Auto lock/unlock would be a nice addition

[Ridilla]

As much as I roll my eyes whenever other people ask Kia for features, I feel there's a really convienent feature that feels like it should be part of the experience that just isn't. My wife's Pilot has the auto lock/unlock when you walk toward or away from the vehicle, and with the way the Telly illuminates the handle and opens the mirrors upon recognition, it really feels like it would just be natural that the car unlocks.

I wonder if it's something that could be added to the car through a software upgrade if it was put on future models.

 

[Husker Soze]

I would've love this feature as well.

Even the option of the sensor on the back of the door handle would have been better vs the current black button. Pushing the black button before opening the door is not a fluid/natural motion, compared to just pulling on the door handle to open the door.

BUT ... this is something that I can manage without (as well as the capless fuel filler).

I'd rather have the other KT features (360 camera, HUD, etc) for less.

 

[blitt]

I would not be surprised if some of the "missing" features show up on the 21 model year.....of all of them, the addition of some "approach lighting" would be my #1.

 

[Ridilla]

Approach lighting exists as a feature now, it’s just really weird when the handle light comes on, the mirrors unfold, but the doors remain locked.

I’m assuming approach lighting is not on all models however.

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[ucinn]

Someone came out with a module for the Stinger that allows the unlock on approach feature, so probably won't be too much longer before they make it for the Telluride also.

 

[bogie]

Someone came out with a module for the Stinger that allows the unlock on approach feature, so probably won't be too much longer before they make it for the Telluride also.

K8SS Canbus Control Module - (Remote Starter + More)

This brand new, revolutionary, Canbus Control Module for the 2018-2023 Kia Stinger is a complete game changer. Featuring a built-in remote starter (using the OEM remote) proximity locking & unlocking, turbo timer & a bunch more cool features to name a few. We offer free USPS Priority Shipping...

www.k8stingerstore.com

Emailed them and they are considering doing this for the Telluride. If more contact them, might increase the chances...


FWIW

 

[blitt]

Approach lighting exists as a feature now, it’s just really weird when the handle light comes on, the mirrors unfold, but the doors remain locked.

I’m assuming approach lighting is not on all models however.

Yes indeed....a "form of it " is there. I just happen to like a bit more light on the outside and a lighting up of the interior when it senses you approaching......had that on a Subaru of all things and it was really nice at night!

 

[ucinn]

K8SS Canbus Control Module - (Remote Starter + More)

This brand new, revolutionary, Canbus Control Module for the 2018-2023 Kia Stinger is a complete game changer. Featuring a built-in remote starter (using the OEM remote) proximity locking & unlocking, turbo timer & a bunch more cool features to name a few. We offer free USPS Priority Shipping...

www.k8stingerstore.com

Emailed them and they are considering doing this for the Telluride. If more contact them, might increase the chances...

View attachment 5590
FWIW

Not interested myself, I really have no problem hitting the little square. You have to grab the handle anyway to open the door. The Stinger I went with an aftermarket starter instead of this canbus controller because it can't do what I want remote start to do which is turning on defrosters and seats. Cars no longer need turbo timers, the rest are just kind of neto things to have, but nothing I would use regularly.

______________________________

 

[Ridilla]

There also seems to be this company that does just the smart lock/unlock feature for a smaller cost. I'm apprehensive about something that needs to be spliced in but I could get over that. 2018+ Stinger Proximity Smart Door Lock Module

 

[II Kings 9:20]

There also seems to be this company that does just the smart lock/unlock feature for a smaller cost. I'm apprehensive about something that needs to be spliced in but I could get over that. 2018+ Stinger Proximity Smart Door Lock Module

Nice. My '15 Genesis has the same silly rectangle button while my '13 Accord has a sensor on the inside door handle which is much preferred.

MB invented Keyless Go in 1999 in Europe and part of that wallet key card was auto lock/unlock.

Even slow to respond Honda is doing this and in 2020, I'm surprised Kia hasn't figured this out.

My Genesis handle lights come on and the mirrors unfold. No reason in the world why the doors don't unlock or lock the same way. That is software programming and costs "nothing" to do.

I doubt Kia will upgrade the '21 with it.

Thanks for the link. I'm going to look at this for my Genesis and my soon to be ordered KT.

 

[II Kings 9:20]

K8SS Canbus Control Module - (Remote Starter + More)

This brand new, revolutionary, Canbus Control Module for the 2018-2023 Kia Stinger is a complete game changer. Featuring a built-in remote starter (using the OEM remote) proximity locking & unlocking, turbo timer & a bunch more cool features to name a few. We offer free USPS Priority Shipping...

www.k8stingerstore.com

Emailed them and they are considering doing this for the Telluride. If more contact them, might increase the chances...

View attachment 5590
FWIW

Interesting that their website lists the 2020 Palisade but not the KT. One would think that it would be identical.

 

[blitt]

Interesting that their website lists the 2020 Palisade but not the KT. One would think that it would be identical.

Sounds amazing.....I wonder what the install of this would do to your warranty??

______________________________

 

[II Kings 9:20]

Sounds amazing.....I wonder what the install of this would do to your warranty??

They always say that "Kia would have to prove your modification caused the problem" and I contend that Kia holds all the cards regardless of the MM warranty act because if they deny, few of us have enough money to go to court against their team of lawyers. Of course, it won't void the engine warranty but anything associated with the locking system I would speculate they would not cover. In fairness, why should they?

