Keyless Ignition Likely to Be Standardized in the US

In the wake of the massive Toyota recalls due to unintentional acceleration issues, a federal plan to require automakers to standardize keyless ignition systems looks likely. Keyless Ignition systems, once considered a premium item found in luxury cars, are now available to first-time buyers looking at budget cars such as Hyundai Elantras.

But now, all automakers could be obligated to follow the Keyless Ignition Systems guideline released in January by the Society of Automobile Engineers (SAE) International, but this is the first time the SAE has released a standard on the technology.  Among the list of recommendations in the guideline is the ability for drivers to shut off the engine with a “long” 0.5 to 2 second push of the ignition button or with two-to-three short pushes.

Most automakers comply or plan to do so, with the exception of Toyota, who wants to wait on a ruling from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, according to Automotive News. The Toyota and Lexus system requires drivers to hold down the button for three seconds.

NHTSA has said it may propose a rule this year to standardize keyless ignition systems.

"We're waiting to see what the NHTSA plan is," Toyota spokesman Brian Lyons said. "NHTSA could come down with a different rule than SAE. We don't want to redesign our systems twice."

The Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers, which represents the Detroit 3, Toyota, and eight other manufacturers, expects the SAE guidance to "serve as the base of whatever NHTSA further develops," Alliance spokesman Wade Newton said.