More and more vehicles these days are started with push to start buttons instead of a key. The advantage is that you can keep your fob in your pocket or push and just get in and go. Many of our customers have questioned the ability to install remote car starters on these types of vehicles. The good news is that you can remote start the vast majority of push to start vehicles in a safe and secure manner. Let’s explore how this works.
Extreme Audio Installs Remote Starters on Push To Start Vehicles
On all of our systems you remote start your vehicle the same way as the key type systems. You either push a button on your new remote control or launch the app on your Smartphone. The difference is what happens when you go out to your vehicle. There are three common takeover procedures. Think of a takeover procedure as a means to taking control back from the remote start.
- You will walk out to your vehicle and unlock your door. Upon entering your vehicle, you will depress your push to start button just like you would to start the engine normally. When put your foot on the brake to take the vehicle out of park, the vehicle control is passed back to you and you just drive away.
- You will walk out to the vehicle and unlock your door. When your door opens, the engine will shut off. You simply get in the vehicle and start your car as you normally would, and drive it away.
- You walk out to your vehicle and unlock your door. You will simply get in it and drive away, not needing to push a button in the vehicle or restart the engine. Pressing the break to put the vehicle in gear, deactivates the remote starter.
The good news is that all 3 methods are simple. The important thing to understand is that we do not get to decide which way your car is going to work, as it is decided by the car manufacturer. At Extreme Audio, we will go over the takeover procedure with you when you pick up your vehicle and will make sure you are completely comfortable with the operation before you leave.
At Extreme Audio, we take the trust of our customer’s very serious. We are fanatical about getting the job done right the first time. That’s why we have become well know in the Richmond market as the go-to facility for remote car starter installations. Yes, even on Push to Start vehicles!
We invite you to stop in, give us a call, or contact us today and get to know us. Our singular goal is your complete satisfaction.
Yvonne says
I had a remote started installed in my 2015 Honda CRV with push button start. 3 days later by battery is dead. The company who did the install feels this is a coincident, has anyone else had this issue?
Mike Bartells says
Yvonne, most remote starts will draw a small amount of power off the battery, simply because they are always “waiting” for the start signal to come from your remote. Generally it’s a pretty minor draw that would take weeks of sitting to have an effect on your battery. Do you know if they ran a battery test on your Honda before installing it? If not, I would swing by an auto parts place and have them run a free test for you. If the battery checks good, I would take it back to the shop that did the installation for them to perform a draw test and find the problem. If the battery test shows that it’s at the end of it’s life, then the remote start may have been the last thing that kicked it over the cliff. Hope this helps, if you’re local and unable to find a resolution with them, we’d be happy to take a look at it.
Yvonne says
Thank you!
Rameez says
i have a 2012 toyota camry xle and i got my remote start done aftermarket of course (its excalibur)
and whenever a door opens it kills my engine, its so stupid i think,
i do have a push to start but im sure there has to be a way to bypass that
what can be done ?
advance Thanks!
(903) 305-0855
Mike Bartells says
We certainly feel your pain, it’s a very annoying thing. Sadly, there is no way around that with any remote start system on a push to start Toyota/Lexus. If the remote start companies created a work around to the way the Toyota system works, the car could be driven away by anyone that wanted to get in and go. It’s actually a Toyota thing. Sorry!
Tracy Jenkins says
Nome of the 3 methods works for my push start. I don’t know what I’m doing wrong. I guess I just need to just restart the vehicle once I get it. Cause if I put my foot on the break it cuts off if I touch the push start it cuts off.
Mike Bartells says
What year make and model vehicle do you have?
Julie Calabria McCauley says
I just bought a 2016 Honda Odyssey and had a remote start put on. It’s a push start and when using remote start once I open the door it shuts off. Do you know if there’s away around that?
Mike Bartells says
Julie, I hate to say it, but that’s the only way those work. The way the push button start Honda’s key security is set up, there’s no way to have it stay on after opening the door. Even the factory equipped remote start systems from Honda function that way. It is a touch annoying, but on the plus side, the van is already warmed up or cooled down when you enter it. Sorry I didn’t have better news!
