Keyless Entry With Push Button Start Stop - Feature Explained

What Are The Pros And Cons Of Keyless Entry With Push Button Start Stop?

The pros, or advantages, of push-button start-stop in a car are:

• It reduces the chances of forgetting the key in the car as you can keep it in the pocket or purse
• You can unlock the car’s doors and start or stop the engine without even taking the key out of the pocket or purse

A push-button start-stop system has the following shortcomings or problems:

• Losing the key fob could potentially lock you out of your car
• Replacing a lost key fob can cost a fair bit more than a simple remote central locking system
• It takes away the mechanical feel of starting up the car’s engine with a twist of the key

What Is Keyless Entry With Push-Button Start-Stop?

Push-button start-stop is a feature in modern cars that allows you to lock/unlock and turn the car on and off by simply pressing a button. You only need to have the key fob in your pocket or purse and you don’t even need to touch it to unlock the car, start it and get going. As long as the key fob is inside the car, the push-button start-stop system allows you to turn on or off the car’s accessory mode.

Apart from offering enhanced convenience, it also adds an additional layer of security against car theft. In cars with keyless entry with push-button start-stop, the key fob emits a radio frequency that is unique to your car’s security system. Therefore, you can only unlock and start the car with its unique key fob.

How Does Keyless Entry With Push-Button Start/Stop Work?

Some cars require you to press the brake pedal while pushing the start/stop button while some expect the clutch pedal. If you press the button without pushing on either of these 2 pedals, then the car enters the accessory mode. In this mode, you can run the blower, music system and power windows or check the MID in the instrument cluster. If you press the start/stop button with the appropriate pedal, then the car’s engine will turn on. Pressing it again will turn it off.

To lock or unlock the car, you can either press the appropriate button on the key fob or  stand next to the car and press the request sensor button on the door handle while possessing the key fob.

How Expensive Is It To Repair Or Replace Push-Button Start-Stop?

The cost of repairing a push-button start-stop system depends on the kind of repair it requires. If the push-start button stops working, the parts needed to repair it may cost anywhere between Rs. 1,000 to Rs. 5,000. For example, the switch assembly for the Maruti Nexa Ciaz costs around Rs. 2,500. However, replacing a lost key fob can cost more depending on the brand and model of the car. For example, the key fob for the Maruti Nexa Ciaz, Baleno, and Vitara Brezza costs Rs. 5,000. Programming it to match the car’s frequency will cost some more.

What Is The Cost Of Aftermarket Push Button Start/Stop?

Installing an aftermarket push-button start-stop can cost anywhere between Rs. 5,000 to Rs. 10,000 depending on the quality of the product. We strongly recommend against getting an aftermarket push-button start-stop system since their radio frequency or unique code is easier to replicate. If your car is under warranty, then an aftermarket push-button start-stop system will certainly terminate your car’s manufacturer warranty. Hence, if you require this feature, you should spend a little more and buy the car or variant, which gets this feature from the factory.

How Easy Or Complex Is It To Install The Push-Button Start/Stop Feature?

Typically, the push-button start-stop feature comes fitted from the factory. However, it is possible to add this feature from the aftermarket too. With the right tools, a good car accessory dealer or your trusted mechanic could add the push-button start-stop feature to your car in under an hour. We do not recommend you carry out this job alone, no matter how good you are with technology.

What Cars Get Push-Button Start-Stop?

In India, most cars from the B-segment like the Hyundai Grand i10 Nios, Maruti Suzuki Swift and above get the keyless entry with push-button start-stop feature, at least in their higher variants. If you’re set to buy a car under Rs. 12.0 lakh, you may need to buy a higher variant to get this feature from the factory.

Verdict - Should I Get An Aftermarket Push-Button Start/Stop?

It’s nearly impossible to install an aftermarket push-button start-stop feature and expect as smooth an ownership experience as a factory-fit one. Even if you find a workshop willing to take up this job, be warned that this is installed from the aftermarket. Hence, we recommend spending a bit more and buying the variant which offers this feature.

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