Ah, gotcha. That procedure actually cancels the proximity door entry function from what I understand. What I've been told is that due to regulations, push-to-start cannot be disabled.

Is the problem happening in the rain/snow or during/after washing car?
Proximity + moisture = problems.

No, I get varying results at the same location across different days. Could be dry and sunny, could be raining. I've had identical situations on multiple days and sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't. Hasn't been any weather or location correlation.

Well, I replaced the engine switch on Monday, have yet to have any issues. If it acts up again I'll be sure to return, but for now it looks like throwing money at the problem has worked (for once).