Abermac

Noticed today, when having the car washed, that I had left the key in my pocket. The car went into the wash and started back up when the attendant got back in. Wonder what the range is for the key fob? I was somewhat surprised that the car started.

ItzFilyO

Mine won't start if I'm outside of the car, even if I'm standing next to the driver door with the key in my pocket. I had a friend sit inside with his foot on the brakes and the car wouldn't start.

Abermac

That's exactly what I would have thought. Maybe they didn't turn the car off? I'll have to test tomorrow.

JEFFOS69

iTrader: (1)

Car won't start unless key is inside. You can drive away without the key inside if it's already started though (safety thing - imagine driving and getting out of range on the road and the car just dies?)

ItzFilyO

Actually, I want it to be like that, you know in case of grand theft auto. You run away with my car and suddenly the car shuts off after a few feet.

bigblack06

iTrader: (20)

Yeah same here, I have to have the key within close proximity to the start button.

Neogenic

Agree! I would think its a bloody safe hazard if car can be hijacking driven away while key is outside.

bigblack06

iTrader: (20)

Lol it will still work until you shut it off. The car can drive for a while and won't shut off it will just blink that there is no key in proximity. It happened to my mother she drove off and I still had the key she got about 5 miles away and I called her said I have the key, even though she was still driving. I find that amazing.

Neogenic

Thank you for clarifying this. I have had my car running while offloading in front of my home. My face would be just a too stupid to visualize when someone dives off with it while me securely holding my keys i my secure pockets.

That is just a horrible glitch from Lexus..

yardie876

AFAIK all cars equipped with push start ignitions operate like this. It would be a huge liability if the car stopped mid drive. Just think, if the key battery died while you're driving the car would lose communication with the key and kill the engine.

G-SharK

Try this... I have the keys in my pocket, go inside and start the car (not moving it), walked away for a few mins (btw 5-10 mins,) and come back my car is shut off. Does you car do that, or is it bc I have remote start programed that way?

Neogenic

This is easily handled by a warning that vehicle is shutting down within 5 min.

Basically the same thing would happen if you pull a mechanical key out. Engine should stops. Period!

SW17LS

The carwash must have left it running. It will stay running without the key when started with the key, but it won't restart after being turned off.

This is not a glitch, its the way all smart key systems are designed (with all manufacturers) and its set up that way for safety's sake.

Imagine what would happen if the battery went dead in the key or if somehow the system malfunctioned and lost detection of the key while you were driving down the highway at 80MPH and the system was set up the way you mention...the car would just stop running. Very unsafe.

Its no different than leaving your keys in the ignition with it running. If you left your car running with the keys in the ignition outside your house while unloading and someone drove off with it...would you complain?

When you leave the car unattended...turn it off.

Abermac

Good discussion! This definitely changes my thinking for even a quick stop at the gas station or at the carwash. I usually just left it running. Not such a good idea!

SW17LS

Leaving your car running unattended is never a good idea...in fact a lot of places its illegal...