OK, after looking around the forums, I have read that people that have installed the official Mazda start button say it is relatively easy to install and plays nice with the car, but you still have to put the key in the ignition and put the car to the ON position and then press the button to start it.

I like the coolness factor of this button, but here's my question.

How would this work with the new Smart Keys that the RX8s come with? Though I am still a little unclear on how the Smart Key actually works (since my 8 is an '04 and has a regular key), it is my understanding that the smart key stays in your pocket and all you need is a little key for the igniion...but it is not a true keyless start like other cars like the IS250.

Will the 07+ RX8s with the keyfob allow you to keep it in your pocket and then press an installed start button without any use of the key?

 

I don't see why not. The starting mechanism for the "keyless" mazdas is a **** where the key should go, so if you place that in the On position then press the button, I don't see why it would have to work any differently.

 

so the **** you're referring to doesn't have an acutal keyhole? it's something you turn that starts the car as long as you have the keyfob in the car?

if that's the case, i am thinking that i could install the start button, turn the key to the on position (if even necessary) and press the button.

 

there is a key hole. the "****" fits the outside covering the whole key hole. its just a plastic piece. but i'm not at all impressed with having to turn something into the on position before pushing the on button.... might as well just start the car with the keyknob.

 

It's just a plastic cover that goes over where you would place the key in. No key needs to be placed in the ignition to start it. You turn that instead of turning the key that you would normally have to insert.

But what's the point of a start button if you still have to turn something. Seems like double the work.

 

I too like the coolness of having the start button, and I too wonder why go through the trouble of inserting the key into the slot and turning it to the 'ON' position, only to resort to pushing the 'Engine Start' button thereafter. If only there was a way to bypass this step. I've always wanted to get one and install it into the cigarette lighter socket as per the DIY forum.

 

true. though i wish there was a way of knowing if that step is absolutely necessary...or if just having the keyfob in the car is enough...and you could just press the button. but i don't think this is the case.

 

you will always require some sort of switch to prime the ignition or even power up the ACC if the engine is not started. So having an extra Start button may look cool but it is fairly redundant and a waste of extra effort/action.

 

do 6mt GT's come with the smartkey/remote start option? Or only AT rx8's? I have not gotten a difinitive answer on this of yet...

 

if i had the smart key, i would have done the push start for sure. it's simple wow factor.

you don't have to insert a key. the key is detected in the car and you simply turn the switch on the ignition (like a cover over the ignition key hole), to turn on the car.

 

oh i didn't even know this was a question up in the air. can anyone confirm?

 

I looked on mazda's website and it says this
"Intelligent key system (keyless entry and start)"

Doesn't really mention that it's a remote starter. I think it says the same thing about the 06's and those don't have a remote starter.

 

Neither actually has a remote starter. Mazda's implementation of the smart key was pretty lazy. When the smart key is present, it merely unlocks the locking cylinder just as if a key was inserted, then you go ahead and turn the ****. It isn't like keyless systems of more expensive cars where you just press a button and the ACC and IGN powering is computer controlled.

 

remote start: no

smartkey: yes

 

wait i know there is remote starters for all the cars in the north to warm it up is the intention so why would you be able to start a car with a remote but not with a button without having to turn anything to the on postion??

 

Those remote starters do start the engine. But once you get inside you still have to insert the key and turn it to the ON position before you can drive it.

 

no ****....go figure. learn something new everyday.

 

yea but, again, it defeats the purpose of a push button start if you still have to turn the key.

 

so there IS a Mazda remote starter that comes from teh factory?? As far as I'm concerned as long as its warming the engine, I don't care if I have to get in and turn a key. Much better for anti-theft, too!

 

Nah it's all aftermarket stuff. I would prefer an engine block heater than a remote starter....

 

Mazda's method of keyless ignition is pretty common, Nissan uses the same thing. BMW requires a fob to be inserted into the dash prior to pushing a button unless you pony up $500 to do away with it.

I'd prefer a start button if it was inlieu of turning the ignition but that's not going to happen with the existing system.

Having said all that I really do enjoy just leaving my key in my pocket and don't mind not having the start button although it would be cool.

 

I have the smart key in my '06 6MT GT. I love it, the only time I remove any sort of key from my pocket is to unlock my house.

I have a very old school push button start in another vehicle I own. It's a 1950 Chevy pickup. You put the key in the ignition, turn it to on. Then you put your foot on a big **** next to the gas pedal, which slides the starter gear into contact with the flywheel. A satisfying "whooo whoo whoooo" and it rumbles to life. It really confuses the idiot kids at the tire shop. Its not all so much inconvenient, but sometimes I forget to turn the key on and try to start it, or try to turn the key to a position it doesn't have.

The nice thing about it is that I can bump it around in gear around the driveway without actually starting it.

 

Is there any way to hook up your car so it can detect the smartkey from your pocket? I would like to hook up my 05 rx8 to work like my dads car. He just leaves his smartkey in his pocket, and when he walks up to the car and pulls on the door handle, it automatically unlocks. Then he just sits in the car and hits the engine start button without ever having to remove his key from his pocket. Is there any way i can hook up my car to do this?

 

I need to lend my support for the smart key option. It is the main reason why I went for GT. I leave it in my wallet and that is that.

One of the cooler options. BTW for all those who think it is a waster of money (as I thought before I had it) It is the type of thing that if you never had you won’t miss it, but once you have you will not buy another car without it.

 

my 06 gt with the smart key has a black button on the handle so you dont have to take the key out to unlock or lock the car you push the button on the handle....