Aftermarket Push Button Start and Intelligent Access

[lmp180psu]

When I decided to purchase the SE Hybrid I had on order in December instead of waiting for the Titanium Hybrid I had on order, one of the toughest decisions I made was giving up the Push Button Start and Intelligent Access. I have been researching the feasibility of adding it aftermarket, and it is certainly possible and not too expensive (relatively), but the one thing I have been wondering about is any possible warranty issues by adding it.

I went to a shop today and they said that it would be approximately $500-600 for the parts and labor. They use the following kit: http://www.advancedk...rod_AK104B.html, but I can ask about others and they will tell me if they would install it. They won't install just anything (i.e. "cheap crap from eBay"). The guy said this kit has been reliable. I am not crazy about the credit card look of the fob but not a big deal. I am hoping they can change out the Green bulb on the push button since nothing else in the interior is lit green, so it would look out of place.

I am also considering something like this:http://www.ebay.com/...3f0ac20&vxp=mtr, since I like the look of the fobs, and the price is good too. Now I am not sure if the shop would even install it, but its an option.

The one thing the guy specifically mentioned was having the key inserted into the key slot and it always being in there, and bypassing the steering wheel lock. I remember when steering wheels would lock, but it has happened exactly once since I have had the Fusion. What is the big deal about bypassing the steering wheel lock?

What is everyone's opinion of doing this, and would you worry about warranty issues?

[jeff_h]

Personally I would not do it... also ironic that you say the shop refuses to install "cheap crap from Ebay" and then right that below that you provide an Ebay link... hope it's not the cheap crap I've been hearing about! :drool:

[lmp180psu]

Lol yea. I was thinking maybe not all the stuff sold on ebay is crap.

 

I am a little surprised that there have been all negative responses. I posted this on BOF too and same type of responses. Hmmm...

[acdii]

Reason for the negativity is the steering wheel lock. You use the key to unlock it, its built in. I dont know what they use on the PBS, but the wheel still locks. If you think about it, say for some odd reason the lock bypass fails while you are on the highway, on a curve, and suddenly you cant turn the wheel......

 

You are also making huge changes to the security system on the car since the ignition key is tied to the anti-theft boxes.

 

Also PBS its good, but not great, I have found myself forgetting to turn the car off, or having problems starting it when I use the remote start. IOW I could go either way with PBS.

[JSKershaw]

I thought about getting an aftermarket PBS once I found out that the Hybrids (before the Titanium Hybrid was announced) did not have PBS. Over the months while I was waiting for my car to arrive I realized I didn't care either way. I have used a key to start my cars for the past 18 years. How lazy do I need to be??? LOL

 

Maybe my next car will have it, but it doesn't bother me either way. I do have to agree with acdii that messing with the steering wheel lock is not ideal and something I don't wish to do. Also saw a few "horror" stories of cars (with PBS) that wouldn't shut off and people calling 911 from the highways going highway speeds. Obviously these are isolated instances, but nonetheless still possible... More so I would think with an aftermarket system.