The Complete Buyer’s Guide to Digital Guard Dawg Push Button Start Systems

Before You Choose a Push Button Start, You Need to Understand the Vehicle

Selecting a push-button start system isn't about picking the fanciest box off the shelf. It's an engineering decision that starts with a deep understanding of the vehicle you're working on. The right system for a 1969 Camaro is fundamentally different from the right system for a modern truck, and the choice has implications for reliability, security, and the overall quality of the build.

This guide is designed to walk you through the critical considerations for choosing a keyless ignition system. We will cover the technical details that matter, explain why they matter, and help you match the right system to your project. This isn't a product pitch; it's a technical manual for making an informed decision. For push button start for classic cars, getting the choice right the first time saves headaches, time, and money. True keyless ignition vehicle compatibility is about more than just fitting a button in the dash; it's about seamless integration with the vehicle's core electrical and mechanical architecture.

Why Not All Push Button Start Systems Are the Same

The market is flooded with generic, low-cost aftermarket push button start kits. From a distance, they might seem similar—they all have a button and a remote. However, the similarities are only skin-deep. The push button start differences become apparent when you look at the engineering, the materials, and the security protocols.

Many inexpensive kits are built with a focus on cost, not durability. They often rely on external relays that the installer must source and wire, creating a complex and failure-prone installation. Their security can be as simple as an unencrypted radio signal, easily captured and replayed by thieves. These systems are feature upgrades, not security or reliability enhancements.

A professional-grade system is engineered differently from the ground up. It’s built to handle high electrical loads internally, withstand the electrical noise of a high-performance engine, and provide military-grade security that protects the investment. Understanding these distinctions is the first step toward choosing a system that will be a reliable asset, not a future liability.

The Role RFID Ignition Systems Play in Security and Reliability

At the heart of any serious keyless ignition is its security technology. The gold standard in this field is RFID. An RFID ignition system uses Radio Frequency Identification to create a secure, encrypted digital handshake between your key fob and the vehicle's control module. It is not just a remote control; it's a digital gatekeeper for your vehicle's ignition.

When an authorized RFID fob is present, it engages in a challenge-response conversation with the system. This process verifies the fob’s identity using one of billions of possible rolling codes. Only after this verification is successful will the system energize the ignition circuits. This makes the physical start button useless to a thief. An RFID push button start can be pressed all day, but without that digital key, the engine will not turn over.

This technology is what elevates a system from a simple convenience to a powerful security tool. It’s proactive, not reactive. It doesn’t just make noise after a break-in; it prevents the vehicle from being started in the first place, which is the core of effective keyless ignition security.

Key Questions to Ask Before Choosing a Keyless Ignition System

To make the right choice, you need to answer a few fundamental questions about your project. These how to choose push button start considerations will narrow down the options and ensure you get a system that meets your exact needs without paying for features you don't want.

1. What is the year and electrical architecture of the vehicle? A pre-1998 vehicle with a simple high-current ignition switch has different needs than a modern car with a CAN bus system.

2. What is the electrical load of the starter? High-compression V8 engines require robust relays that can handle a significant amperage draw without failing.

3. Does the vehicle have power accessories? If you have or plan to add power door locks, windows, or a trunk release, you need a system that can control them.

4. What level of convenience do you want? Are you happy with a manual button press to unlock, or do you want a fully passive, hands-free experience?

5. What is the environment of the build? A high-performance hot rod with an MSD ignition creates a lot of electrical noise that can interfere with sensitive electronics.

These keyless ignition buyer tips will guide you directly to the right category of system for your build.

Vehicle Age, Wiring, and Electrical Load — Why These Details Matter

The single most important factor in choosing a system is the vehicle itself. For pre-1998 keyless ignition installations, the electrical system is simple and robust. The ignition switch directly handles high current loads. A keyless system for these cars must be able to do the same. Our PBS-I and PBS-II systems are designed specifically for this, with onboard 60A relays and heavy 12-gauge wiring that match the original classic car ignition wiring. This prevents voltage drops and ensures the system can reliably crank the engine.

