In the early 2000s, luxury car makers began producing automobiles that were missing something – a key.
Like many features that first appeared in luxury autos, the dash-mounted push-button start has now filtered down to more affordable models, and its popularity continues to rise. According to figures released by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), only 5,000 cars were made with these keyless starts in 2002; Ward’s Auto reported that by 2013 that number had jumped to 4.4 million, and has continued to rise.
While it makes starting the car a simpler process, the system behind the button is rather complicated.
How do push button start systems work?
Push button start cars use a keyless ignition system. While the systems differ from one model to the next, they’re similar in that they replace the traditional metal key with a key fob. The fob must be inside the car for the car’s computer system to be able to connect with it, allowing the driver to start the car simply by pushing a button.
The key fob is essentially a transmitter that sends a low-frequency signal to the car. This ID signal is unique to that vehicle; once the fob is inside the car and you press the button, the car’s receiver picks up the signal and sends power to start the engine.
In addition to convenience, keyless entry was also rolled out with an eye toward decreasing auto thefts. Since the car will only recognize the signal from that one fob, it makes stealing your car more difficult. As a safety measure, the car must be in park – and the driver’s foot must be on the brake – in order for the car to start.
While there’s definitely a cool factor to pushing that button – which often is integrated with the modern, cockpit-like design of the dashboard – industry watchdogs have also raised concerns about the keyless start systems, prompting auto manufacturers to introduce new safety measures.
Pros and cons of push button start in cars
As with all new forms of technology, there are benefits and pitfalls to adopting keyless start cars. Although the latest iteration didn’t emerge until the early 2000s, push button cars first appeared back in 1912 when Cadillac introduced an electric push-button starter to replace the risky and hard-to-operate hand crank. But then keys came along and replaced the start buttons, which typically were located on the floor or dashboard.
What’s different in the modern push start, of course, is the technology. While that’s what makes it more sophisticated and easier to use, it’s also what has caused concern for some drivers and industry watchers. Some of the arguments for and against push-button starters include:
Pros:
- The smart key can remain in the driver’s pocket or purse when locking, unlocking and starting the car because sensors in the car communicate directly with the fob.
- The technology allows the convenience of a remote start for car owners, which can be a great way to warm up the car while it’s still locked and parked in one’s driveway.
- The technology will detect if the key is inside the car – which makes it almost impossible to lock your keys inside your car.
Cons:
- Lost fobs are much more expensive to replace than traditional keys.
- Some drivers haven’t been properly educated on how to turn off vehicles with push-button ignitions, leading to people forgetting to turn them off and leaving the car running or putting them in “park” before exiting the car.
- Presently there’s no industry standardization, so the way the fobs perform vary from one car to the next.
- If a fob’s battery dies, the driver will need to know how to override the system and find/use the hard key the manufacturer has hidden in the device – or call roadside assistance.
As with most technology and advancements in the auto industry, you can find things to love – and to not love – about keyless ignition systems. But as they become industry standard, it’s important for every driver to learn how to use them properly. Learn more about automotive technologies that are transforming driving.
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Many of today’s cars feature keyless ignitions and push button start. While this may be pretty cool and more secure, it can present a whole new set of problems when the car or key FOB battery goes dead. Here is a look at a few jump start car techniques to get the engine turning over when it, or the key FOB, is out of juice. Jump boxes are essentially a small car battery with a set of jumper cables attached. By connecting it to your car’s battery, you can power the electronics in the car, as well as the starter, to get it going. Simply attach the jump box to your battery, then get into the car with your keyless FOB in your possession, press the start button and it should start right up. If your car is manual shift, you can also hill start your car. Note that this method will only work if your battery is too low to start the engine but still has enough juice to power the electronics (like the fuel pump and the various onboard computers). With your car facing downhill, press the Start button once to turn the vehicle on and then release the brakes, which will allow it to roll slowly with the clutch pressed in. Put the car into second gear and then let the clutch out. With the car’s electronics turned on, the engine will start right up once the clutch engages.Jump Box
Hill Start
FOB Trouble
Getting your car jump started isn’t very different from vehicle’s that don’t have push to start ignitions; however, what should you do if the battery in your FOB dies as well? Because the car’s electronics use the FOB to identify when the key is inside the car, it is needed to get it started. Car makers have thought of this to a point, as many have come up with methods for allowing the car to identify the FOB when the power goes out.
FOBs are powered by a button cell battery to do things like unlock the door and transmit a signal to your car when it’s inside. But they also have a small magnetic identifier that works to uniquely recognize the fob is in close proximity to the car. In most makes of vehicles, simply hold the FOB up to the push to start button and then press the button with your foot on the brake and the car will start. Some manufacturers have installed a receptacle for the FOB that is located somewhere else on the dashboard or in the glove box, so you’ll need to place the FOB in this designated area to get it to start. In either case, always refer to your vehicle’s owner’s manual to see where your FOB goes.
If you find that your car or FOB battery has gone dead for your push to start car, don’t sweat it, we’ve got you covered.
Check out all the electrical system products available on NAPA Online or trust one of our 17,000 NAPA AutoCare locations for routine maintenance and repairs. For more information on jump start car techniques for push button starters, chat with a knowledgeable expert at your local NAPA AUTO PARTS store.
Image courtesy of Flickr
Erich Reichert has been an editor and on-air personality in the radio control car hobby for 12 years. A certified car nut since birth, he has written for internationally published titles such as RC Car Action, RC Driver and Xtreme RC Cars, as well as Stuff Magazine, Road and Track and Super Street. He's covered everything from product reviews and tech articles to high-profile lifestyle pieces and celebrity interviews. Erich found his passion for writing after a successful career as an art director, working with brands such as Pepsico, NASCAR, MTV, Nintendo, WWE, Cannondale Bicycles and HBO. He's also a father, an avid hockey fan and an FIA race license holder who enjoys hiking, playing drums and movies.
This relates to a car I was parked next to recently, that wouldn't start. I would have helped but didn't know how. The engine turned over on the starter (until the owner flattened the battery) but didn't fire. It had manual transmission. In old cars I've had, bump (push) starting would have been worth a shot, and we had the space to do it. But the car had a push-button starter, so the usual approach of turning the key to "running", selecting a high gear, and bringing the clutch up once moving would fail at the first step.
So how would you bump-start such a car - if it's even possible?