keyless ignition

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cougar14

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Hi all.
Wife got a new car last week. My first look at a keyless ignition system, seems really convenient. Also seems like it would be a good anti-theft device as there's no key. So, I looked online, and there's several kits you can get to retrofit vehicles. I was wondering if anyone had any experience with installing one of these.
 
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I bought a new truck last year, it is pretty fancy but did not come with the remote start. I got the dealer to put one in, the truck is already wired for it. Check with your dealer and see if there is a plug n play remote start for your vehicle. Otherwise you might have to go aftermarket.
 
I'm just now getting used to the keyless system on my Buick LaCrosse. As long as I have the remote in my pocket, the car knows it's me; I don't have to unlock the car to get in or open the trunk!

My only concern would be valet parking - I'm not sure if the attendants would operate the car and treat the remote properly. I'm still struggling with this 21st Century stuff...

John
 
My 2012 Toyota has the ignition key with the buttons on it for entry/lock and I was going to buy an extra key to have as a spare and the dealer said it would be almost 300 bucks because of a computer chip in the key. I remember when you could get an extra car key made for 50 cents.
 
I have one on my latest car, and do enjoy the convenience.

But I read an article recently about an elderly couple found dead in their home, their keyless car running in their attached garage. Apparently they did not turn it off. I did that once with my car, although I was parked outside.

Something to keep in mind.
 
Remote start and keyless are 2 different things. Remote start can easily be added after purchase, keyless, not so much. IMO it's just more complication and more parts to fail. My son likes them on his cars, me, I don't have a problem turning a key.
 
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There is a difference between keyless ignition and remote starter. I have both on my new Jeep. Interesting my wife got me a remote starter kit for my 12 year old Dodge Durango about three years ago; I loved it, especially during the cold winter days that we have had in northern Virginia. I loved it and insisted on it for my new Jeep.
 
Iggy said:
Wait until you have to replace the remote. Keys ain't so bad after all.
Click to expand...

A while back we lost the key to the wife's 2008 Acura. It was one of those keys that has a chip embedded in it. Cost us almost $300 to replace it. The days of getting a $1 duplicate at Walmart are long gone.
 
My Son's Car has that setup and the Remote is about as big as a Snickers Bar so You cant carry it in Your Pocket like a set of Keys.
 
Go online for replacing keys with chips. Not too hard with a Ford, and the systems probably all come from the same manufacturer anyway.
 
Iggy said:
Wait until you have to replace the remote. Keys ain't so bad after all.
Click to expand...
Aftermarket can be programmed for about $80. More expensive than the $1 basic key but unless you drive over one or flush it down the toilet it shouldn't have problems car remotes and alarms have been used for decades without problems
 
We have these new cars as cabs. On Off, on off, on off all day, every day for years with up to 4 different drivers and 50 - 80 thousand miles a year. I haven't heard of a problem with the buttons yet
 
I have a 2010 Toyota Highlander with keyless and love it. The little remote goes in my pocket and stays there, never have to get it out to open or start the car. Batteries lasted about 5 years. This will be a criteria for my next car also.

(Update). Yesterday as I was locking the gate at my shooting range I got back in the car and my screen read out "No Key Recognized". I about panicked then saw my cell phone was in front of the car remote. I placed the remote by the dash and it started fine. Late that day leaving the barbershop I couldn't open the door to the car, I used the little slide out key for the first time and holding my breath pushed the start button, it started and I drove directly to the battery store to get new batteries.
 
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