Can you add remote start to a push-button-start car?
Yes, most push-button cars can take an aftermarket remote starter. In our data, 563 of 851 push-to-start configurations (66.2%) have a Fortin install guide we verified, and for push-to-start vehicles starting in 2015 or later that rises to 448 of 643 (69.7%). Your smart key stays the thing that lets you drive. The remote starter only gets the engine running and then hands over when you get in.
Data source: Fortin Electronic Systems public install guides, checked 2026-10-16. We're independent and not affiliated with Fortin. Always confirm with your installer or the manufacturer.
Push-button vs key: who's better documented
| Ignition | Configurations | Verified | Verified share | Any Fortin guide reference |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Push-to-start | 851 | 563 | 66.2% | 76.4% |
| Turn key | 625 | 371 | 59.4% | 67.0% |
Push-button cars come out ahead. If you expected push-start to be the hard case, the guide count says otherwise.
Push-to-start coverage by make
Makes with at least 20 push-to-start configurations in our data:
| Make | Push-to-start configurations | Verified | Verified share |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hyundai | 56 | 49 | 87.5% |
| Jeep | 21 | 17 | 81.0% |
| Toyota | 119 | 90 | 75.6% |
| Kia | 64 | 48 | 75.0% |
| Chevrolet | 44 | 33 | 75.0% |
| Honda | 36 | 27 | 75.0% |
| Volkswagen | 34 | 24 | 70.6% |
| Nissan | 55 | 38 | 69.1% |
| Subaru | 38 | 26 | 68.4% |
| Mazda | 33 | 22 | 66.7% |
| Ford | 70 | 46 | 65.7% |
| Lexus | 39 | 25 | 64.1% |
| Ram | 26 | 13 | 50.0% |
| Cadillac | 21 | 9 | 42.9% |
| Infiniti | 30 | 12 | 40.0% |
| Audi | 40 | 7 | 17.5% |
A low share means we haven't confirmed a guide yet, not that the car can't be done.
What changes on a push-button install
- The bypass works with the keyless system, not a key chip. Fortin's EVO-ONE has a dedicated push-to-start setting (option D6) that the installer turns on when the vehicle's guide calls for it.
- A T-harness is more often optional. Only 243 of 563 verified push-to-start configurations (43.2%) name a T-harness part in Fortin's index. Key-start is higher at 232 of 371 (62.5%). On the 2016-2021 Honda Civic push-to-start, for example, the THAR-ONE-HON6 harness is marked optional.
- Firmware matters. Most guides list a minimum firmware version. The 2021-2023 Nissan Rogue push-to-start needs 92.04 with the THAR-NIS7 harness. Your installer flashes this before the install.
- Region can split the guide. The 2023-2024 Kia Sportage has separate Canada and USA push-to-start configurations in Fortin's data: Canada and USA. An imported vehicle can need the other one.
How you drive away after a remote start
This is the part that confuses new owners. The steps below are from Fortin guide #114601 for the 2023-2024 Ford F-250 push-to-start. Other vehicles follow their own guide, so ask your installer to show you yours.
- Unlock with the factory fob, the remote starter's remote, or the proximity key.
- Get in with the smart key on you.
- Don't touch the brake. Press and release the start button once.
- Now press the brake. The truck can be put in gear and driven.
- If the smart key isn't detected, the vehicle shuts down.
Ford's own factory system on push-start trucks works on the same idea: after a factory remote start, Ford says you press the Start/Stop button once with your foot on the brake before driving.
Examples you can check
| Vehicle page | Status | Module | Harness | Min firmware |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 Toyota RAV4 push-to-start | Verified | EVO-ONE | Not named in index | 79.66 |
| 2020-2022 Toyota Camry push-to-start | Verified | EVO-ONE | Not named in index | 79.66 |
| 2017-2021 Hyundai Tucson push-to-start | Verified | EVO-ONE | Not named in index | 76.60 |
| 2020-2024 Subaru Outback push-to-start | Verified | EVO-ONE | THAR-SUB4 | 93.01 |
| 2021-2022 Ford F-150 push-to-start | Verified | EVO-ONE | Not named in index | 58.02 |
| 2019-2023 Subaru Crosstrek push-to-start | Listed only | Not confirmed | Not confirmed | Not confirmed |
Before you book
- Confirm the car doesn't already have factory remote start. Check the fob and the owner's manual.
- Find your exact year range and ignition on our vehicle index.
- Ask the shop which module and harness they plan to use, and whether they'll update firmware first.
- Ask for the hood pin. Fortin's EVO-ONE guide says it's mandatory.
- Get a written price. It varies, ask an installer.
FAQ
Will a remote starter let someone drive off in my push-button car? Not in the Fortin setup above. In that guide, the vehicle shuts down if the smart key isn't detected when you try to take over.
Does a push-button car need a T-harness? Sometimes. 43.2% of verified push-to-start configurations name one in Fortin's index. Compustar points out that a T-harness reduces splicing but doesn't make it plug and play.
Can I use my factory fob instead of a new remote? On many Fortin installs, yes, with the 3x lock option. See our factory key fob guide.
Why is my car "listed only"? Fortin has a page for it, but we haven't matched a specific guide yet. Ask an installer to check Fortin's and other brands' lookups.
Is it more expensive than a key-start car? It varies, ask an installer. We don't publish prices without a source.
Sources
- RemoteStarterCheck data study, coverage by make 2010-2026: https://remotestartercheck.com/data/remote-start-coverage-by-make-2010-2026/
- Fortin guide #114601, 2023 Ford F-250/F-350/F-450/F-550 push-to-start (takeover steps): https://cdn02.fortin.ca/download/114601/EVO-ONE_IG_REG_BI_FOR-F250-F350-F450-F550_2023_PTS_A_114601.pdf
- Fortin EVO-ONE complete installation guide (option D6, hood pin): https://cdn02.fortin.ca/download/94011/EVO-ONE_IG_COMPLET_INSTALL_GUIDE_EVO-ONE_A_94011.pdf
- Ford remote start system support page: https://www.ford.com/support/how-tos/keys-and-locks/key-fob-and-remote-start/remote-start-system/
- Compustar, Remote Start T-Harnesses Explained: https://www.compustar.com/blog/remote-start-t-harnesses-explained/
Always confirm with your installer or the manufacturer.