Lien Nguyen says
Hi! I have a 2015 Honda Accord and just got a remote starter installed and my car shuts off when I get in 🙁 how come my sisters 2017 Accord and my friends 2019 civic don’t shut off on them?? Is it because I don’t have a Honda brand starter in my car? I had the starter replaced last year. Thanks so much.
Mike Bartells says
A “standard” remote start would generally cut off on the Accords when the door is opened. There’s a slightly more custom version from iDatalink that would allow the vehicle to stay running. I would ask the shop you dealt with if it’s something they offer.
Tre' Wilson says
I am thinking of obtaining a remote start for my 2013 Nissan Pathfinder. i was researching what issues there are if you have a push start and i came across your site. Will my car also turn off when the door is opened like th Toyota and Honda?
Mike Bartells says
The Nissan definitely do not turn off like the Honda/Toyota platform. You’ll be able to get in and drive away seamlessly, as long as you have the OEM FOB on you.
Derek says
Hi there, this is the kind of information I was looking for, so thank you all. Considering installing the Viper 5706v on my 2017 VW Jetta SEL Push to start vehicle. I see that the folks here are concerned about the same thing I am, the take-over procedure. An installer has informed me that a 3rd key will be required to install the viper remote start system, I assume it will remain somewhere on the vehicle. My two major concerns are the following:
-Since the proximity key is present all the time in the vehicle, will anyone be able to open the doors while armed, unarmed, remote started or otherwise?
-Does the 2017 Jetta react like the Toyota/Honda platform mentioned above and shut the engine down when the door is opened?
My preference in a perfect world of course is that the Viper manages the locks and only sees the key in my pocket for entry, the car stays running and requires a brake + push button to take over.
Thank you for any information,
Derek
Mike Bartells says
Derek, Thanks for the message.
The proximity key will not be an issue. They will remove the battery from in the key so the car only “sees” the remote when the remote start powers up to start the vehicle. Keep in mind, many Audi/VW’s the proximity function “goes to sleep” while the engine is running. If you remote start the car, you’ll likely have to press unlock on a key fob when approaching.
I’m not 100% on what interface module they would be using, but with the iDatalink product, the car will not shut off when opening the door. You’ll have a 45 second window after pressing unlock to get in and press the brake pedal.
If you don’t already have a shop you deal with locally, let me know where you are and I’ll see if I know anyone. The facility that installs the remote start will be the key in it operating properly, not something you want just any guy doing.
Hope this helps!
Derek says
Aww man, that is great information. It never even crossed my mind that you could remove the battery to facilitate this. Totally makes sense. I can’t thank you enough for clearing that up for me.
I will be taking it to a reputable place indeed. Yes, these things need to get done right the first time as you say. I will contact you if I can’t find an iDatastart installer. I’ve looked at their HC packages and I like what I see. I think for my wife’s sake, using the factory key fob with the 3x lock will be sufficient and get her what she needs.
Thanks a bunch,
Derek
Mac Fortune says
Mike, thank you for providing the information you do to help bring me up to speed more on the details behind the systems. I have an Audi Q7 push-to-start diesel that ive been told is one of the worst vehicles for installing a remote start. As its a push to start ive been told im one of the unlucky owners where the car will turn off. Is there a possible work around so that is not the case? Very interested to hear your recommendations on best system to use as remote start. Im not interested in any of the fancy features of some of the high tech models. Would simply love a product that works like the factory system, maybe with two way confirmation, but includes an easy to use remote start. If you have people that are experienced in Phoenix, AZ i would love to know
Mike Bartells says
Mac, I happen to be friends with someone that owns a shop in Chandler, AZ called Handcrafted. They are a former national retailer of the year, so you’ll definitely be in good hands. His name is Jon Kowanetz, you can find them at http://www.handcraftedcaraudio.com
RJ says
I have a 2017 Mazda 6 with push button start. It does shut off as soon as the door is opened. On my car is there a way to disable the feature or am I stuck with “double” starting the car? Installed was a Viper 7186v.
Mike Bartells says
I would definitely question the shop that installed it. I can’t vouch for what module they used though. With an iDatalink interface module, you hit unlock on your remote to get in, within 45 seconds you press and release the brake pedal. This then switches the vehicle over to the OEM key without shutting off. One thing of note, is that the vehicle needs to be locked prior to remote starting for this to work properly. Hope this helps
Monica says
Hi
If I installed the remote start on my Honda HRV 2016 would I too have 45 seconds? Or does it cut off regardless if I have my remote in my pocket or not? Because I would think as long as I have my car remote in my pocket the car shouldn’t shut off.
