PBS-II Installation Guide: Control Door Locks, Trunk & Windows from a Single Key Fob

When Push Button Start Is Only Part of the Plan

For many classic car builders, the project evolves. What starts as a simple engine swap or a clean-up job often grows into a full-scale resto-mod. As you add modern conveniences like power door locks, shaved door poppers, or an electric trunk release, the number of remote controls clipped to your sun visor starts to multiply. One for the alarm, one for the doors, and a key for the ignition. This is where a simple push button start with power locks system falls short. You need an integrated solution.

The Digital Guard Dawg PBS-II system was designed for this exact scenario. It acknowledges that for a modern custom build, ignition is just one piece of the puzzle. You need a centralized brain that can manage not just starting the car, but also all the keyless ignition accessories you've so carefully integrated. The goal isn't just to eliminate the ignition key; it's to eliminate the clutter of multiple controllers and create a single, seamless user experience.

Why Integrated Control Matters in Modern Resto-Mods and Custom Builds

A true resto-mod blends classic style with modern functionality. The goal is to create a vehicle that feels cohesive, not like a collection of mismatched parts. When you have separate systems for ignition, security, and power accessories, you end up with a disjointed experience. This is why an integrated vehicle control system is no longer a luxury—it's a hallmark of a high-quality build.

The PBS-II is engineered to be this central hub for your resto-mod keyless ignition. It brings all essential functions under one command structure. When your RFID fob can authorize the ignition, unlock the doors, pop the trunk, and even roll down a window, the vehicle starts to feel intelligent. This level of integration is what separates a good build from a great one. It shows a commitment to not just how the car looks or drives, but how the owner interacts with it every single day.

What the PBS-II System Is Designed to Control — All from One Fob

The PBS-II builds upon the rock-solid foundation of the PBS-I, using the same robust ignition control with onboard 60A relays. But it adds a powerful layer of accessory management. The PBS-II keyless ignition system is a comprehensive command center for your pre-1998 vehicle.

From a single, stylish RFID fob, you can control door locks, trunk, and windows. The system features five programmable output channels. This means beyond the secure push-button start, you have five additional functions you can wire to control virtually any electronic accessory in your vehicle. Common applications include:

Power Door Locks (Lock/Unlock)
Shaved Door Poppers
Power Trunk or Hatch Release
Power Windows (Up/Down)
Remote Horn Honk or Light Flash

This consolidation is the core value of the PBS-II. It simplifies the user experience down to a single device.

Understanding How PBS-II Communicates with Power Door Locks

One of the most sought-after upgrades for classic cars is power door locks. The PBS-II is designed for seamless keyless ignition power doors integration. The system provides dedicated outputs that can be wired directly to your aftermarket door lock actuators or the factory relays if your classic car was originally equipped with them.

The process of door lock integration with push button start is straightforward with the PBS-II. You don't need a separate alarm module to handle the lock and unlock signals. The PBS-II's programmable channels are configured to send the correct pulse to your door lock motors. When you press the button on your fob, the PBS-II sends the command, and your doors lock or unlock. It's a clean, direct line of communication that removes unnecessary complexity and hardware from your build.

Adding Trunk Release and Window Control Without Extra Modules

The elegance of the PBS-II system lies in its ability to manage multiple accessories without stacking controllers. If you want to add a push button start trunk release, you don't need to buy a separate trunk pop kit with its own remote. You simply assign one of the PBS-II's five programmable output channels to your trunk solenoid.

The same logic applies to keyless ignition window control. The PBS-II can be configured to send signals to your power window relays, allowing you to vent or control your windows directly from the fob. This design philosophy—one system to rule them all—is what makes the PBS-II so popular with professional builders. It results in cleaner wiring, fewer potential points of failure, and a more intuitive end-user experience.

Why Five Programmable Output Channels Change the Installation Equation

The five programmable outputs are what make the PBS-II a truly flexible programmable output ignition system. This isn't just about locking doors. This is about giving the builder creative freedom. These channels can be configured to control almost anything you can imagine that is triggered by a 12-volt signal.

This multi-channel keyless ignition capability means you can tailor the system to your specific build. Are you building a convertible with a power top? Use a channel for that. Do you have accent lighting you want to trigger remotely? Assign a channel. The installation equation changes from "How many modules do I need to buy?" to "How do I want to use the five channels I already have?" This gives you immense control and value from a single, reliable system.

What a PBS-II Installation Looks Like at a High Level

While the PBS-II offers more functionality than the PBS-I, the core installation process remains logical and manageable. The PBS-II installation process is an extension of the ignition install, adding the accessory wiring in a structured way. This push button start install overview gives you a clear picture.

Ignition First: The installation begins exactly like a PBS-I install. You connect the heavy-gauge power wires from the PBS-II module to your vehicle's main ignition harness (Battery, Ignition, Accessory, Starter).
Accessory Wiring: Next, you address the smaller gauge wires for the programmable outputs. You identify the channel you want to use for your door locks and run those wires to your door lock relays. You repeat this process for the trunk release solenoid or any other accessory.
Grounding and Safety: A solid chassis ground is established, and the brake switch input wire is connected to provide the "foot-on-brake-to-start" safety feature.
Antenna & Button Placement: The RFID antenna is mounted in a concealed location, and the start button is installed in your chosen spot on the dash.

