I've been looking at newer Foci some of which, the Titanium models apparently, have keyless start but still have a lock barrel in the drivers door. Having done a web search on keyless entry/start systems I'm confused as to which of the systems are used on these models. Do the doors unlock automatically - the proximity system - or do you still press a button on the remote? Once the car is unlocked is the immobiliser automatically cancelled? Without an ignition switch is there no steering lock?

I have serious misgivings about buying a car with these systems so any advice that would boost my confidence (or otherwise) would be welcome.

Basically there are 2 possible configurations:

1. Keyless start without Keyless entry. This system has normal central locking with a key fob with 3 buttons (without a key blade) to open/close the doors and tailgate. The engine is started and stopped by the start button on the dashboard.

2. Keyless start with keyless entry. This system has sensors in all door handles and a key fob which transmits a signal. If the signal of the key fob is received by the cars electronics the doors will unlock if one of the door handles is touched. To lock the car you also have to touch one of the door handles. The key fob of this system does also have 3 buttons (without a key blade) to open/close the car in case the keyless system does not work. The engine is started and stopped by the start button on the dashboard.

In both cases the PATS system is a bit different from the "normal key" version. The key fob of the Keyless system transmits a (battery powered) PATS signal which is received by a receiver inside the car (the car has multple recievers). If the correct signal is received the PATS system will be switched of and the car can be started using the start button. If no correct signal is recieved the car will be immobilized. The key fob of the Keyless system does also have a normal PATS chip in case the battery of the key fob is dead or the system does not work for some other reason. This way the car can be started by holding the key fob next to the normal PATS receiver at the steering collumn.

Keyless start vehicles do have an electric powered steering lock instead of the mechanical steering lock on the "normal key"versions.

could cost pretty penny if any thing was to happen

good write up jw

My car unlocks as soon as I put my hand through the loop of the door handle to pull the door open and locks when I touch the flat panel on the outside of the handle (touch second time to deadlock).

Steering lock is electronic and disengages when the key is detected inside the car.

If my key battery goes flat or the key needs recoding to the car (or a new key needs adding to the system) there is a panel with a key diagram on it at the bottom of the storage tray under the armrest where you would need to place the key (the PATS receiver is directly under the panel).

If you push the start button but the key is not inside the car then a warning message flashes up on the instrument cluster screen.

Hi Wilco, thanks for your very concise explanation. I feel a bit happier now. :)