of the fuel, an improvement in the 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 rises (in modern turbocharged engines it can exceed 800 degrees). The turbine wheel operates under 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 bearings (regardless of type, design).
The cooling functions are performed by the engine oil supplied to the unit during engine operation. When the power unit is stopped, 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.
Among the possible consequences:
- violation of the structure of materials;
- node deformation;
- burning of the oil remaining in the channels, coking of the system, blockage of gases, failure.
Manufacturers in the operating instructions began to pay attention to the inadmissibility of stopping an engine equipped with a turbocharger immediately after its intensive use. For a car owner, failure to comply with recommendations often results in thousands of rubles in the cost of repairing or replacing a turbine.
A turbo timer is an electronic device that prevents the occurrence of such emergency situations by maintaining the idle speed of the internal combustion engine for a predetermined time after the ignition is turned off. This ensures that the turbocharger elements are cooled to a safe level. At the end of the process, the engine ignition system is automatically turned off.
Do I need a turbo timer, its advantages and disadvantages.
Proponents of installing the gadget rightly note its usefulness - the device always works after the ignition is turned off, preventing the user, due to forgetfulness or lack of free time, to provoke a situation dangerous for the turbocharger.
Opponents insist on the optional use of additional equipment. The argument is the references to the exclusivity of situations when the turbocharger is loaded to the maximum:
- when driving off-road and rough terrain, when dynamics is required, the constant retention of the engine in the high-speed region;
- during a long trip at high speeds, for example, on good highways;
- with intermittent dynamic loads, for example, at traffic lights in the urban cycle.
With a calm, non-aggressive driving style, loading the engine far from the limit, the risk of overheating of the turbine is much less; it is not required to pause from a stop until the ignition is turned off to cool the turbocharger.
In fact, the dispute is about the "pros" and "cons" of the device.
The advantages of using turbo timers include:
- reducing the risk of failure of the turbocharger due to overheating and failure to comply with manufacturers' recommendations for its cooling when stopped;
- saving the user's time - immediately after stopping, he can leave the car, entrusting the execution of actions in accordance with the correct algorithm to automation;
- elimination of other subjective factors that lead to violation of the rules of operation, such as forgetfulness (especially important for car owners who switched to a turbocharged engine after an atmospheric one).
Among the "minuses" of the installation, a decrease in the level of security is noted. Indeed, the driver turns off the ignition by turning the key in the lock, removes the key, activates the burglar alarm, and the engine should continue to idle for several minutes. An excellent opportunity is formed for the actions of intruders, car theft.
As a result, there is a problem of device interaction with security alarm systems. In the simplest and most standard alarms, a running engine stalls after switching to the armed mode. Therefore, when installing the timer, it is required either to replace the signaling completely, or to use special interfaces for the interaction of systems.
Related to this is a warranty issue. Unauthorized intervention in the operation of security systems becomes a violation of the terms of the warranty, a reason for refusing free repair and service work. Some manufacturers complete turbocharged cars with terminal blocks for connecting timers. In this case, it is mandatory to use equipment certified by the manufacturer, installation by service specialists. In other options, the installation should be carried out after consultation and agreement with representatives of the dealer who sold the car.
Types of timers.
Turbo timers are available in two main versions:
- individual devices;
- hardware and software blocks in car security alarm systems.
The advantages of the former are ease of implementation and hidden installation. In addition, most of them allow installation by the car owner on their own (a minimum of complex wiring in the wiring is required). The affordable price of devices is also important - the average price tag is in the range of 700-1500 rubles (without installation).
The main advantage of a car alarm with a turbo timer is the full integration of solutions that allows you to ensure the safety of the turbine, while guaranteeing comprehensive protection of the car from the actions of intruders.
Naturally, the complexity of the equipment increases, as well as the requirements for the qualification of personnel during installation. The cost differs more - for example, according to the information provided on the website of the specialized company Signalochka.ru, a fully functional alarm system will cost the car owner from 3.5 to 42 thousand rubles. (the average price of quality products from well-known manufacturers lies in the range of 8-11 thousand rubles).
