[Keyboard]

I've discovered by accident that you can lock your Smart Key FOB in the car.

Normally, if you leave your FOB in the car and lock the doors (or trunk), the car will quickly unlock. This is because the system detects the FOB and is designed to prevent you from accidentally locking it in the car.

However, if you use the valet or spare key to lock the car, the doors (and trunk) remain locked even if the FOB is in the car. The door handle and buttons won't even unlock the car.

There's no need to panic (like I did) because you still have the spare/valet key in hand, and thus must use it to unlock your car. (I had a real moment followed by a DUH! moment for awhile.)

I just thought I'd mention this in case you use the spare/valet key to roll up all the windows from outside like I do.

 

[hdtouring]

I think I understand your post. But I'm confused by:

... if you use the valet or spare key to lock the car, the doors (and trunk) remain locked even if the FOB is in the car....
... in case you use the spare/valet key to roll up all the windows from outside like I do.

I thought the "valet" part of the smart key was the fob. In other words, when I leave the car for valet parking, I keep the metal key, and give the fob to the parking attendant.

Also, I wouldn't call the metal key a "spare."

Am I missing something?

 

[Keyboard]

I think I understand your post. But I'm confused by:

I thought the "valet" part of the smart key was the fob. In other words, when I leave the car for valet parking, I keep the metal key, and give the fob to the parking attendant.

Also, I wouldn't call the metal key a "spare."

Am I missing something?

1. I think you're right. The Smart Key turns into the valet when the metal key is removed. My mind was thinking of the old way a metal key is used as the valet.

2. I had an actual spare made of the metal key and use that for rolling the windows back up. It's easier for me than dealing with the metal key in the FOB.

The bottom line is: You can accidentally lock the FOB in the car if you use the metal key to lock the car.

I doubt that many would run into this situation. However, I thought I'd mention it.

Sorry for the confusion.

 

[Flyboy]

The purpose of the metal key portion of the Smart Key fob is designed to lock the glovebox and the trunk via the trunk release handle next to the driver's seat.This is so that the valet can't access the glove box or the trunk.

However, if you like to use it your spare to roll up the windows that's interesting. When I park the car I roll up the windows before I shut the engine off and them lock the car via the button on the door.

 

[chunt5]

Actually happened: Camry owner leaves his smart key FOB in his car. His wife has the second fob in her purse. As she is leaving for the airport she accidentally and unknowingly locks her husbands car. After the wife is in the air the husband tries unsuccessfully to get into his car. Husband calls his Toyota dealer and was told that there was nothing the dealer could do for him. Husband had to wait until the next day to access his car after his wife FEDEX's him her fob.
I tried this on a Nissan by placing a smart key fob in the car and locking the car with the other fob and was able to lock it. I have not purchased an Accord yet so I don't know if this could be problem with Honda's also. Maybe someone should try it on an Accord.

 

[Keyboard]

Hey Flyboy, I know the purpose of the metal key.

I use the FOB to take advantage of it's ability to roll down all 4 windows and open the moonroof at once. I like riding like that even with the A/C on.

However, the FOB can't be used to close everything up at once. The key must be used to do that. (I.e., turn the lock twice and all open windows and the moonroof closes up). I find this more convenient for closing up 5 openings.

Today, the FOB was sitting in the console cubby hole. I forgot to take it, but performed my lock/close procedure with the key, then realized no FOB in hand. Even though the FOB was still inside, the car did not auto unlock as you would expect, and the alarm was still set. I pulled on the door handle and nothing. Same with the button on the door handle. That's when I realized you can actually lock the FOB inside if you use the key. Somehow, the car doesn't recognize that the FOB is still inside as it normally would.

To make sure that wasn't a fluke, I repeated the process and got the same results.

 

[Trixster22]

Appreciate the heads up!

 

[Keyboard]

Actually happened: Camry owner leaves his smart key FOB in his car. His wife has the second fob in her purse. As she is leaving for the airport she accidentally and unknowingly locks her husbands car. After the wife is in the air the husband tries unsuccessfully to get into his car. Husband calls his Toyota dealer and was told that there was nothing the dealer could do for him. Husband had to wait until the next day to access his car after his wife FEDEX's him her fob.
I tried this on a Nissan by placing a smart key fob in the car and locking the car with the other fob and was able to lock it. I have not purchased an Accord yet so I don't know if this could be problem with Honda's also. Maybe someone should try it on an Accord.