Considering how many things are connected to the electrical system, it could be that any modification could affect many things we have no idea about and if there is some seemingly unrelated issue, Kia could claim it's the mod even without proof. That's never stopped me from modding before but I'm a gambler. I've owned owner 2 Alfa Romeos, a Peugeot, and a Citroen-Just call me Kenny Rogers.

Chrysler and Mitsubishi historically have been the worst on warranty denials unrelated to modifications. When Toyota had it's V6 sludge problem 15 years ago, they initially covered it only if you had every oil change documented. They subsequently stated even if oil changes weren't documented, they would cover it. Chrysler said "fuggedaboutit" if you don't have documentation.

 

[blitt]

They always say that "Kia would have to prove your modification caused the problem" and I contend that Kia holds all the cards regardless of the MM warranty act because if they deny, few of us have enough money to go to court against their team of lawyers. Of course, it won't void the engine warranty but anything associated with the locking system I would speculate they would not cover. In fairness, why should they?

Considering how many things are connected to the electrical system, it could be that any modification could affect many things we have no idea about and if there is some seemingly unrelated issue, Kia could claim it's the mod even without proof. That's never stopped me from modding before but I'm a gambler. I've owned owner 2 Alfa Romeos, a Peugeot, and a Citroen-Just call me Kenny Rogers.

Chrysler and Mitsubishi historically have been the worst on warranty denials unrelated to modifications. When Toyota had it's V6 sludge problem 15 years ago, they initially covered it only if you had every oil change documented. They subsequently stated even if oil changes weren't documented, they would cover it. Chrysler said "fuggedaboutit" if you don't have documentation.

Yup...a gamble it is! It really sounds like a fantastic mod......but I do have to admit the only "system mods" ( electrical or mechanical) I have ever done are on out of warranty cars.....well, nope , I forgot....had a brand new 94 GMC Suburban and installed my own "fog lights".....but otherwise was not willing to gamble on 3 new MB's and 1 new Corvette. Good post Kenny!!

 

[TxAggie]

K8SS Canbus Control Module - (Remote Starter + More)

This brand new, revolutionary, Canbus Control Module for the 2018-2023 Kia Stinger is a complete game changer. Featuring a built-in remote starter (using the OEM remote) proximity locking & unlocking, turbo timer & a bunch more cool features to name a few. We offer free USPS Priority Shipping...

www.k8stingerstore.com

Emailed them and they are considering doing this for the Telluride. If more contact them, might increase the chances...

View attachment 5590
FWIW

I am interested in this device for our Telluride. I had contacted them a few months ago and got a similar response to the above. I decided to reach out again today and see if any progress had been made. The following was their response.

I’m very sorry, but this is not actively being developed for this vehicle at this time. There is no need to convince us, we understand the demand and receive emails on a monthly basis from customers asking about it. We do not develop the product or have any hand in the development process. We have already let the manufacturer know about the demand, and web hope that they plan on developing the product for this vehicle in the future.

So I then asked if they could tell me their manufacturer so I (and you guys) could contact them directly. Again the following was their response.

I’m very sorry, but it doesn’t work that way. They do not deal directly with the public, we are there official distributor and again, there’s no way to force this, you have to be patient and allow them to develop the product for the vehicle if it’s something that they are interested in doing. I understand that you are very aggressively requesting that it be developed and that has been duly noted. Please hang in there and allow the manufacturer to decide if it’s something that they would like to develop for the vehicle or not. Thank you for your understanding and for your patience.

So, I would say to e-mail them as often as you would like. Maybe our hammering the distributor will relay the demand to the manufacturer and maybe they will make a module for the Telluride. Several options I'd like to have.

 

[G-934710]

I am interested in this device for our Telluride. I had contacted them a few months ago and got a similar response to the above. I decided to reach out again today and see if any progress had been made. The following was their response.

I’m very sorry, but this is not actively being developed for this vehicle at this time. There is no need to convince us, we understand the demand and receive emails on a monthly basis from customers asking about it. We do not develop the product or have any hand in the development process. We have already let the manufacturer know about the demand, and web hope that they plan on developing the product for this vehicle in the future.

So I then asked if they could tell me their manufacturer so I (and you guys) could contact them directly. Again the following was their response.

I’m very sorry, but it doesn’t work that way. They do not deal directly with the public, we are there official distributor and again, there’s no way to force this, you have to be patient and allow them to develop the product for the vehicle if it’s something that they are interested in doing. I understand that you are very aggressively requesting that it be developed and that has been duly noted. Please hang in there and allow the manufacturer to decide if it’s something that they would like to develop for the vehicle or not. Thank you for your understanding and for your patience.

So, I would say to e-mail them as often as you would like. Maybe our hammering the distributor will relay the demand to the manufacturer and maybe they will make a module for the Telluride. Several options I'd like to have.

I’m a gambler. I’ll bet this unit for the Palisade will work on the KT. I might buy the stinger unit and try it on my ‘15 Genesis. I’m guessing it’s a bayonet type spice unit and if it doesn’t work I can always disconnected. Sounds crazy but my Genesis is out of warranty and probably don’t have a whole lot to lose other than $99 if it doesn’t work. If it does work, I am a veritable genius.

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