Thank you
Mike Bartells says
It does cut off regardless. Currently the Honda’s do not have the ability to switch from one key to the other, so it has to shut down and then “see” your key to re-start.
Doug Prysi says
You are providing an excellent customer service for those of us who are not direct customers, so I would start off by saying thank you.
I recently purchased a 2014 Certified Mazda CX-5 with a remote start already installed by the previous owner. Several times this fall the car failed to start due to a dead battery. I thought I may have left something on, however the third time I took it to the dealer I purchased it from and they said the battery checked out fine. We are on the 4th time and the dealer has had it for 3 days “testing all the systems for a problem.” They called today and said they still can’t find anything wrong. Could this be the remote start?
Mike Bartells says
Your Welcome! If a remote start is installed properly, it shouldn’t cause the sort of issue that you’re having. On the flip side, it definitely could if it wasn’t installed right. I would strongly suggest taking it to a reputable shop that does remote starters. They are going to be far more adept at hunting down things that are drawing power from the battery than a dealer would be. Naturally that ability will hinge on the knowledge the shop looking at it has. If you need a suggestion in your area, let me know where you are and I’ll see if we know someone. Thanks
Doug Prysi says
300 South Roselle Road
Schaumburg, IL 60193
Mike Bartells says
Showtime Audio in Chicago is a great shop up there. Jerry Villa is the owner, (773) 489-7469
Tj says
Do you happen to know how a 2015 Chrysler 200 will operate? My biggest thing is I don’t want to carry 2 sets of key fobs and would like to just carry the one from the remote start. I was told computer had something that should work similar or some brand that actually uses your factory key fob you just lock it 3 times and it activates.
Mike Bartells says
The Chrysler 200 would definitely be able to have the remote start set up with the 3x lock option off your factory remote. Just keep in mind that the range will be pretty limited. Combine that with the DroneMobile smartphone app, and you’d have the best of both worlds with short range covered by your OEM FOB, and long range covered by your smartphone. Let me know where you’re located and I’ll try to connect you to a good shop, the remote start will only be as good as it’s installed, so you definitely want the best tech doing the installation!
Rami says
Hi, I have a 2012 Ford focus titanium with push button start. I’m curious if you can tell me about the take over process for my car, and if I can use a single fob? I’ve been delaying getting remote start because I love only having one small fob in my pocket and don’t want to have to deal with 2.
Also, if you could recommend a brand and model for maximum range. I work in a medium sized building and park about 1/4 of a mile away. In my previous car, I could start with line of sight, but not from my desk. (I know- first world problems!)
Much appreciated!
Mike Bartells says
Rami, You would have the option of adding remote start to your OEM key fob if you preferred not carrying an additional remote. Just keep in mind that the range of the remotes is pretty limited, and you may want to add smart phone control like DroneMobile to have longer distance options (like your work situation). We definitely prefer Compustar, but I would be more concerned with making sure you find a competent technician for the installation, than the brand name. The best system made, that is installed improperly, will be your worst nightmare. I don’t have the specifics on the takeover procedure, but I do know that your vehicle has one, and will not shut off when transitioning from the remote start to the car. If you let me know where you’re located, I’ll see if I know anyone reputable in your area? Thanks
Al says
I have a 2013 Lexus GS 320 what remote start should I get also I would like to keep one key fab and a good shop to install
Mike Bartells says
Where are you located? Maybe I can find someone.
Nancy says
I purchased a used 2011 Kia Sportage with a push-button start and push-button door handle locks. The dealer had an aftermarket 1-way starter put in and I am having trouble starting my vehicle when I do not use the auto-start or lock my vehicle (in garage), but simply want to step on the brake, push-start and drive away while leaving both remotes untouched in my purse. I have been able to start it after fumbled attempts of double pushing the button and stepping/not stepping on the brake but have not figured out the “system”. Do you have any advice for the times I forget to lock it in the garage before walking away from it? Thanks…Nancy
Mike Bartells says
Sorry to hear you’re having issues with the Sportage. A remote start system shouldn’t keep you from being able to start the car normally. It sounds like whoever the dealer used for the install may have hooked something up wrong. I would suggest taking it back to them and getting them to have it serviced (I’d assume it would be under warranty, most remote start systems come with lifetime warranties). If they aren’t willing to help you, let me know where you’re located and I may be able to refer you to someone.
