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So there you have it: A solution to my problem. It's not obvious, and you have to dig back to page 243 of the manual to find it, but this solves it. Getting the button off requires some kind of prying device and some persistence, but this solution is exactly what I needed.
As for the button itself, well, let's just say it won't be bothering us again. Its novelty was clearly lost on me anyway.
Josh Jacquot, Senior road test editor @ 3,417 miles
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altimadude00 says:
11:14 AM, 04/15/09
Um....Do you push the key a la Audi to start the car now?
I liked the button better. Now you have a gaping hole in the dash.
sabre52270 says:
11:50 AM, 04/15/09
I like the fact that the car gives you the option of push-button or key. There are days you may want to show off the push-button, and maybe days you want the tactial feel of a key. Either way you get to choose.
This post begs the question though, on other push-button start cars, where do you put the "key" and why is it such an issue with the Challenger and not the other cars?
Also, I like the posts so far, but can you guys tell us how the car is performing on a day to day basis. How is this car to own and drive?
Good work so far!
louiswei says:
11:56 AM, 04/15/09
This is just lame beyond lame.
For those auto companies who apparently can't do the keyless entry/start/stop right (Yes Audi, you too): just copy whatever Toyota/Lexus and Nissan/Infiniti have, it's really not that hard...
zcalvert says:
11:59 AM, 04/15/09
New cars seem to be regressing in this regard... and it's so stupid/senseless.
The 2005 Audi keyless system works great: sensors under the door handles to unlock the car, hidden buttons near the outside handles to lock the car, a simple button to start/stop the engine... the key NEVER needs to leave your pocket or purse.
It works great; and then of course, they and other makers decide to screw it up in the never-ending quest to show off with tech gadgets.
esoterica says:
12:04 PM, 04/15/09
The MB S-class has a real keyhole behind the start button as well, so this "lame beyond lame" isn't a Chrysler invention.
jjacquot says:
12:27 PM, 04/15/09
Now you insert the key and turn it to start. Very conventional and exactly as it should be.
The "gaping hole" isn't as bad as you're imagining. There's cover which is pushed out of place as the key is inserted so the hole isn't that deep. I actually find it more attractive than many other key fob slots, which are often rectangular these days.
kingkhalas says:
01:53 PM, 04/15/09
I also want to hear more about how it is to drive this car and live with it.
SnakeDoctor says:
02:35 PM, 04/15/09
You'd better not have thrown the push starter switch cover out!!!
badblackrt says:
07:13 PM, 04/15/09
Does your dad own the company? Surely genius like yours did not get where it is without help from dad!!!
Go drive something more suited to your style like a smart car!!
7driver says:
07:34 PM, 04/15/09
I like your fix. Keyless start without fobless unlock = FAIL.
frazier500 says:
08:01 PM, 04/15/09
Glad to see that worked out for you.
Monocrom says:
01:43 AM, 04/16/09
Good to see the push-button starter wasn't copied from Nissan.
freddiegirl says:
07:57 PM, 05/ 1/09
I'm not a "tester", but I am an owner. My Hemi-Orange Challenger R/T was delivered to me on 12-31-08. I drive it every day, and love it!
I love the push-button start feature. It's my first car with that feature, so I can't compare it to anything else. It seemed to come naturally to me to have the keys in my hand, usually use FOB to start the car (one of those "empty" buttons everyone keeps mentioning) on my way towards it, unlock the door as I approach, sit in the seat, push the start button, drop the keys in the console between the front seats while the car runs thru the check points, slip her into gear, and off we go!
This car is so much fun to drive ... takes me back to my teen years ... my dad owned a 1970 Challenger, and I used to drive it every chance I got. Now I have my own.
This car handles great, hugs the curves a little more than I like ... scared I might try them a little too quick one day ... the power of the engine gets me into traffic with no hesitation. I do mostly interstate traveling, and am averaging about 22 mpg. We're planning a trip to the mountains later this year, so I'll get to see how well it does on the mountain curves, and the ups and downs!
The only thing I don't like, is there is a bit of a blind spot ... but I am getting used to that ... actually makes me a bit more of a cautious driver. Everything else is just perfect. I don't think there's anything "cheap" about the car. Could just be that I don't know that much about cars. But I know how much I'm loving this one!
I've got a little over 8,000 miles on it, and will probably average about 20,000 per year. I have had no problems with any of the features ... I got her fully loaded. I'm pleased with my choice of buying this car, no regrets, and look forward to the years to come. As with any new car, I can only hope it continues to be as good as it is right now.