I only drive my '05 on Special occasions. It stays in garage with the Key Fob just laying in the ash tray. Sometimes, it will not get cranked for 3 weeks at a time. Am I doing something bad for my electrical system/battery having the FOB just lying there inside the car

 

I used to do the same thing on my 01 and it did slowly drain the battery. The 01-03 has a red light on the dash by the steering wheel and when the key is within a close distance it will detect it and blink. I'm not sure why it does this though.

 

I would think it might cause the battery in your fob to drain prematurely if it is a smart key that is constantly sending and receiving radio frequencies.

 

The book says to keep your key at least 15 feet away from your car.Page 21 under Information

 

I don't think I would leave it in the car for the reasons already stated. Also somewhat surprising, I have known two people who left their keys in the car in the garage who had their cars stolen. I don't know if they forgot to close the garage door or what their story was.

Dave Mac

 

When the key is that close, even on '03 and earlier without Smart Access, the key and engine immobilizer are connected and there is a slight current draw on the vehicle battery.

 

Good to know this. I have been keeping my fob in the 'ashtray' and just closing the door for the night.
Not anymore.
Maybe I should re-read the owner's manual...

 

I don't want to start a completely different thread, but the one "battery drain" challenge we have had is on two separate occasions now the trunk lid does not completely close and the trunk close motor is engaged just enough to repeatedly cycle.

If this happens on a weekend, Monday morning you get into a very "dead" car...... (after jumping it and starting it up the battery recharges and all is good again....).

Nice to read about the "keep the key 15 feet" from the car information.... Never knew that....