Is this considered "Smart Key"?

[bluesdeluxe]

I'm not sure what Toyota's smart key is but I'm curious to look into a Push To Start button like the Nissan's have in their cars. Basically you have a keychain that when near the car can allow for auto unlock of your car and a keyless start button to drive.

My friend has one on his Altima and it is pretty handy for when you have groceries or if you hate fumbling around with keys. I assume you have to install a bunch of sensors around the car (2-4 around doors and back hatch) and maybe 2 within the car itself. It's a pretty sweet system but I've heard once you go keyless it's hard to ever go back to a normal system where you have to push to unlock or use a key to start the ignition.

[Dman1]

Originally Posted by bluesdeluxe

I'm not sure what Toyota's smart key is but I'm curious to look into a Push To Start button like the Nissan's have in their cars. Basically you have a keychain that when near the car can allow for auto unlock of your car and a keyless start button to drive.

My friend has one on his Altima and it is pretty handy for when you have groceries or if you hate fumbling around with keys. I assume you have to install a bunch of sensors around the car (2-4 around doors and back hatch) and maybe 2 within the car itself. It's a pretty sweet system but I've heard once you go keyless it's hard to ever go back to a normal system where you have to push to unlock or use a key to start the ignition.

That's pretty much it. Pushbutton start and auto unlocking of all doors when you put your hand under the door handle. I love it and it would be very difficult to go back to a non-smart key system.

[bluesdeluxe]

Has anyone installed this aftermarket? If it's only $500 or so I'd love to do it but if it's going to be $1000 I will probably hold off. Can it work with your existing key or do you have to remove all the handles?

[Cashmachine]

Originally Posted by bluesdeluxe

Has anyone installed this aftermarket? If it's only $500 or so I'd love to do it but if it's going to be $1000 I will probably hold off. Can it work with your existing key or do you have to remove all the handles?

http://www.cn-spacekey.com/smartkeyg...show.asp?id=83

The parts will probably run you around $500; unless you are good with installation, US labor is probably another $200. I've seen some installation examples but not very detailed for DIY. You only need to install new handle for the driver side but unless you have HL Limited, you will probably at least get chrome covers for the other 3 handles to make them match.

[bluesdeluxe]

What do the parts consist of? I can't find anything online about this. Ebay currently has something related to the smart key but I can't tell what part that is. Any suggestions where to get the whole kit?

[Cashmachine]

Originally Posted by bluesdeluxe

What do the parts consist of? I can't find anything online about this. Ebay currently has something related to the smart key but I can't tell what part that is. Any suggestions where to get the whole kit?

The link should show you what the kit consists of: remotes, handle, in-dash smartkey push button, wire harness, etc.

I don't think the kit is available here in the US. Check that website as you might have suspected, another made-in-China kit. Installation is messy where you have to tap the brake line, gas pump line, alarm, etc. The instruction is included but I have no idea if regular DIYer can read it and know exactly what to do.

[Flame Red]

I installed a generic system called StarDrive on a classic car. The system was expensive, (~$500) and took me weeks to wire up. It was not for the faint of heart. I could see an installer easily getting $1K for all the work it would take. The Stardrive system had a lot of problems because of poor construction, and it had very poor documentation. It did not have handles you have to touch like the Limited does. When you walk up it unlocks.

Once it was installed and properly working I am happy with it but I definitely would not recommend it to anyone.