JC says
Hi Mike, is there a take over procedure for a 2018 Mazda CX5 and if there is one, does it only work for certain brands? For example, take over works with Compustar and not Viper.
Thanks!
JC
Mike Bartells says
There’s definitely a takeover procedure when using an iDatalink interface module. I can’t speak to any other brands though.
Rp says
Hi. Owner of a 2015 odyssey elite here. I am planning to have our car a remote start installed. Do you know someone near our place? Blaine Minnesota. Thank u so much
Mike Bartells says
Sound Connection in St. Cloud looks to not be that far away. They were actually a National Retailer of the Year last year, so they should be a good choice! http://www.soundconnectioninc.com
Bob S says
I have a 2015 Nissan Rogue SV, and just had a Viper 4105V remote start installed. The car shuts off when I open the door. Is that a Nissan thing, or an installer error??
Mike Bartells says
I’m definitely not aware of any reason that it should cut off when opening the door. I would check with the shop that installed it. Some have specific “takeover” procedures that you’re supposed to do. I’m not sure what interface they used with the Viper, so they would be the only ones that would know for sure.
TAMRA REYNOLDS says
I had a remote started installed on my Hyundai Ioniq, and the dealer told me to press the button twice to start the car. It worked fine when I was there, but now, almost every time I use it, the car starts fine, but as soon as I press the brake it dies. It’s not done it a couple of times, but I can’t figure out what the trick is to get it to stay on. Any thoughts?
Mike Bartells says
There’s usually a specific procedure to doing what is called a “takeover” on that vehicle. It’s difficult to know exactly what procedure yours would have, because we don’t know the brand of the system that was installed. If it’s an aftermarket system, there’s a good chance the way it works is the same as that models we sell. You remote start the car (with the doors closed and locked). When you walk up to get it, you simply unlock the door, get in, and push the brake pedal within 45 seconds.
Lynnsey says
I’m so happy to have stumbled across this page. I just got a 2015 Ford Fiesta Titanium (push to start) and I love everything about it, except that there is no remote start. Winters here are brutal and I don’t have a garage to park in overnight. Do you know of any good installers in the Cedar Rapids or Iowa City, Iowa area that could install a remote starter? The dealership tried telling me it was almost impossible/not recommended to add a remote start, is this true? Do you have brand recommendations? Thank you so much for advising everyone!
Mike Bartells says
They actually are somewhat correct on that. It’s not impossible, but VERY involved and certainly not for a tech that isn’t very experienced. The only person I know of near you that you could check with I’ll paste below. You may give him a call to check how confident he’d be?
S and S Customs
Scott Hulse
1-319-665-3080
315 W. Cherry St. #10
North Liberty, IA
52317
scott@sscustoms.com
http://www.sscustoms.com
Steph says
Will option #2- cutting off the engine and having to restart every time, ruin the engine or ignition over time? or anything else?
Mike Bartells says
It shouldn’t on modern vehicles. The OEM remote start systems on Toyota/Lexus/Honda cut off when you open the door. Many new vehicles are also coming with start/stop systems that cut the vehicle off every time you stop the car at an intersection.
Steph says
Ok yes, mine does that. It’s a Toyota 2019. Thank you!
