Push Button Start install

[tomw1618]

Hi, I'n looking to see if anyone has installed a Push Button Start system in their 02-05 Bird...... And if so how did it go?

[Frank Dreano]

I looked at some instructions for installing such a system and its not trivial. I think you're adding complexity for a minor benefit.

Personally I wouldn't do it, the electronics in these cars is already dodgy and adding much aftermarket stuff is going to make troubleshooting and maintenance more complex.

I did add an aftermarket radio to my 2002 TBird and it was enough of a bear, Installing a backup camera, GPS and making the steering wheel controls work.

I've also dealt with a bad Front Electronics Module and Bubba-ed instrument cluster and I'm now chasing a weird problem with the climate control not regulating temperature...

My advice is to keep thins simple and stock where possible...but its your car...

[JerriLampon]

I’m looking to install the optional hand crank in case the battery goes dead.

[FUN X 3]

Jerri, LMAO! One of the most endearing things about our retro Birds is the old in-dash key IMVHO. So easy!

I have to lean to the right and forward every time so I can see where put the key into out Ford Escape's steering wheel key port.

[Frank Dreano]

The wife laughs when I occasionally drive her 2016 Durango (a rare occurrence) and push on the round gear shift knob on the console to try to start the car....

[007Cruiser]

Someone needs to be first, Tom. It may as well be you. Good luck.

[steelblue5505]

This is a great idea & I think you should continue to pursue it. I would like very much to learn how you would get passed the embedded chip reading feature to allow the car to start.

[007Cruiser]

This is a great idea & I think you should continue to pursue it. I would like very much to learn how you would get passed the embedded chip reading feature to allow the car to start.

I also was wondering about that. Maybe you need the original key in the car? Maybe the new push button comes with a chip in the new key fob? How would this effect the unlocking of the doors? Lots to consider. Having push button start in other vehicles, I really don’t think it’s worth the effort.

[tomw1618]

Gee thanks guys. For all of you naysayers and also the ones with the good questions here is a video with some answers. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z0pxpDeS30I AND https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QT-XmFuEGsw. Check it out and let us know what you think.

[tomw1618]

I also was wondering about that. Maybe you need the original key in the car? Maybe the new push button comes with a chip in the new key fob? How would this effect the unlocking of the doors? Lots to consider. Having push button start in other vehicles, I really don’t think it’s worth the effort.

There are NO chips in keys nor FOBs of 2004 T-Birds. And if the are none in an 04 I would think the same for the nest of the 3 years.

[007Cruiser]

There are NO chips in keys nor FOBs of 2004 T-Birds. And if the are none in an 04 I would think the same for the nest of the 3 years.

That being the case, why is it necessary to program a third key?

[tomw1618]

That being the case, why is it necessary to program a third key?

You don't! You only program FOB's not KEY's. Check you Owners Manual. I thought that too with my first bird. I even bought a Programer. It still paid for its self with Honda, Jeep, Toyota, and others (as long as you have a cut key).

[007Cruiser]

Thanks, Tom.

[tomw1618]

To be honest with you this install is way beyond my expertise. If I would do it I would have it professionally installed. And putting the liability on to the installer and their reportation helps in the decision making of having it or not.

[5bird7]

You don't! You only program FOB's not KEY's. Check you Owners Manual. I thought that too with my first bird. I even bought a Programer. It still paid for its self with Honda, Jeep, Toyota, and others (as long as you have a cut key).

Just checked the owners manual of both the 02 and 05. Both have the same instructions for coding the "coded" keys which must match the computer code for the specific car in order to start it and there is a "program" sequence to follow to make a third key match the original two keys. There are other, separate instructions for coding the fobs. Both sets of instructions are in the same section of the owner's manual: Locks and Security. The keys may not be "chipped" but they do have an electronic device that records a code in the key and it takes two matching coded keys to make the third one useable to start the car, unless one visits a Ford dealer or a locksmith that have the equipment to make a duplicate with a key that will accept the code. When you go that route, you need to have car and any other keys that are working to make sure that all have the same code.

I did a search here and there have been a couple of people that have bought their cars second hand that had a remote start installed and there was little info given to them about how it worked. There is a thread, still on this website, about an issue with remote starter:

http://www.thunderbirdnest.com/forum...5-remote-start

When these cars were new, it was not offered except as after-market or accessory. I don't know of anyone here that had installed remote start and posted about the procedure. Probably best left to a professional along with the instructions that came with the unit since it requires messing with the wiring for security and locks.