Posted in Defensive Driving

Keyless Ignition

How Keyless Ignition Works

Keyless ignition systems come with a fob that you can keep in your pocket, purse, briefcase, or anywhere in close proximity to the receiver inside the vehicle.  A Fob is attached to the key its an 18th. century term that is still used.  The fob transmits a unique low frequency signal to the car's computer system, which then validates that the correct signal has been sent and allows you to push a button on the dashboard or console to start the engine or shutdown engine.  The keyless device can also be refered to as a smart key.  And most systems also include keyless entry, allowing you to enter the car without inserting a key or hitting a button on the fob.

  Fob - attached to the key, transmits a fequency to Toyota engine

Common Reasons Your Toyota Push Button Start Isn’t Working

Forgotten Fob or Key

If you left your vehicle unlocked and hopped inside to find that your push button start didn’t work, it’s possible that you forgot to bring your key fob with you. It can be easy to do with a Toyota smart key that allows you to keep your keys tucked away.  If this is the case, your Toyota dashboard will likely display a key not detected message, grab your keys and try again.  Good time for a 4WD course

Brake Pedal Isn’t Pressed

If you are confident that your smart key or fob is inside the vehicle and has enough juice, but your push button start still isn’t working, it could be because you weren’t pressing the brake pedal or were pressing it too gently. Make sure your foot is firmly pressing the brake pedal and try again.

Weak Key Fob Battery

One of the most common causes of a push button start malfunction is a weak key fob battery. If you believe that this may be the case for you, hold the key fob as close to the push button start as you can while going through the motions of turning your vehicle on. This should help your weak key fob signal reach a little further, so your Toyota can detect it. Make sure to change the battery in your Toyota smart key as soon as possible before it completely dies, and this trick no longer works.  

Weak Engine Battery

If your dashboard warning lights all come on after pressing the push button start but your engine remains off, it’s possible that your engine battery is weak or dead. If that is the case, you will need to have your Toyota jumped or towed so you can get to the nearest Toyota service center for battery repair or replacement.  Next 4WD course

The Problems with Keyless Ignition Systems

Unfortunately, there have been a number of unexpected, and sometimes tragic, dangers associated with keyless ignition. And although automakers are taking measures to address these issues, you should be aware of the potential downsides to these systems.

With keyless ignition, and in light of today's exceptionally quiet engines, it's not difficult to forget to turn off the motor when leaving your car. Since 2006, more than two dozen people have died from carbon monoxide poisoning after leaving a car running in an enclosed garage that was attached to a house, and many others have suffered illness and injury.

Many people have also been injured or suffered property damage as a result of getting out of a vehicle without first putting the transmission in park. With a softly running engine and no key to disengage, drivers can inadvertently step out of the car while it's in gear, allowing it to lurch forward, dragging them along with it, and possibly running into another vehicle, wall or other obstacle. 4WD course dates

Can I drive my car without the key fob or keyless device?

If you start your car then accidently leave the keyless fob in your garage and forget to take it in the car with you, you can still drive the car and allow you to continue driving until you run out of fuel.  But once you shut the car off, however, you’ll be stuck!  James Gorrie, 4WD trainer.  Learn more