I just simulated that scenario: FOB1 inside car, lock with FOB2, move FOB2 out of range and the car doors will not open. FOB1 is now locked inside the car. It's the same affect as I described locking the car with the metal key while the FOB is still inside the car.

 

[ethan2014]

Off topic, does the 2016 sport key have a chip inside for deactivating the engine immobilizer? I'm not sure since It's not a fob key.

 

[altarocks]

Hoping for a clear answer on smart keys on my 2015 Accord Hybrid. I keep running into conflicting info.

My wife misplaced her smart key so we've been using mine. We've accidentally locked the key in the car 5-6 times. Haven't been able to pinpoint anything we are doing to cause the car to lock, but when it happens you can see the key sitting on the seat or console. Doesn't happen all the time. Each time we've called either Honda Roadside Assistance or Good Sam to unlock. Yes we need to buy a 2nd key, but that still wouldn't help unless the lock in happens nearby.

My wife talked to the dealer service manager. Of course they weren't able to lock the keys in when they tried. He told her there is nothing preventing lock in if the key is left in the vehicle (since they couldn't lock the key in I think he meant it's possible if you touch the black pad on the outside of the handle while closing). The RA guys have all said that should not be possible. I have a hard time believing any manufacturer would engineer smart keys to allow unintentional lock in. I know if I reach my hand holding the key into the open trunk it senses the key and it takes a couple attempts to latch the trunk after the key clears the trunk - the system prevents it from latching until the key is clear. The same should apply to the cabin.

The owner's manual says "the doors cannot be locked when the smart entry remote is inside the vehicle."
On the same page the manual also says "Make sure you have the key in your hand before locking the door to prevent it from being locked in the vehicle."
:screwy:

I keep thinking her key may have slipped under a seat in the car and somehow having both fobs inside is causing it to lock intermittently. I've searched inside the car repeatedly but can't find her key. Hoping someone can shed some light on any lockout prevention design.

 

[MikeNC]

Actually happened: Camry owner leaves his smart key FOB in his car. His wife has the second fob in her purse. As she is leaving for the airport she accidentally and unknowingly locks her husbands car. After the wife is in the air the husband tries unsuccessfully to get into his car. Husband calls his Toyota dealer and was told that there was nothing the dealer could do for him. Husband had to wait until the next day to access his car after his wife FEDEX's him her fob.
I tried this on a Nissan by placing a smart key fob in the car and locking the car with the other fob and was able to lock it. I have not purchased an Accord yet so I don't know if this could be problem with Honda's also. Maybe someone should try it on an Accord.

Never had any reason to test this, but their are numerous automotive locksmith companies that readily advertise they can open any make and model of car, regardless of physical or smart key entry. Several I found in my area online make a point of emphasizing that neither make nor model is relevant to whether they can get you back into your car (although cost and estimated time may vary by make and model).

I'd also point out that the scenario's mentioned here are independent of smart key entry or not. You could just as easily have this same story with any old physical key entry car. So same rules apply as have always applied seems to me - make sure you have your key with you, whatever kind of key it is.

 

[enne]

^ I agree. A locksmith can get into any car regardless of whatever fancy setup the car has. Every car has doors. If the car door has a button or lock to press on the inside, they can get it open.

I would've facepalmed, called my roadside assistance, got the door open and been on my merry way. Just like with a regular key.

Or you can do what my mother says she did with her Mustang back in the 70's; tie a spare key up underneath the car in case you lock your keys in 0.0 Things were more simple back then...wouldn't try that move nowadays lol

 

[centflahonda]

Keep the FOB in your pocket then no worries about locking it in the car.

 

[Pirx]

Keep the FOB in your pocket then no worries about locking it in the car.

Well, women do not always have pockets on/in their clothes, and sticking the fob in their bra may get uncomfortable... :wink

P.S.: By the way, it's a fob, not a FOB. Fob is a word, not an acronym.

 

[Keyboard]

I'd also point out that the scenario's mentioned here are independent of smart key entry or not. You could just as easily have this same story with any old physical key entry car. So same rules apply as have always applied seems to me - make sure you have your key with you, whatever kind of key it is.

