The key fob has replaced the traditional car keys in modern models. It lets you unlock the doors, start the engine, and shut off with the touch of a button. But what happens if you accidentally leave the key fob outside your car? It’s such a small thing, after all. Can you drive off without the key fob? And if your vehicle can run without the fob, how far can it get?
Can You Drive Off Without the Key Fob In Your Car?
It depends on your vehicle’s model and model year. Older vehicles combine the wireless key fob with a traditional ignition system that requires you to insert the physical car key in the ignition lock cylinder as a safety feature. If you have the physical key, you can often start the engine and drive your car.
Later car models dispense with the old-fashioned ignition system for a push-button ignition system. Depending on the manufacturer, model, and the push-button system in question, they might or might not allow driving off without the key fob.
The push-button ignition system of these vehicles seeks out the radio signals coming from the key fob regularly. What they do varies between models and trim levels.
Some push-button ignition systems require the physical presence of the key fob in the interior cabin. They won’t start the engine unless they can detect the fob’s radio signal from within the vehicle. You can’t drive off without a key fob in one of these vehicles.
Other push-button ignition systems enable remote starts from outside the vehicle. It’s possible to drive a car or truck with this type of ignition system even if the key fob isn’t inside. However, it might not get very far.
How Far Can You Drive Off Without a Key Fob In Your Car?
Again, it depends on your vehicle. Older push-button ignition systems require the key fob to stay inside the car. Otherwise, you can’t start them.
Newer push-button ignition systems might turn off if they can’t detect the key fob’s radio signals. Some models shut off after a set amount of time. Others
The range of the radio signal of the key fob will determine how far you can drive off without the device in your car. The latest key fobs, such as the ones used in Volvo cars, can reach up to 60 feet. Older key fob models have shorter ranges.
Your owner’s manual should contain the key fob’s maximum range. This will give you an idea of how far you can drive away from the fob before something happens.
Key fobs run on an internal battery. As the battery runs low, the radio signals become weaker and lose range. This is why it’s critical to replace the battery with a fresh one as early as possible.
In conventional vehicles, drivers can continue driving until they turn off the ignition system. Many push-button ignition systems have a button on the dashboard that lets you shut off the engine. But some models can’t start or shut down automatically without a key fob.
Fortunately, new models have been equipped with a system that alerts you when your vehicle moves out of range of the key fob’s radio signal. You’ll have time to retrace your route and recover the fob from where you accidentally left it outside your car or truck.
How Does a Key Fob Work?
In simple terms, the key fob is a radio transmitter with an electronic identification. Running on the power provided by its battery, it has a tag number that matches the car or truck.
The key fob transmits signals to unlock or lock the doors or start the engine. Antennas on the vehicle pick up the radio signals from the fob.
While some vehicles will warn you about issues with the key fob, you might not notice the warning lights and sounds.
Key Fob Tips and Tricks
Your vehicle owner’s manual has the instructions for using the smart key fob to start and shut down your vehicle. Read the document thoroughly. Always consult the manual when you have a question about the key fob or encounter a problem with the device.
Before you start your vehicle, always test the key fob. If you catch a problem early, you can avoid the trouble of trying to fix the problem while you’re on the road.
Replace the battery of the key fob when it starts to run low. Otherwise, it might develop issues like weaker radio signals.
Avoid using the key fob near powerful sources of radio waves that can interfere with their operation. Airports, radio stations, and TV towers are examples of places that create strong radio frequency interference.
There are also radio wave sources inside your car. There are wirelessly linked devices that talk remotely via radio waves. These electronic accessories and devices include GPS devices, laptop computers, smartphones, and smartphone chargers.
Once you enter your vehicle, put the key fob somewhere easy to reach where the device won’t fall off or get stuck. Recommended locations include the cup holder. You can also keep the key fob in your pocket, although there’s a chance it might fall out.
Keep metal items off the key fob. The conductive material can block the wireless signal emitted by the fob, preventing the device from remotely operating the doors and engine.
Avoid leaving the key fob in certain areas that get really hot, have high humidity, or get exposed to powerful magnetic fields.
When the key fob develops a problem that requires repairs, find the nearest auto repair center that you can rely on.
The convenience of the key fob mostly makes up for its drawbacks. Knowing how to use the fob and keep it safe can reduce the chances of accidentally driving off without it.
Keep Reading: Related Posts
Any information provided on this Website is for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace consultation with a professional mechanic. The accuracy and timeliness of the information may change from the time of publication.