In contrast, modern vehicles use low-current signals from the ignition switch to a computer, which then controls the starter. A system designed for a modern car will quickly fail if connected directly to the high-current starter circuit of a classic V8. This is why a "one-size-fits-all" approach doesn't work. Understanding the electrical load and wiring of your specific vehicle is non-negotiable for a safe and reliable installation.

Do You Need Basic Ignition Control or Integrated Accessory Management?

Once you have established the vehicle's core electrical needs, the next question is about control. Do you simply want to replace the keyed ignition with a secure push-button start, or do you need the system to do more?

If your vehicle is a classic with manual locks and windows, a system with basic ignition control is all you need. Paying for extra accessory outputs you'll never use is a waste of money and adds unnecessary wiring complexity.

However, if you are building a resto-mod with push button start power doors, shaved door poppers, or a remote trunk release, you need a system that can manage these functions. An integrated system that controls both ignition and keyless ignition accessories from a single fob is cleaner to install and simpler to use than piecing together separate modules for each function. This choice is the primary distinction between our PBS-I and PBS-II systems.

Understanding the Digital Guard Dawg Push Button Start Lineup

All of our Digital Guard Dawg push button start systems are built on the same foundation of security and reliability. They all use our proprietary DFDE RFID technology with over 6 billion rolling codes. They are all made in the USA with industrial-grade components. The difference between the systems lies in their feature sets and intended applications. Our lineup of RFID keyless ignition options is designed to provide a tailored solution for virtually any build, from a simple hot rod to a six-figure show car.

PBS-I: The Right Choice for Simple, Clean Classic Builds

The PBS-I is the workhorse of our lineup. It is designed for pre-1998 vehicles where the goal is to add a reliable and secure push-button start without the need for remote accessory control. If your classic car or hot rod has manual door locks and windows, the PBS-I keyless ignition is the perfect fit.

It fully emulates all the functions of a traditional keyed ignition—Accessory, On, and Start—but replaces the vulnerable mechanical switch with solid-state electronics. Its onboard 60A relays handle the heavy starter load internally, eliminating the need for a messy external relay bank. For a clean, straightforward push button start without power locks, the PBS-I is unmatched in its build quality and focused design.

PBS-II: When Power Locks, Windows, and Trunk Control Are Part of the Plan

The PBS-II builds upon the robust foundation of the PBS-I, adding a layer of sophisticated accessory control. This is the ideal system for resto-mods and customs that are equipped with power features. The PBS-II keyless ignition includes five programmable output channels, allowing you to manage door locks, shaved doors, windows, and trunk release directly from the key fob.

By integrating these controls into a single module, the PBS-II simplifies wiring and creates a more cohesive user experience. This is the system you choose when you need keyless ignition with power accessories. It also includes features like internal MSD filtering to protect against electrical interference, making it perfect for the electrically noisy environment of a modified vehicle.

iKey Premier: Full Passive Keyless Go for Builders Who Want OEM-Level Interaction

At the pinnacle of our lineup is the iKey Premier. This system is for the builder or owner who refuses to compromise and demands the total hands-free experience of a modern luxury vehicle. The iKey Premier system delivers a true "Passive Keyless Entry" (PKE) experience. You can approach the car with the fob in your pocket, and the doors will automatically unlock. When you park and walk away, the doors lock behind you.

It's the only product on the market that offers this level of OEM keyless go aftermarket sophistication for any year vehicle. Beyond PKE, the iKey Premier includes a built-in full-feature alarm system with a 2-stage shock sensor and optional remote start. It is favored by top builders for six-figure projects because it transforms a vintage chassis into a modern luxury car in terms of user interaction.

When It Makes Sense to Add Push Button Start to an Existing System

What if you already have a high-quality aftermarket alarm or remote start system that you like, but you want to add the convenience of push-button start? This is where our PBS-X module comes in. The "X" stands for eXpansion.