What you say is true, but you missed the whole point about Smart Keys.

They were designed to not let you accidentally lock your key in the car. This is because the car would sense that the key is still in the car and immediately unlock the car. Same with the trunk. Try it, by leaving your Smartkey in the car, then use the door button, or armrest button to lock the car. The car will quickly unlock itself.

What I point out is a scenario that shows a flaw (bug) with the smartkey

 

[enne]

What you say is true, but you missed the whole point about Smart Keys.

They were designed to not let you accidentally lock your key in the car.

What I point out is a scenario that shows a flaw (bug) with the smartkey

Then I guess they're not so smart, are they? :nerd Again, more technology trying to replace common sense.

 

[Keyboard]

I'd also point out that the scenario's mentioned here are independent of smart key entry or not. You could just as easily have this same story with any old physical key entry car. So same rules apply as have always applied seems to me - make sure you have your key with you, whatever kind of key it is.

What you say is true, but you missed the whole point about Smart Keys.

They were designed to not let you accidentally lock your key in the car. This is because the car would sense that the key is still in the car and immediately unlock the car. Same with the trunk. Try it, by leaving your Smart Key in the car, then use the door button, or armrest button to lock the car. The car will quickly unlock itself.

What I point out is a scenario that shows a flaw (bug) with the Smart Key

 

[MikeNC]

What you say is true, but you missed the whole point about Smart Keys.

They were designed to not let you accidentally lock your key in the car. This is because the car would sense that the key is still in the car and immediately unlock the car. Same with the trunk. Try it, by leaving your Smart Key in the car, then use the door button, or armrest button to lock the car. The car will quickly unlock itself.

What I point out is a scenario that shows a flaw (bug) with the Smart Key

But we know that there is and always has been at least one way to do this. Leave the fob in the car, and lock it with the physical key. This is one way, for example, people have found to leave their car running unattended but locking it.

I'm just saying don't rely on, or assume you know the full extent of the technology, since clearly it cannot or at least does not cover every possible scenario.

It's a key, and like all keys they really only work as intended if you know where they are and maintain control over them.

Like centflahonda I actually almost never take mine out of my pocket. It's actually in an enclosed leather case so I don't get any unintended key presses so I stick it in my pocket in the morning and take it out at night. I lock the car with the push button on the door handle, and have the settings set to unlock all doors when I open the drivers door.

 

[ethan2014]

Not sure but is the accord sport key considered a F.O.B.?

 

[Keyboard]

But we know that there is and always has been at least one way to do this. Leave the fob in the car, and lock it with the physical key. This is one way, for example, people have found to leave their car running unattended but locking it.

I'm just saying don't rely on, or assume you know the full extent of the technology, since clearly it cannot or at least does not cover every possible scenario.

It's a key, and like all keys they really only work as intended if you know where they are and maintain control over them.

Like centflahonda I actually almost never take mine out of my pocket. It's actually in an enclosed leather case so I don't get any unintended key presses so I stick it in my pocket in the morning and take it out at night. I lock the car with the push button on the door handle, and have the settings set to unlock all doors when I open the drivers door.

Well, I didn't know about locking the Smart Key in the car until I discovered it by accident. I've never had a need to leave the FOB in the car because I don't leave it running unattended.

In any event, I remember seeing posts from others who assumed that you couldn't lock your Smart Key in the car. Also, the manual actually implies such. I only posted what I did as a warning to those who weren't aware of the ability to lock their FOB in the car. I got a few "Likes" on my original post, so I guess some appreciated the info.

I never claimed I knew nor assumed that I know everything about the technology in my cars. However, I do read my manual to learn as much as I can, and will experiment with the technology.

I don't keep my FOB in my pocket because it's just too bulky. It's more convenient (and comfortable) for me to keep my keys on a D-Ring attached to my belt loop. Similar to you, I have the car unlock all doors when I put it in park. I only discovered the scenario when I used a metal key to lock and roll up all the windows, but left the FOB inside the car. Normally, I use the car's lock buttons or FOB if all of the windows are up.

Anyway, you already knew about the Smart Key scenario, I discovered it later, and now we both know. I'm good with that. I hope you are too ...