Aftermarket Push Button Ignition Smart Entry System

[NERO]

I doubt it includes the HVAC switches and buttons as well, so I might just go with the FRS since I can buy the center section and add the push button start.

[zAnSh1n]

Originally Posted by NERO

I'm sure the center section is much larger than the piece you highlighted, my guess is it's the whole section including the HVAC section like you mentioned.

Originally Posted by NERO

I doubt it includes the HVAC switches and buttons as well, so I might just go with the FRS since I can buy the center section and add the push button start.

so now you are guessing it is a separate piece???

[Kunzite]

Originally Posted by Dadhawk

I would want the car to shut off within a certain time period of being out of range of the key if it is not in the ignition

No, you wouldn't.
The key is not in the ignition, that's bad design. The key is in your pocket - the only "contact" is wireless. What if your key is low on battery? If the car would only intermittently detect the key? How about the car stopping its engine in highway traffic, or in the middle of nowhere?
It's way too risky.

[Dadhawk]

Originally Posted by Kunzite

No, you wouldn't.
The key is not in the ignition, that's bad design. The key is in your pocket - the only "contact" is wireless. What if your key is low on battery? If the car would only intermittently detect the key? How about the car stopping its engine in highway traffic, or in the middle of nowhere?
It's way too risky.

I think its a poorer design for the car to be able to be driven off just because you happened to be standing by the trunk when someone jumps in, starts it and runs off with your new ride.

If the key is low on battery, you go "old school" and stick it in the ignition.

There are plusses and minuses to it either way.

[meWant]

Originally Posted by Dadhawk

I think its a poorer design for the car to be able to be driven off just because you happened to be standing by the trunk when someone jumps in, starts it and runs off with your new ride.

If the key is low on battery, you go "old school" and stick it in the ignition.

There are plusses and minuses to it either way.

most smart key's require the key to be inside to vehicele to start it. speaking from experience with an 08 altima 2.5s

[Dadhawk]

Originally Posted by meWant

most smart key's require the key to be inside to vehicele to start it. speaking from experience with an 08 altima 2.5s

OK, I give!

Here's an interesting article from Edmunds on some of the pitfalls of keyless ignition. Like I said, pros and cons.

If my car came with it, I'd adapt to and enjoy it. Also, if I had a physical challenge I could see where it would be advantageous to me. I don't think I'd add it after the fact though without a specific need for it. The same is true with remote unlock. I enjoy it because it came with the car, but if it didn't I wouldn't miss it.

Your mileage and needs/wants may vary.

[Jeff Lange]

If people fully understand how the system works, I've never heard a single complaint. The only complaints I've ever heard were from people who did not know how it works, or from people driving cars that had bad systems. Toyota/Lexus/Scion systems are fantastic, and the only really valid complaint I've ever heard from people who have used and understood them is that the keys are expensive.

The key's range is very specific. If you are standing at the driver's door, it can be unlocked, the trunk/passenger door cannot. If you are at the trunk, you can open the trunk; the doors will not unlock. You can have the driver's door open and be standing right there, and reach in and push the button, but the key is NOT inside the car, so it cannot be started. There is a mechanical key that can open the door or trunk if the remote's battery dies. You can hold the key up to the start button for a few seconds if its battery is dead and start the car. You cannot turn the car off while driving unless you hold the button for 3 seconds. If the key leaves the car while it is on, it audibly and visibly notifies you, both on the dash and beeps three times. In my opinion, the car should not turn off if the key is removed, mainly based on the key dying while driving, or similar. Sure you could maybe restart the car, but a car should never spontaneously turn off, it's unsafe.

Jeff

[Kunzite]

Originally Posted by Dadhawk

I think its a poorer design for the car to be able to be driven off just because you happened to be standing by the trunk when someone jumps in, starts it and runs off with your new ride.

If the key is low on battery, you go "old school" and stick it in the ignition.

There are plusses and minuses to it either way.

With Toyota's system, you (the key) have to be inside the car - as others repeatedly said. It is said that in rare circumstances the car can be started if you stay (with the key) very close to an open window, so an internal antenna would pick-up the key's signal. It won't start if you're near the trunk, or some distance away.
I cannot stick the key in the ignition, because there is no ignition. There's only the start engine button. See Jeff's post.

Agreed with Jeff. Yes, those are valid concerns - but manufacturers already solved them, IMO. Please, do try a good implementation.
What Edmunds article said...
a. loss of engine power, I agree that is dangerous for the car to stop the engine on its own. From what I can tell, it doesn't happen with Toyota.
b. forgetting to shut down the engine - my car would loudly complain if I leave the car with the engine running (when I open the driver's door). For me, that's enough warning.
L.E. As someone commented, a. and b. cannot be simultaneously true.

Btw, the mechanical key can also be used to open the key in order to change the battery (which you'll have to do, eventually).

What we should be careful about -this thread is about a 3rd-party system; does it work exactly the same as an OEM one? If not, what are the differences?

[Jeff Lange]

Originally Posted by Kunzite

What we should be careful about -this thread is about a 3rd-party system; does it work exactly the same as an OEM one? If not, what are the differences?

Yeah I'd want to know a lot about that system before trying to put it in my car.

Jeff

[Kunzite]

Well, there are at least some differences from what I can see:
- open/close by touch (OEM, sensors on the door handles&trunk) vs. distance (3rd-party)
- instant button operation (OEM, unless if stopping the engine with the car running) vs. few seconds push (3rd-party) for some operations
- remote start only for 3rd-party (there should be an OEM options - extra $$$)
I'm not sure about antennae # and their placements, for the 3rd-party solution. This alone could be enough reason to go with the OEM, if e.g. some concerns like being able to start the car if the key is near but not inside it are confirmed, for the 3rd-party.

I also don't quite like the distance-based unlock/lock. It should be even more convenient, but...

[Dadhawk]

Thanks everyone for the great info. You've relieved my concerns but I stand by my statement that I would take it if it came in the car and they wouldn't let me opt out of it, but I would not pay additional to have it added to it.

[Kunzite]

That's perfectly fine.
I would pay some $$$ for it, but if I'd also have to pay for leather and other things I don't want (i.e. have to choose a higher trim level)... it's convenient, not vital.

[zAnSh1n]

most of the concerns on here are valid, with some others making me think the person shouldn't be driving in the first place with those problems/concerns o_0

i highly doubt this system works exactly the same way as oem [toyota/lexus], but as long as you install it properly, the sensitivity will be ~3m from the driver's door and the whole system should work properly...

some spoke of the car being able to be driven off without your consent [stolen], but if they really wanted to, there are many other ways that can be done... stealing a car while the owner is present is less than ideal for the thief and i'm sure they'd rather avoid that and steal another car down the street... having this kit will not increase the chances of your car being stolen, is all i'm saying... just stay alert and safe, use common sense, like you'd do every day, and you shouldn't run into any problems...

[Dadhawk]

Originally Posted by Kunzite

That's perfectly fine.
I would pay some $$$ for it, but if I'd also have to pay for leather and other things I don't want (i.e. have to choose a higher trim level)... it's convenient, not vital.

Well, yea that's the other thing. I hate this bundling mess. As a "put your money where your mouth" thing this weekend I went out to a Chevy dealer and drove a 2012 Camaro with the same base price as an FR-S (around $25K). Differences in the two cars aside, the one thing I would need to make the Camaro workable were electronic seats to raise the seat height for MomHawk. To do that, the car ends up at near $32K because you have to move up in trim level. (Full story here)

Arrrghh..