Let’s take a look at the benefits and especially the **disadvantages of push-button start in cars**. And perhaps learn a thing or two about how we take such a simple convenience for granted.
## Opening on the Disadvantages of Push-Button Start in Cars
If you happen to buy a car with a push-button start, chances are you were offered a way to start it without plugging a traditional key into the ignition slot. By definition, this keyless access system allows the driver to keep the key in their pocket when unlocking, locking, and starting the vehicle.
The key is identified by one of the antennas in the body and a radio pulse transmitter in the housing. Depending on the system, the vehicle unlocks automatically when a button or sensor is pressed on the door handle or the trunk is opened. Vehicles are equipped with a push-button start and a smart key system with a spare mechanical key, usually in the form of a spare key blade provided with the vehicle.
## Advantages of Push-Button Start in Cars
### Hands-Free Operation
Your hands are busy grocery shopping or carrying stacks of office files, and nothing beats the ability to simply press a button with any part of your body to open a locked car. As long as you are within range of the vehicle, the doors and trunk will be accessible. Some cars like the Nissan X-Trail even allow you to open the tailgate by placing your foot under the rear bumper.
### More Security Layers
You feel safer knowing that a unique code is required to start your car (meaning cars are less likely to be stolen!). In vehicles equipped with a push-button starter, the vehicle will recognize the electronic key to allow driving and use of electrical accessories. The transponder must be authorized using a code searched for by the vehicle’s computer. Only when the code is found does the car start or unlock. Some systems also use computer encoding chips.
### Automatic Locking Feature
Admit it, there are times when you have to go back to the parking lot simply because you can’t remember if you locked your car or not. In some vehicles, there is a system where, after parking, you can simply walk away. After a certain distance, the car locks automatically, like when you press the door lock button or the key. It asks how likely you are to lock someone else’s car.
## Disadvantages of Push-Button Start in Cars
### Cost
The price of the keyless smart key with push-button start is surely included in the price. However, like any electronic component, it will wear out over time until you have to replace the entire smart key or repair the entire system. This can be an expensive purchase just to be able to restart your car.
### Engine Doesn’t Start
Normally, you start the keyless car by pressing the push-button while holding the brake. However, sometimes the car doesn’t start even if you did it correctly. When this happens, you might get a message on the screen saying “No key detected” when you press the start button. The truth is, this is a common but minor issue that you can easily fix. Below are 3 ways to solve the undetected start button problem.
#### Check the Key Fob Battery
Your engine will refuse to start when the signal from your smart key is not read. This happens when the key battery is weak or damaged. So replace the weak or damaged battery if you have a spare and restart the car.
#### Press the Button with the Key
You can also start the car with the smart key by pressing the start button. Simply press the button on the back of the key while you press the brake, and the engine will respond. This works on many Toyotas and some other brands.
#### Use Your Push Button and Smart Key Like a Traditional Key
Sometimes the engine doesn’t start even if the smart key is not to blame. When this happens, try ejecting the push-button cover; insert your smart key into the hole, if any; and start the car the same way you would start a car with the push-button start.
While this option doesn’t work with all vehicles, it works with many Mercedes-Benz models and some other cars. If it works for your car, you still need a professional’s attention to check and fix the issue. If you drive a push-button Honda, you may need to press the start button three times or more before the vehicle can start. Many Honda owners, especially the 2016 HRV, have confirmed that this works for them.
### Engine Doesn’t Shut Off
Sometimes you’ll notice that your car’s system is conflicting about whether the car is in park mode or not. While one indicator shows you are in park, other states are different. This is a system bug that can frustrate owners of keyless cars with push-button start. It’s because the car’s engine doesn’t stop when you press the button.
So what do you do? Check the car’s gear lever. Look out for a broken cable or a misaligned part. If you can’t fix this issue yourself, call a professional.
### Smart Keys Can Be Hacked and Thieves Are Getting Smarter
Any skilled hacker can read the signal from your remote if they are within range. Once the hacker reads the code, it can be transferred to another smart key that can be used to access your car.
*So how do you avoid this?*
Many push-button start car owners don’t know that you can turn off the remote without the key when getting out of the car. By pressing just two buttons, you prevent your vehicle from being approached from the outside. This will also help with smart management of the key battery.
Find out how to temporarily disable the smart lock by following the steps below:
– Hold the key fob firmly.
– Hold the lock button for about 2 to 5 seconds.
– Then press the unlock button twice.
– You will notice a red light appear on the key fob. This indicates that you have temporarily disabled the car remote signal.
– When you are ready to get back into the vehicle, simply press the unlock button and the vehicle will let you in.
### Leading to an Environmental Hazard
If your car is equipped with push-button technology and it’s very noisy, you might leave the engine running and think you turned it off.
This can happen if you are new to the technology or in a hurry to get out of the car. Remember that many factors listed above can lead to push-button start failure. Therefore, you should always turn off your vehicle before leaving the cabin. When you leave the engine running, it only takes a few minutes before your environment is engulfed in carbon monoxide from the car’s muffler exhaust.
You know how dangerous this situation can be. So pay attention to the engine status when stopping the car.
If you use multiple models of Ford, Honda, Toyota, Nissan, you will have this problem less. This is because some of these cars are equipped with an audible alarm function that can sound or beep to warn you that it is still running. However, if you have a Chrysler, Mercedes-Benz, Volvo, or Volkswagen vehicle, note that they do not sound the alarm, so you should notice the engine status when it is stopped.
## Summarizing the Disadvantages of Push-Button Start in Cars
If you have the opportunity, you may still want to drive keyless despite the **disadvantages of push-button start in cars** and follow all the necessary steps to keep it safe, dry, and clean.