Is keyless start truly an improvement on key start?

Keyless start

I had two comments from the same viewer on our YouTube channel regarding his keyless start car. His first comment was “This did not work nor did the other two videos and my battery isn’t dead” and the second one was “Why don’t they just make cars with keys you could put into the hole and turn it to start.”

Well unfortunately for this viewer the trend is to lose keys altogether, but I did try to address his issue with this response:

• Ok, well, assuming you mean the start battery is not dead, are u using the correct key fob?
• Has the key fob been dropped in water?
• Is the car fully in park?
• What does the instrument panel tell you when you try to start??

I haven’t seen an answer as yet, but while I was writing, it occurred to me that each of the scenarios I noted would have been a problem for a key start car as well!

The frustration is understandable, but would be no less an issue if a key start car failed to actually start. What to blame??

Anyway, lets look at the possibilities noted above:

• I’ve spoken to folks with multiple models from the same manufacturer and had the grabbed the wrong fob. By the same token, multiple keys can be inserted into an ignition, but only one will turn it!
• Whether a key fob or a physical key, water is a killer. Mechanical keys have had transponders built in for security for decades.
• Shifters have been and can be notoriously fussy. You can be convinced you’re in park while the car disagrees.
• Finally, and maybe most importantly, keyless start cars in particular are likely to tell you exactly what the problem is. It may not be clear about it, but its the first place to start and often ignored.

As to whether or not key or keyless start is better or worse seems to come down to preference. Keyless is certainly more convenient and used to be more secure. Today’s electronics have overridden the security advantage, but they are no more susceptible to theft than key start vehicles.

Smart Keys or Intelligent Keys, or Access Keys — or whatever the manufacturer of your chooses to call them — that let you into your car and start it with just a touch use up their internal batteries at alarming rates, catching busy drivers unawares — even though the car had tried to warn you.

Our goal is to help you feel safe – and keep you moving or get you moving if at all possible – rather than leave you fretting whenever your key fob stops working. The instructions for getting into and starting most keyless start cars can be found on our pages — without roadside assistance.

You can see the back up open and start pages here.

——————————————————————-

The material on these pages is provided for information sharing purposes only, and should not be used in lieu of an OEM service manual or factory authorized service procedure. We are not in the auto repair business nor do we publish automotive service manuals. Nothing we include on these pages and posts has been reviewed, approved or authorized by any vehicle manufacturer.

Remember that only proper service and repair procedures will ensure the safe and reliable operation of your car. In addition, proper safety procedures and precautions, such as the use of safety goggles, the right tools and the equipment should be followed at all times to eliminate the possibility of personal injury or improper service which could damage the vehicle or compromise its safety.

Technology is always changing and what is current and accurate today may be literally out-of-date and inaccurate tomorrow. And when it comes to the current state of flux in the auto industry, nothing is more true.

Disclaimer and Privacy Policy