First, don't buy a Ford. Notice the majority of the posters here were foolish/ford owners. Then just stay at home.

I had an old Datsun with a stick shift. Just push it and pop the clutch!

In my 2018 Jeep, you put the key in the ignition and turn it

Purposely bought 2018 so I could get one with no touch screen, manual windows, and manual locks (which I never use).

quote:

Originally posted by ensigmatic:

quote:

Originally posted by Flash-LB:

quote:

Originally posted by Sailor1911:
That's where the phone app on my GMC truck would be handy. Assuming the phone had battery!

Same here with my phone app for my Bronco

I don't know about GMC and Ford, but using the phone app with my JGC would incur a monthly recurring charge.

It doesn't cost a cent to use the phone app from Ford.

quote:

Originally posted by Aeteocles:
Also figure out how to unlock the car if the transmitter battery dies.

On my cars, you use the backup key blade to pop off a plastic cover on the driver's side door handle to expose the key slot.

Once inside, there's a designated near-field spot to hold the transmitter up against. I'm assuming it uses a short range RFID chip for the near-field backup starting procedure.

The Fordpass system allows you to lock and unlock the car using a phone app. It also also a remote start anywhere using cell/wifi. MUCH better than the keyfob remote. It also allows scheduled starts which I have no use for. There is no charge to use the system.

Start with a dead battery is easy and detailed in the manual. In my Explorer it's a holder in the console. Every model is different, and the exact spot is critical.

quote:

Originally posted by dgshooter:
I had an old Datsun with a stick shift. Just push it and pop the clutch!

A manual.. the ultimate anti-theft device..

quote:

Originally posted by rburg:
First, don't buy a Ford. Notice the majority of the posters here were foolish/ford owners. Then just stay at home.

"Majority" -- Four posters who stated they had Ford vehicles, only one of whom complained about an issue with their key fob.

quote:

Originally posted by RogueJSK:

quote:

Originally posted by BBMW:
This whole proximity key / push button start thing is a bad idea.

My car still has to have the key in the ignition to start it. I like it hat way.

Unfortunately, the average consumer prizes convenience over security.

Most door locks reflect this exact principle. 150 year old technology that “protects” our residences and businesses. Nuts!

Demand better.

quote:

Originally posted by rscalzo:

quote:

Originally posted by Aeteocles:
Also figure out how to unlock the car if the transmitter battery dies.

On my cars, you use the backup key blade to pop off a plastic cover on the driver's side door handle to expose the key slot.

Once inside, there's a designated near-field spot to hold the transmitter up against. I'm assuming it uses a short range RFID chip for the near-field backup starting procedure.

The Fordpass system allows you to lock and unlock the car using a phone app. It also also a remote start anywhere using cell/wifi. MUCH better than the keyfob remote. It also allows scheduled starts which I have no use for. There is no charge to use the system.

Start with a dead battery is easy and detailed in the manual. In my Explorer it's a holder in the console. Every model is different, and the exact spot is critical.

Don't forget to learn how to open the door with the car battery dead though. Or how to set the car into neutral with an electronic shifter.

Things are getting better. Two years ago conversations were revealing who smashed the drivers window in to get to the hood lock.

I was real proud of my F150 being old enough it still used a key until it acted up on a hot August day. Took out the battery, tested fine. Would not start.

After some tire kicking and letting off steam my wife suggested just jiggling the column shift - and it started right up - cable to the neutral safety isn't quite adjusted right . . .

Her's uses the fob, '12 Verano and it will tell us when a fob battery is weak. It has 1 - one - mechanical door lock on the drivers side. When the battery finally failed it lacked all the drama of smashing out a $250 window, tho. Replaced it and good to go.

OP is correct, READ YOUR OWNER'S MANUAL and know how to do your dead battery start up. Last thread I read on this someone posted the Owner's Manual was just too long to read. I guess after 144 characters their attention span wore out.

It's a different generation. But I will admit the one owners manual I haven't read in the last 4 vehicles is her's. If women even came with one we still couldn't get past the first page.

My BMWs tell me to hold up my fob to the steering wheel (where you used to insert a key) and press the start button in case your fob battery dies.

It also knows when the fob is not in the car so the car won't start if I'm standing outside if someone jumps in and presses the start button.

2021 Volvo XC60, door key hidden in remote, remove key, door lock hidden behind door handle. Place key fob in drink holder, start car.

I have 2 vehicles, 1 with push button and 1 traditional turn-key ignition. Either way, I don’t go anywhere without 2 keys to whichever one I’m driving. Not ever.

quote:

Originally posted by rscalzo:

quote:

Originally posted by Aeteocles:
Also figure out how to unlock the car if the transmitter battery dies.

On my cars, you use the backup key blade to pop off a plastic cover on the driver's side door handle to expose the key slot.

Once inside, there's a designated near-field spot to hold the transmitter up against. I'm assuming it uses a short range RFID chip for the near-field backup starting procedure.

The Fordpass system allows you to lock and unlock the car using a phone app. It also also a remote start anywhere using cell/wifi. MUCH better than the keyfob remote. It also allows scheduled starts which I have no use for. There is no charge to use the system.

Start with a dead battery is easy and detailed in the manual. In my Explorer it's a holder in the console. Every model is different, and the exact spot is critical.

You can also use the keypads on the vehicle and the key hidden inside the fob to unlock the vehicle.

BMW is the best! (sarcasm), they give you a credit card type deal to put in your wallet just in case this happens. Wife's friend stopped by in her new X5, went to leave, no start. I followed the directions in manual, no joy. Took her home to get other key, still no joy. On phone with BMW roadside, get a 10mm socket, remove rear trim to access battery, remove negative terminal for 3 minutes. Good thing this was our driveway and summer, not a parking lot today when it is 2 outside! They knew nothing of that credit card thing.

Thank you for a terrific topic OP! I would have never thought if this situation. Cheers.

I don't know how anyone trusts them confangled 'lectric starters, it's easy to just stand up front and twist that danged crank handle, don't need no key, door locks, winders or nutting, didja lock up yer horse at the general store, hell no, friggin technology... and don't get me started on that talkin machine to reach people, we don't need that crap, just send a written letter like normal folks...

quote:

Originally posted by RogueJSK:

quote:

Originally posted by BBMW:
This whole proximity key / push button start thing is a bad idea.

My car still has to have the key in the ignition to start it. I like it hat way.

Unfortunately, the average consumer prizes convenience over security.

I put a metal box on the cabinet where we normally leave our keys, it works...now if I can train my wife to use it

Let's see ....I can unlock my truck with a dead fob battery . I can start my truck with a dead fob battery . You cannot jump in my truck and start it up unless the fob is INSIDE the truck . I'm not seeing the downside here . Somebody remind me of that " convenience over security " thing again .
Oh yeah , I can unlock it or lock it , or set off the alarm from a pretty good distance without any app .

quote:

Originally posted by BBMW:
This whole proximity key / push button start thing is a bad idea. I know someone who had his car stolen from him essentially while he was standing there in range of the car with the fob. While he was busy unloading his kids, someone jumped in the car, started it up and drove off.

My car still has to have the key in the ignition to start it. I like it hat way.

My Tacoma has to have the fob in the vehicle. I tried to lean in to start and it was far enough away it wouldn't start. Had to actually sit in it