How do car button-starts work?

Question

It seems like someone could easily just steal your car. Do you just press the button and the car's on? Or is there something else you have to do?

Where you normally put the key into the ignition and turn it, the commericals just show a button. Do you just press the button and your car turns on without inserting a key or anything?

NOTE: I am not talking about remote car starters.

Answer 1

You still get a key fob with a tiny transmitter inside. You can't start the vehicle unless you have the transmitter with you; the vehicle is looking for a code from the fob before it will enable the pushbutton start. It can be in your pocket, but you have to have it on you.

Answer 2

Not quite sure what you mean. I once had a '48 Buick that had separate ignition and starter switches. You turned the ign on then pushed the starter button. Recently the ignition is controlled by a digital signal from a "key" . Depending on the car you might have to do something extra to get the engine to crank. Principle is actually the same!

Answer 3

It's done with radio wave specifically assigned to your vehicle. It would be possible for someone with extensive knowledge of radio frequency etc to accomplish starting the vehicle but chances are like ???/in a million! However, as we all know, nothing's impossible!