Okay, I can understand the logic of some of the modern car interlocks, like foot on the brake to get put of "park", or cluch must be engaged to turn engine over in a manual, but why does the brake have to be pressed to start the engine? I'd love to hear the "Darwin Awards-scenario" that could get a driver into trouble for starting a car w/o depressing the brake.

It has to do with the keyless ignition system.
The base cars with keys do not require the brake pedal to be depressed.
The ones that have keyless ignition do.
Don't ask me why, I haven't found out what the logic is. Believe me I am more annoyed about it than you are and I have been for 5 years now.

How about "Consistency?" Requiring depression of the brake pedal under all conditions is more consistent than requiring depression in some cases and not in others. That is the only explanation of which I can think.

I think of it as an additional safety factor. I have a three-year-old who loves to scramble into the front seat whenever I open the driver's side door of the V. I therefore do not find this functionality bothersome in the least.

Personally, I think the kid's just angling to drive the car when he's 16. :)

I thought of kids, a lot harder for them to get their hands on a key than it is to turn the ignition while daddy leaves the transmitter sitting in range.
I am not sure if that is the logic or not.

Personally, I think the kid's just angling to drive the car when he's 16. :)

Do you think he'll wait that long? I was "borrowing" my dad's car at every opportunity starting at age 14. Thank God I never had an accident (but I did get caught twice:thepan:).

I don't get it either. But now I automatically press the brake pedal when starting my truck.

After further investigation and research;) it seems that the brake pedal doesn't need to be depressed (& held); while turning the "key" just tap the brake pedal.

These systems are started automatically once a crank request is given.
When you press the switch or rotate the cylinder (key or no) the computer takes over and cranks for a set time (like 20 seconds) or until it sees good engine rpm.
If you try to turn the igntion quickly and then release it on anything newer than around a '97 you'll notice the computer hand off.
Most people think you have to hold the button or switch until the engine starts without realizing that the engine computer is really in control.
If you touch the brake enough to turn the lights on, then tap the start switch or rotate the lock you can let go of everything and wait for the computer to start the car.

I think it is purely a safety function, but it gets annoying when you mash on the brakes of other cars to start them. Some vehicles don't like it and get the booster to flake out until you release it.

GM didnt want Leprechauns being able to steal my car. Go GM

I'll bet it is because of the remote start feature. The idea is that a stray signal could be received to start the car from some other source and by making an affirmative action (the brake) the computer knows you are 'da man! I haven't checked this car but in years past an unlock signal from a fob, that was not followed by an open door within a certain time frame caused the doors to relock, the idea being that it might not have been the owner unlocking the door, but a stray radio signal.

Just FYI: For and auto...If you remote start, just jump in, turn the key and your off...

every keyless go sort of system i have driven requires some sort of human interaction to prove that the request is to start the vehicle and not just an accidental press. its just for safety and it seems to be mandated across the board in all keyless vehicles.