This unique product allows you to add push button start to remote start or alarm systems from other manufacturers. The PBS-X is a push button start expansion module that activates when your existing alarm is disarmed, enabling the push-to-start functionality. It's a one-of-a-kind solution that bridges the gap for builders who want to upgrade their ignition without replacing their entire security setup.

Why Installation Quality and System Design Matter Long Term

The best system in the world will be unreliable if it's difficult to install correctly. That's why we put a heavy emphasis on creating an installer friendly keyless ignition experience. Our systems are designed to be logical and straightforward, with clear instructions and high-quality components that fit properly.

Features like onboard relays that eliminate external wiring, or the D2D (Digital-to-Digital) data port on the iKey Premier that simplifies connection to modern data modules, are designed to save installers time and prevent errors. A clean installation is a reliable installation.

Over the long term, the quality of the internal components becomes critical. Our use of 4oz copper circuit boards, heavy-duty power connectors, and US-based manufacturing ensures that a reliable push button start system from Digital Guard Dawg will continue to perform flawlessly for years, withstanding the heat, vibration, and stress of daily use.

Factory Appearance Isn’t Cosmetic — It’s Part of the Value

For a restorer or a builder concerned with resale value, the final appearance of the installation is paramount. A poorly chosen start button that looks cheap or requires cutting the original dashboard can devalue a vehicle. We believe that a factory-clean look is the highest compliment you can pay to an aftermarket part.

That's why we offer the largest selection of start buttons in the industry, including over 30 genuine OEM push button start buttons from manufacturers like Ford, Lamborghini, and Aston Martin. We modify these factory buttons to work seamlessly with our systems. We also offer bezels that are designed to fit perfectly over the original ignition switch hole, allowing for a no-cut installation that preserves the integrity of a valuable classic dash. A factory style keyless ignition respects the vehicle's heritage while adding modern technology.

Common Buying Mistakes — And How to Avoid Them

When navigating the world of aftermarket electronics, it's easy to make a few common mistakes. Here’s how to avoid them:

1. Buying Based on Price Alone: The cheapest kit is almost never the best value. Compromises on relays, wiring, and security can lead to expensive failures down the road.

2. Ignoring Electrical Load: Trying to use a low-current system on a high-current classic car is a recipe for a melted module or a no-start condition.

3. Underbuying for Future Plans: If you plan to add power locks next year, buy the system that can control them now (like the PBS-II). It's cheaper and cleaner than adding a second module later.

4. Overbuying for Your Needs: Don't pay for a full passive entry system (iKey Premier) if all you need is a simple, reliable start button for your weekend hot rod (PBS-I).

Avoiding these push button start mistakes is about being honest about your vehicle's needs and your long-term goals for the project. Taking the time while choosing a keyless ignition system will pay dividends for years to come.

How to Confidently Choose the Right Digital Guard Dawg System

By now, the path to the right system should be clear. It’s a process of elimination based on your vehicle's specific characteristics and your personal goals for the build.

• If you have a pre-1998 vehicle with no power accessories, start and end your search with the PBS-I.

• If you have a pre-1998 vehicle with power locks, windows, or other accessories, the PBS-II is your solution.

• If you want the ultimate hands-free, modern luxury experience for any year vehicle, the iKey Premier is the only choice.

• If you have an existing alarm you love and just want to add push-button start, look at the PBS-X.

Choosing the best push button start system is about matching the engineering to the application. Because all Digital Guard Dawg keyless ignition systems share the same core security and build quality, you can be confident that no matter which system you choose, you are getting a professional-grade product that is built to last.

Explore Each Digital Guard Dawg Push Button Start System in Detail

This guide provides the framework for your decision. The next step is to dive into the specific details of the system that best matches your project. Explore the product pages, review the installation manuals, and see the customization options available for each of our automotive keyless ignition systems. By investing a little time in research now, you can ensure you get the perfect RFID push button start system for your build, providing years of reliable and secure operation.