The answer to this question can vary from one vehicle to another. This is primarily because the push-start button function is unique to each car.
Therefore, before you press the start button any specific number of times, you need to know what the specific instructions are for the make, model, and year of the vehicle.
Furthermore, here is some information that every driver should know, specifically as it relates to standing on the outside of the vehicle instead of sitting behind the steering wheel.
To activate the car’s engine with the keyfob, the driver must stand within a few feet in proximity to the parked vehicle.
Ignition will only come when the driver presses the push start button from the original key fob.
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Why do you need to press the push start button more times in some cars?
As mentioned above, the make, model, and year of your vehicle will determine how many times to press the push start button. For instance, the instructions for a Kia car are as follows:
When you press the push start button from the off mode 1 time:
While not depressing the brake pedal, the light on the engine start-stop button will turn orange. Or, based on the model, you will see the letters ACC (accessory) in the push start button ring light up in orange.
In this mode, the accessories in the car are now operational. For instance, if you want to do other functions without starting the vehicle, here are a few things that you can do.
- Listen to the radio
- Unlock the steering wheel
- Check the time on the clock
When you press the push start button from the off mode 2 times:
The light on the engine start-stop button will turn green, and you are activating the ‘on mode”. In this mode, you can check all of the warning lights before starting the engine.
For example, if you want to know how much fuel you have in your car, you can check the dashboard to see if it is half full, or empty. Or, you can check the dashboard for any alerts that need to be addressed.
It is also important to note that ACC (accessory) mode should not be on for too long. Keeping the vehicle in this mode for extended periods can drain the battery.
When you press the push start button from the off mode 3 times:
The engine start-stop button will turn green, indicating the engine is on. Also, if you want to start the engine, you need to make sure to
Press the push start on/off button and the foot pedal at the same time.
Can pressing the engine start button more than once be a problem?
Depending on the circumstances, pressing the engine start button more than once may or may not be a problem. For instance, if you are pressing the push start button to change to a different mode (i.e. from “off mode” to “accessory mode”), this is a normal function.
On the other hand, if you are pressing the engine start/stop button several times with the brake pedal pushed down, the engine should start immediately. If this does not happen, there could be a problem that needs to be fixed.
Why does my push to start sometimes not work?
If the push start button works intermittently, there is a good chance that something in the ignition start-up process needs to be repaired. And, further diagnosis will need to be done to find the culprit.
How to fix this problem?
The fix to these types of issues usually depends on the actual source of the problems. For instance, if a mechanic finds that the car has a bad battery or a bad starter, these components will need to be replaced.
Conclusion
Understanding how the push start button works on different cars is not a luxury but a necessity. Because each manufacturer has designed their push-start button technology by different standards, you may need to read the car’s manual to see what each press of the button means.
The information that you find can help to determine if there is a problem or if the press of these buttons turns on a specific function.