Michael says
Hi,
I had the ViperDS4+ start system put into a push-to-start 2016 Honda CR-V with a 2-way one button remote (should not matter) and the harness THHO2 (might matter, as I explain next). Like many others, I found out the hard way – after the install with the technician – that upon the door opening the car will turn off. I find it pretty damn frustrating – my goal would be for the car to stay on while I never have to take my key out (since it has the OEM door unlock just by touching the door handle.) The technician explained that there is the possiblity of using a different harness that would allow the takeover where you have a limited amount of time to get in, close the door, and put foor on the brake. Then the engine would not cut out. Would this harness that they try and use have to be an “iDatalink ” product that poster Mike B. referred to? Does this make sense based on yours or anyone’s experience? Also kind of sketched out by the bluetooth aspects of how I could control it with my phone…the tech made it sound like I could start the car and people can’t just drive away in them. But could my car be started by someone else with a starter or phone app? And if it gets unlocked with this new harness and way where the engine does not turn off when the door gets opened, now someone could get in and drive away? But they would need the OEM key right? The same key that is used for the normal push to start? Very tricky…I mainly just want to know if my goal of remote starting the car to stay on while I never have to take the OEM key out still to enter/unlock my car seems legit – is it a harness issue? Or is there no push-to-start Honda that does a vehicle takeover without having to shut off first? Thanks.
Mike Bartells says
The iDatalink piece, or Compustar DC3, with the appropriate harness would allow you to keep the vehicle running. It would still be totally safe from anyone stealing the vehicle, as you’d have to have the OEM remote to be able to drive away.
Richard says
I just bought a used 2016 Honda Odyssey with push button start and a compustar remote starter. My wife’s compustar remote starts and unlocks it with no problem. My remote just blinks red when I try to do anything. What is the process to resyncing my remote with the van, or is there another problem?
Mike Bartells says
Most likely you have two way remotes that also have multi car function. Your remote is likely in 2nd car mode. Try holding the 2 center buttons down for 5 seconds and see if your remote starts lighting up orange instead.
Richard says
It worked! Thank you so much. You guys sure know your stuff.
Jane says
I recently purchased a 2016 Mazda CX-5. I was wanting to get a remote start installed on it. My parents also have a Mazda CX-5. They had a remote start put on theirs at the dealership. They had nothing but trouble with it and ended up getting it removed.
Is this common for this type of car to have problems with remote starts? What kind would you recommend for this type of car? Also I would prefer one that didn’t shut off when I unlock the car if possible.
I live in northwest Indiana.
Thank you
Mike Bartells says
Sorry to hear you had issues. Dealerships can sometimes have a tendency to use the cheapest place they can find to install remote start systems, which can definitely lead to problems. There’s no reason you shouldn’t be able to have a totally reliable system on that car, and the system does not need to shut down when opening the door. The closest places I know of to NW Indiana, other than around Indianapolis, would be.
Auto Obsessions
Brad Rhodes
575-288-4686
1724 Lincolnway W
Osceola, IN
46561
info@anautoobsession.com
http://Www.anautoobsession.com
Car Audio & Security, LLC
Robert Hough
3125459219
15124 Raday Dr.
Midlothian, IL
60445
sales@caraudiollc.com
http://www.caraudiollc.com
Tey says
I have a 2011 Dodge Charger and i’m still trying to figure my takeover function out. The car stays on when I enter the vehicle but sometimes after I press the brake it will shut off. Sometimes it acts like it wants to shut off but doesn’t and says “Car not in Park” but drives fine. I feel like I’m doing something incorrect during the takeover phase.
Mike Bartells says
It’s hard to know exactly how yours would be set up, just because the different brands of interfaces have different takeover procedures. We’re also assuming the tech did the job correctly as well. I would definitely check with the shop that did the installation. If you don’t know who that is, you may want to swing by a shop to let them look at which module you have, and how it should be set to work.
Greg says
Hey Mike. I have a push start 2017 Hyundai Elantra (or Avante as its known in some countries). Do you happen to know what the takeover procedure will likely be if I install a remote start system. Also can you say which brand/model remote start system is best suited to this vehicle? I would have come to you guys but I live in the Caribbean and unfortunately its not always easy to find shops as up to date with the technology and the dealers are often difficult to deal with and unwilling to do those sort of modifications.