When choosing a device, the buyer should pay attention to the functionality:
- In the simplest versions, the ignition off delay function and communication with the alarm system are implemented. Often, the user is not given the opportunity to configure intervals - the pause is hard-coded in the device's firmware.
- More advanced solutions allow you to control the state of the ignition key in the lock, the position of the parking brake lever (or the inclusion of the parking mode in automatic transmissions), the opening / closing of doors, trunk lids (by the state of the limit switches). In most, it is possible to adjust the timer intervals within the limits set by the manufacturer, several control options - from the key fob, turning off the ignition and / or the position of the parking brake lever.
- Turbo timers in car alarms have the widest possible functionality. Often additional modes are implemented - for example, warming up the engine without a driver in the cabin during the cold season or supporting the CAN bus.
Manufacturers.
When buying, since we are talking about the safety of a car, the reputation of the manufacturer requires attention. Some of the more well-known, top-recommended companies and brands include:
- StarLine (Starline);
- Pandora (Pandora);
- Sher-Khan (Sherkhan);
- magicar;
- Sheriff.
In addition to company guarantees, high-quality assembly, well-developed schemes, the buyer in this case receives:
- The main unit(s) of the device;
- Display for parameter setting and indication;
- Loops, contact blocks, fastener kit;
- technical documentation.
Installation and setup.
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.
Installing simple devices requires the following steps:
- Partial disassembly of the interior lining (as a rule, a dashboard needs to be dismantled, since the hidden installation of most devices is carried out in the space below it);
- Fix the device block;
- Make the installation of electrical connections according to the attached diagrams (it is often enough to connect the cables to the connectors, advanced devices may require more complex switching work);
- To fix the loops, it is desirable to use clamps, to protect the connections with heat-shrinkable cuttings.
- Check the performance and functionality of the device.
- Perform reassembly.
The setting consists in performing the sequence of actions described in the documentation for setting time intervals - the engine idling time is programmed after the ignition is turned off and the key is removed (or the doors are closed and the car is armed).
More advanced models allow you to configure from the key fob using the display and control buttons. Some options involve manipulating the doors, the key in the ignition, the parking brake.
Video instruction for installation.
Increasing the turbocharging resource is a natural desire of every conscious car owner. Consider how a do-it-yourself turbo timer is installed and whether it is worth installing it on a diesel engine at all.
Operation logic
The turbo timer allows the engine to continue to idle after the key has been removed from the ignition. The device is used in internal combustion engines equipped with a turbocharger. Gasoline or diesel is used as fuel - it does not matter. Under heavy loads, prolonged operation at high speeds, the turbocharger becomes very hot. During operation, engine oil is used for cooling, and in some turbines, coolant. After the engine stops, the oil circulation stops. Therefore, at too high a temperature in the channels, the oil burns, which leads to the formation of soot. When the operation of the turbine is resumed, the burnt oil will act as an abrasive, grinding down the surfaces of rubbing parts. In addition, deposits reduce the cross section of the oil channels, thereby impairing the supply of lubricant. The logic of the turbo timer is to let the engine run for a few more minutes after stopping to cool the turbine. At the same time, you can safely close the car and leave on business. The engine will stall after the programmed time has elapsed.
Installation expediency
The turbo timer is most often installed on a diesel engine only due to the more frequent use of turbochargers paired with. In what cases is it desirable to install this accessory:
But even in this case, strong arguments can be put forward against the installation of a turbo timer:
- a diesel or gasoline engine is used for measured city driving with infrequent loads. Even if from time to time you have to actively pedal, then a quiet ride at up to 2000 t / rpm even 1 minute before stopping is enough to cool the turbocharger of a modern car. It would be useful to recall the high requirements for engine oil, which should be poured into turbocharged engines;
- the car is equipped with an alarm system with a turbo timer function. In this case, installing a separate device will be a waste of money. The functionality of the alarm system can be viewed on the official website of the security system.
DIY installation
Please note that it will be an extremely difficult task to install a turbo timer on a car equipped with a standard alarm, with control over the main nodes via the CAN bus, and also equipped with a modern security complex. You will need the skills to read electrical circuits, as well as understanding the logic of the main electronic systems of a car.
