While most buyers know all about keyless entry, the GM Keyless Entry Keypad is a relatively unknown alternative, mounting a numbered interface on the outside of the vehicle that allows owners access to the cabin without pulling out their keys. Now, GM is offering a new version of this feature for select 2020 model-year vehicles.
We covered the previous GM Keyless Entry Keypad just last week. Now, this new version of the feature has been completely redesigned, and comes with a fresh vertical layout, a new interface and a futuristic look to boot.
Compared to the previous GM Keyless Entry Keypad, this new version has a touch surface, rather than individual buttons. The new keypad’s buttons are also finished in a cool blue aesthetic.
The new GM Keyless Entry Keypad mounts to the vehicle’s B-pillar and comes with a five-digit code to gain entry to the cabin space. As before, this feature basically makes keys and key fobs unnecessary for locking and unlocking the door, providing enhanced convenience for those buyers that don’t want to dig through their pockets or purses.
While one might consider this to be a more old-school approach to locking and unlocking a vehicle, it should provide a nice alternative for those owners that prefer to use an externally mounted keypad. We’re also liking the look of the new GM Keyless Entry Keypad. The vertical design integrates nicely with the B-pillar, with interesting angles and curves compared to the rectangular interface used previously.
The new GM Keyless Entry Keypad is tagged with the same RPO code (RDI) as the previous version, and is offered as an LPO-level (dealer-installed) extra. Pricing is set at around $145.
The new GM Keyless Entry Keypad will be offered on select 2020 model-year vehicles, including:
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Comments
Ford has been selling a fully integrated unit since the mid-90’s from the factory, so none of this dealer add on do-dads. The new piece is much better than the previous but I wonder how easy it will be to just rip it off where ever its been installed. The Ford units are integrated into the vehicle so there is zero chance of vandals ruining the piece. I can see someone locking everything inside and coming back to have some idiot break it off your car.
As I said before (last week) this isn’t very high quality especially from and installation point. GM will get very little “extra cost options” boxes checked here and will drop it due to lack of customer interest VS putting out something well executed and desireable. I loved the device as I could lock everything inside and walk away worry free.
Ford introduced it in 1980.
I have never found a time or place I needed this.
I suspect since it is only on a limited number of Fords demand is not high.
It is not a “Ford demand” if it is installed on every Ford sedan and SUV for over 20 years, just like the seat belts. So every Ford customer gets it for free. GM must do the same.
Well Ford had a patent on the integrated keypad design, hence one reason why no other manufacturer offered it. But, that patent coincidentally expires today, Nov. 4th.
As the poster above mentioned, this was on Fords 25+ years ago. I had it on a company car. At the time it was a cool option, but now? With face and fingerprint ID common on phones, this seems antique.
The new design is “less worse” than the previous, but not very elegant for a 2020 automobile.
Ford has the keypad integrated inside the “B: column for many years, and is not removable, but the GM keypad looks like an aftermarket device. I hope it is theft proof as some of these thieves will rip the keypad and jumper the signal behind it to gain access to the interior. So GM, please copy Ford’s design for the 2020 year and next year models.
Tesla has figured out how to have your cell phone while in your pocket/purse to open the Doors when you walk up to it. How much more simpler than that can it get?
Not sure why other Auto Makers haven’t jumped on that.
This isn’t for the teslarati. This is for the construction workers and other truck customers who prefer to lock their truck on the site and not have to carry a key or phone around.
Who doesn’t carry a cell phone with them?
concrete workers. Whenever I carry cards, keys or cellphones on me at work they are usually destroyed within weeks. Why bother if I don’t need to, lock everything in the car and looks like brand new at the end of the day.
So, GM has Alexa start your car now if you feel so unable.
There are a dozen things out there yet 90% use the key or button to start the car anyways. If it’s not broke do you really need to fix it?
This is all just technology for the sake of technology.
I can use a key pad on my Ford to get in but yet they are still having head gasket issues? I still have hard plastic on my door panels at GM, tons of recalls at FCA and water standing in my Civic doors of my Honda.
Lets just say I can see the money spent could be used in better places nearly everywhere.
I have never needed this. Just walk up to my GM vehicle with the key fob in my pocket and pull on the handle. When exiting the vehicle I just close the door and walk away, Ten seconds later the vehicle locks on its own.
Once you get used to this feature, it is hard to consider a car that doesn’t have it. This is really useful if you go on a hike or jog and don’t want to worry about losing yours keys. Also great if you have many cars in your driveway and need to put or get something out of the trunk. Also great for access to car by the kids without entrusting them with the keys. I have misplaced, lost keys or locked them in the car too times. It is hard to believe GM has not added this feature before.
It’s convenient to leave your keys in your car and rely on the keyless keypad but if I read the article correctly it stated it could be removed by vandals. Then how would you get in if no keypad exist?
This option is very important to me. I have two Fords w/ the feature and only will shop cars with this feature. why: I do a lot of early morning workouts and runs; locking everything inside the car makes life easy. Also: you can reprogram the codes; my Fords share the same code so any family member can get into any car.
I love the Blazer’s looks, and am even more interested b/c of the keypad…but didn’t know it was an add-on.
I purchased this, the instructions state to get the instructions from the dealer SI.
“Now GM owners can have their own “swanky” keypad for the ridiculously low price of…but wait! There’s more… For TODAY, and TODAY ONLY you can…” LOL! The GM execution of the concept of key-less entry and start button will provide a good laugh for future generations. Let’s hop in our time machine and see what they will say.
(A day at the museum) “…Let’s go check out the pneumatically suspended personal transporters…What a bunch of lemmings. They get within 3 feet of their car and let the mugger in on the other side. Now there’s a security system system for you. (tic) They had two chunky fobs keyed to their seat and mirror settings. If two people get into the car with their fobs, it doesn’t know which is which. Who would want to carry multiples of those clunkers around if they had more than one car in the family? It must have been a hoot for a typical family of 4 with two teenagers with their own cars when they had to shuffle vehicles around. If you leave the fob inside the car and use valet keys, you need to leave the trim off the door handle. Then you have to select which of the two users you are, and if neither of the one above, you have to set everything manually anyway. Shucks, they had dollar-two-ninety-eight PCs and cell phones that had fingerprint readers, iris readers, and facial recognition. One thing we CAN say and that is their intelligence was definitely artificial. (Second person pipes up.) That might not be why they did it. Maybe it was nostalgic move to bring back the 1920 cars or the Buick of the 1950’s that had the start button on the floor. Let’s see if any brought back any with the hand crank or shower of sparks ignition system.”
At least Ford gives you a keypad so you can enter a temporary code, lock up your vehicle with the fob inside, give the mechanic the code, and change it back after ward, all without grovelling at a dealer for access to YOUR car. With a Ford you can drive multiple cars without having a brass janitor key ring hanging from your belt with all of those same-looking chunkers lined up on it, each with a wire tag that proudly displays the VIN of the vehicle it goes with. Not having a keypad from the factory is retarded.