The process is additive. You build upon the secure ignition foundation with the accessory control wiring, resulting in a clean, integrated setup.

How PBS-II Reduces the Need for Stacked Relays and Separate Controllers

In a complex build, the space under the dashboard can quickly become a tangled mess of wires and modules. The PBS-II is designed to combat this. By integrating ignition and accessory control, it provides a solution for simplified keyless ignition wiring.

Because the PBS-II has high-current ignition relays built-in, you already eliminate external relays for the core starting function. By adding five programmable accessory channels, you also eliminate the need for separate controllers for your door locks or other items. This means fewer boxes to mount, fewer wires to run, and a dramatically cleaner installation. For builders who take pride in their craftsmanship, both inside and out, this is a significant advantage.

Choosing the Right PBS-II Configuration for Your Build

The PBS-II is designed with flexibility in mind, which extends to its physical components. Understanding the PBS-II configuration options helps you tailor the system to your aesthetic and functional goals. When planning your keyless ignition setup options, a key choice is the fob style.

We offer two RFID fob styles for the PBS-II:

Standard Fob: This fob features a minimalist design with a sliding cover that protects the buttons from accidental presses. It's sleek, compact, and perfect for a modern, understated look.
OEM-Style Fob: This fob offers a factory-like design and feel. Critically, it includes a hidden compartment for a "Hide-a-Key" mechanical blade. This blade can be cut to match your original door key, providing a crucial backup in case of a dead car battery.

Choosing the right fob is about matching the system's look and feel to the personality of your build.

Start Button Placement and Maintaining a Factory-Clean Interior

The final touchpoint of your installation is the start button. It's what you see and touch every time you drive the car. We believe this component should look like it belongs. We offer the largest selection of start buttons in the industry, including over 30 genuine OEM push button start options.

Whether you want a modern Ford GT button or a classic billet aluminum look, you can find a factory style ignition button that complements your interior. Many of our buttons are designed to fit into existing dashboard holes, like the one left by the cigarette lighter or the original ignition switch. This means you can often achieve a clean, professional installation without cutting or drilling your dashboard, preserving the vehicle's integrity.

What Builders Appreciate About Installing PBS-II

Professional builders choose components that make their job easier and their final product better. The PBS-II is a preferred installer friendly keyless ignition system because it is both powerful and logical. Builders appreciate that they can get a secure, high-current push-button start and a multi-channel accessory controller in one box.

The internal MSD filtering circuitry is another feature pros value. It protects the system from the electrical interference common in cars with high-performance ignitions, ensuring flawless operation. Above all, builders trust the PBS-II because it is a professional ignition system from a company that understands their needs. It is precision-engineered, made in the USA, and backed by expert technical support.

Common Questions About Installing PBS-II with Power Accessories

When integrating multiple systems, questions are natural. Here are some common PBS-II installation questions:

Can one fob control multiple cars? Yes. A single PBS-II fob can be programmed to operate an unlimited number of vehicles, each equipped with its own Digital Guard Dawg system. This is a huge benefit for collectors.
What if my car has an MSD box? The PBS-II is designed for keyless ignition compatibility with high-output ignition systems. The internal filtering prevents electrical noise from causing issues.
How do the programmable outputs work? The outputs provide a ground signal when activated. This signal is used to trigger a relay for the accessory you wish to control (e.g., a door lock relay or trunk solenoid relay).

When PBS-II Is the Right Choice — and When It Isn’t

Choosing the right system is crucial. When comparing PBS-I vs PBS-II, the decision comes down to one question: Do you need to control power accessories from your key fob?

Choose PBS-II if: Your vehicle has or will have power door locks, a power trunk, shaved doors, or other electronic accessories you want to control remotely. The PBS-II is the perfect all-in-one solution.
Choose PBS-I if: Your build is a pure, minimalist classic or hot rod without power accessories. If all you need is a secure, reliable push-button start, the PBS-I is the simplest, most robust choice.

Being honest about your build's needs is the best way of choosing a keyless ignition system that you will be happy with for years to come.

One Key Fob. One System. Complete Control.

The ultimate goal of a custom build is harmony, where every component works together seamlessly. The Digital Guard Dawg PBS-II delivers this by consolidating your ignition and accessory control into a single, intelligent system. You get the security of an encrypted RFID push-button start and the convenience of managing all your keyless ignition power accessories from one fob.

Explore PBS-II and See How Integrated Keyless Control Should Work

Stop juggling multiple remotes and simplify your build with a system designed for integration. Explore the PBS-II keyless ignition system on our website. See for yourself why the best builders in the world trust Digital Guard Dawg push button start systems when they need to combine security, reliability, and total control.