With an unqualified do-it-yourself connection, there is a high risk of conflict between systems, which is fraught with the appearance of various "glitches", the Check engine catching fire and weakening the level of protection for your car from theft.
For the design of the device, it does not matter whether the turbo timer is installed on a diesel or gasoline engine. The difference in the connection will relate in many respects only to the power supply of the service functions of the device. The connection logic will differ depending on the specific car model and turbo timer. When buying a device from famous manufacturers (HKS, Apexi, Greddy, TT, Blitz, TTX), in most cases you get:
- Control block;
- a module with a screen for demonstrating the time report and other service functions;
- wires and connectors for connection;
- instruction.
Mounting
To install the kit on your car, you will need:
- pliers with which you can bite the wire and crimp the terminals;
- terminals "father-mother". You will also need a bolt terminal for the “ground”, if one is not provided in the kit;
- heat shrink for reliable insulation of joints;
- clamps for fixing wires;
- screwdrivers and other tools necessary for assembling / disassembling the interior.
Do-it-yourself installation begins with de-energizing the on-board network (throw off the negative terminal of the battery). You need to remove the interior plastic that blocks access to the contact group of the ignition switch. To install a turbo timer on a diesel/gasoline, you need to "cut" into the wires coming from the ignition switch. The module, which often comes with double-sided tape, can be fixed in a place convenient for you near the tidy. The same method is suitable for mounting the control box, which can be placed inside the dashboard. If possible, it is better to additionally fix the block and wires with screeds in order to avoid further extraneous noise when driving through bumps.
Turbo timer connection
The degree of complexity of connecting with your own hands depends on the specific model of the turbo timer, as well as the electrical equipment of your car. The main catch is to fool the comfort block, if there is one in the design of your car. It will not allow you to arm the car with the engine running. 
The diesel turbo timer has the following standard connection pins:
To install a turbo timer with your own hands, you need a contact group diagram. If you wish, you can use the multimeter in DC current measurement mode. So you can determine the wire on which “+” is used for any life support of the motor (usually with the largest cross section and red color) or appears only after turning the key to the ACC position. Power is supplied to the handbrake terminals only when the parking brake lever is raised. "Mass" can be connected to any bolt adjacent to the car body.
To connect the wires, the standard wiring does not need to be cut. The ideal option is to pull the wires you need from the blocks, insert the wires from the turbo timer there, and then re-crimp them in the terminal and install them back into the block. Often, due to not very convenient access, it is extremely difficult to perform such manipulations when installing a turbo timer on a diesel engine. Therefore, a slightly “barbaric method” is used - a small section of insulation is exposed, on which the wire from the turbo timer is wound. The twist is additionally soldered and carefully insulated.
Full connection
Sometimes you can find the installation of a turbo timer on a diesel engine, in which the ground wire and the connection pin to the handbrake are twisted and closed to ground. The purpose of the parking brake information is necessary for your own safety:
- if the turbo timer is correctly installed, the device will keep the engine idling only when the handbrake is activated. Releasing the parking brake will stop the engine. The function is mostly positioned as an anti-theft, but an experienced thief can leave the parking brake barely on, which will not interfere with the movement. In cars with automatic transmission, it is better to install a turbo timer paired with an automatic transmission selector. The turbo timer should only work in the P position, which will really increase the degree of protection;
- on a car with a manual transmission, when the engine is running in neutral, a hydraulic transmission effect is created. The rotation of the gears through the oil transmits, albeit a small, but force to the drive shafts (try to hang one of the wheels of the drive axle and start the engine; you will see that it will rotate). Therefore, the operation of the engine without a parking brake and the driver in the cabin is a potentially unsafe situation;
- Not all turbo timers are equipped with a forced shutdown function. If you were moving to a stop in a quiet mode, then there is no need to continue the operation of the motor after a stop. By removing the key, and then raising, lowering and raising the parking brake lever again, you can manually turn off the turbo timer if desired.
A turbo timer installed in a standard way on a diesel engine will perform a direct function, as well as show the voltage of the on-board network. Connection of outputs for additional indications (for example, auto speed, engine speed, gear shift indication, etc.) is described in the instructions for the device. There you will also find a manual for setting the motor run time delay.