Mike Bartells says
Greg, Generally speaking if you have a push button model Hyundai, you just unlock the door and get in and press the brake for it to transition from the remote start to the vehicle. As far as models go, it’s basically compatible with all of them. We prefer the Compustar systems partnered with the iDatalink Blade AL for the data interfacing.
north wiebesick says
So, I have a 2009 Ford focus and I may want eventually to put some kind of remote starter in it, any recommended places in Brainerd Minnesota??? I have 2 places in mind, one of which is, if I remember, “sound connection” and if I remember right there’s a good shop basically next door to them too across the street, but I was wondering if you had any preferences for a place in Brainerd or Baxter (basically same city, or soon to be)
Mike Bartells says
I definitely know Sound Connection, I’m friends with the owner Ben Larson. Mike Schwitz is the manager at one of there locations, they would definitely be a good choice.
north wiebesick says
Ah thanks… The other one I was thinking of that is basically right next door to that one in Brainerd if I remember correctly, is called Lakes Audio, and I don’t remember which one of those two was the one that my uncle uses for all of his remote start and other stuff that he gets done, but from what I understand both of those shops are especially the sound connection one very good shops…
Lonnie says
I have a 2014 Impala ltz with push button and remote start oem. I recently purchased a code alarm 6554 (Alarm/Remote Start) and I see they used a FLCAN and I also purchased a ASCL6 so I can start it with my phone. The problem I’m having is when I do the aftermarket remote start and soon as I hit the brake pedal the car cuts off. If I use the factory remote start and hit the brake and push the button the car doesn’t cut off and I’m free to go. Can you tell me why that is happening and I haven’t did the 45 seconds start up yet. Thank You.
Mike Bartells says
Good Morning. That’s not a brand that we deal with, so I’m not quite sure what the “takeover” procedure is. I would check with your installer as to what the procedure is to enter the vehicle after using the remote start. There’s usually a specific order that you are supposed to do things when getting in to keep it from turning off. It should be on one of the last pages of the instructions they got when setting the system up.
Christopher Howe says
Hi Mike, maybe an odd problem you might have some insight into. I have a 2020 Kia Forte gt which has a dealer installed viper one button remote start. It works great except two or three times a week randomly when I get to work or get home and turn the car off it wont turn off. The dashboard thinks the car is off but I get out and it is clearly still running. If I get back in and turn it on and off a couple times it will really turn off. Any ideas? Thanks in advance.
Mike Bartells says
It’s hard to say without really getting into it. It sounds as if the brake connection is not disengaging the remote start when you get in the vehicle. To test that theory, you may want to get in the vehicle each time and just hit the brake to turn the car off, before putting the key in (assuming it’s a regular key and not a push to start). If the car doesn’t cut off, the remote start is not getting a proper brake signal and you should take it back to whoever installed it for them to fix it. Hope this helps
RJ says
I don’t have question or anything but I was just reading some of the extremely helpful information before doing my own Remote Start install on a PTS 2012 Automatic Camry using an EVO ALL and a Toy6 THarness and feel like ready now after reading your replies to some of the concerns. Basically, my comment is it is rare for a company to provide deal help and support for individuals that are not customers. I really appreciate the help you provide and it is truly a blessing….THANK YOU!!!!!
Katie says
I just had the compustar remote start installed in my 2018 Nissan rogue, my question is, will i always need to have the factory fob on me to drive away in the car or is there a way to program the new key fob to act as the OEM fob and if not, is that the way for all remote starts or just nissan?
Mike Bartells says
Regrettably there aren’t any systems out there that can replace the existing key fobs on OEM push to start cars. Sorry!
Matthew T says
Hey Mike just saw this page and seems like your the guy to answer my question! What system, 2 way preferably would you recommend for a 2014 Cadillac ATS with the 2.0L? I do have push start. Hard to find any decent information out there so thank you in advance
Mike Bartells says
I personally love the R5 system from Compustar in my own vehicle. In general though, the system going in the vehicle would be the main control unit and brain. Then you pick the remote control scenario that fits your needs from there. Let me know where your located and I can try to recommend someone local to you that may be able to help you out.
Mike Noise says
I had an after market remote start installed by my local dealership for a 2022 Honda Accord Hybrid Sport. Turns out they left out ONE bit of information and did not mention that the engine would shut off once I opened the doors. Disappointed!!! In addition to that I found out later on my particular push to start system has security measures built in to prevent ANY complete takeovers. To this day I’m still looking for an upgrade.
Mike Bartells says
I understand the annoyance. Many of the Honda models, as well as the Toyota/Lexus platforms do not have a way to do a secure takeover and cut off when you open the door. Even when equipped with remote start from the factory they cut off. Some other Honda models they eventually found a work around to make it happen, hopefully they will find one for your model one day.