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When did Chevy start keyless entry?

Chevrolet, one of the most iconic American automotive brands, introduced keyless entry as a standard feature on many of its vehicles in the late 1990s. This innovative technology allowed drivers to unlock and lock their cars without the need for a traditional physical key, marking a significant advancement in automotive convenience and security.


The Origins of Keyless Entry


Keyless entry systems first emerged in the automotive industry in the 1980s, with some luxury brands offering the feature as an optional add-on. However, it wasn't until the late 1990s that Chevrolet began integrating keyless entry as a standard feature across a wide range of its models. This transition was driven by the growing demand for more advanced and user-friendly vehicle technologies, as well as the increasing affordability of the underlying electronic components.


Chevy's Keyless Entry Adoption


Chevrolet's keyless entry systems typically consisted of a small remote control device, often integrated into the vehicle's key fob, that allowed drivers to unlock and lock their car doors with the press of a button. The first Chevy models to feature this technology included the Silverado pickup truck and the Impala sedan, both of which debuted keyless entry in the late 1990s.


Over the following years, Chevrolet continued to expand the availability of keyless entry across its lineup, making it a standard feature on an increasing number of models. This trend aligned with the broader industry shift towards more advanced in-vehicle technologies, as consumers demanded greater convenience and security in their daily driving experiences.


The Evolution of Keyless Entry


Since its initial introduction, keyless entry technology has continued to evolve, with Chevrolet and other automakers incorporating additional features and capabilities. These advancements have included the integration of keyless ignition systems, allowing drivers to start their vehicles without the need for a physical key, as well as the integration of smartphone-based keyless entry systems, which enable users to unlock and lock their cars using their mobile devices.


Today, keyless entry is a ubiquitous feature in the automotive industry, with Chevrolet and other manufacturers offering it as a standard or optional feature across a wide range of their vehicle models. This technology has become an integral part of the modern driving experience, providing drivers with enhanced convenience, security, and peace of mind.

When did the push button start to come out?


1912
Although the latest iteration didn't emerge until the early 2000s, push button cars first appeared back in 1912 when Cadillac introduced an electric push-button starter to replace the risky and hard-to-operate hand crank.



What year did keyless entry start?


The remote keyless systems using a handheld transmitter first appeared on the French made Renault Fuego in 1982, and as an option on several American Motors vehicles in 1983, including the Renault Alliance. The feature gained its first widespread availability in the U.S. on several General Motors vehicles in 1989.



Does Chevy have keyless entry?


With Keyless Open and Keyless Start, if equipped, you can lock and unlock doors, access the liftgate or trunk, and start your vehicle without removing your key fob from your pocket or bag, as long as it's within range.



When did keyless ignition become standard?


Keyless ignition was initially only available on luxury cars starting in the late 1990s, but it has become increasingly common. From 2008 to 2018, it became a standard feature on 62% of cars sold in the United States, and today that number is closing in on 100%.



What is Chevy passive entry?


Passive keyless entry (PKE) is an automotive security system that operates automatically when the user is in proximity to the vehicle, unlocking the door on approach or when the door handle is pulled, and locking it when the user walks away or touches the car on exit.



When did GM start using chip keys?


1997
Due to the troublesome and fragile VATS system, General Motors started putting transmitter-responder (transponder) chips into their keys in 1997, but didn't become mainstream until around 2005.



How do I know if my vehicle is equipped with keyless entry?


If your car is equipped with a keyless entry, it might be listed in the manual. What if my car doesn't have a keyless entry? If your car did not come equipped with a keyless entry system, you can have one installed. There are keyless entry systems that can be purchased and installed any vehicle that has power locks.



What are the disadvantages of keyless entry cars?


Accidental lockouts: With traditional keys, it's typically difficult to lock yourself out of your car since you need to insert the key into the lock physically. However, with keyless entry systems, it's possible to accidentally lock the key fob inside the vehicle, leaving you stranded without access to the car.



What was the first car with keyless push button start?


Mercedes-Benz
A smart key is a vehicular passive entry system developed by Siemens in 1995 and introduced by Mercedes-Benz under the name "Keyless-Go" in 1998 on the W220 S-Class, after the design patent was filed by Daimler-Benz on May 17, 1997.



When did cars stop using physical keys?


By 1999, keyless entry systems became common. Instead of inserting a key into the door or ignition, drivers could press a button on the fob to unlock their car.


Kevin's Auto

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.