Got me thinking while washing the car

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MOA4B9

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Yesterday I was washing the car while the kids were playing inside it and it got me thinking about the security of the keyless go. There are a few questions that came to mind.
While I'm on the outside and have the key in my pocket can the kids switch the engine on? Similar situation, when I get out of the car to unpack something from the boot can someone jump inside, start the engine and drive off?
Can a car drive off without the key inside the car?
Is there automatic locking after certain time if you walk away from the car without locking it with the key?
I think I read somewhere you cannot lock the car if it senses that someone is still inside it. Is that correct?
Does that car stealing trick with the range extender / transmitter affect the standard keyless go or just the convenience key where you do not have to press any button to open the car?
 
This is what I think, but I'm happy to be corrected:

- It depends how close you are to the sensor that's under the armrest. I keep my key in the driver's door pocket and if I try to start it while the door is open, it tells me the key is out of range so it won't start. I'd say the distance is less than 1 metre and therefore unlikely it could be started while you're outside of the car / unpacking the boot.

- Yes, if the engine is running and someone drives off without the key, it won't stop the engine. I think this is for safety reasons.

- The car will only automatically lock if you unlock it but then don't open any of the doors. Once you've opened a door it won't.

- I can lock the car while sat in it using the key, if the engine isn't running.

- We talked about the relay theft technique on another thread. My view is that if you've got keyless entry and keyless go, they can get in and start the car using a relay attack. If you've only got keyless go, they would have to break into the car first then use the relay attack to start it, or use the click intercept method which would get them in and start it.

http://www.audi-sport.net/xf/threads/rfid-pouch-wallet-for-keys.355676/#post-3160690
 
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Sounds right to me, only thing I’d add is if the key is inside the car, it won’t let you lock the car using keyless.
 
Jsmills said:
Sounds right to me, only thing I’d add is if the key is inside the car, it won’t let you lock the car using keyless.
Click to expand...

Ah yes good point - if keyless entry worked while you were in it, someone could hijack the car even if it was locked!
 
Haha just read the original title, observant me...

Keyless entry and car washing is annoying as hell. You have to place the key out of range otherwise if it’s in your pocket.... open close open close open close open close
 
MOA4B9 said:
Yesterday I was washing the car while the kids were playing inside it and it got me thinking about the security of the keyless go. There are a few questions that came to mind.
While I'm on the outside and have the key in my pocket can the kids switch the engine on? Similar situation, when I get out of the car to unpack something from the boot can someone jump inside, start the engine and drive off?
Can a car drive off without the key inside the car?
Is there automatic locking after certain time if you walk away from the car without locking it with the key?
I think I read somewhere you cannot lock the car if it senses that someone is still inside it. Is that correct?
Does that car stealing trick with the range extender / transmitter affect the standard keyless go or just the convenience key where you do not have to press any button to open the car?
Click to expand...
No the key has to be inside the car as the start inhibitor has a very limited distance. The car will only self lock if you've unlocked it but not opened any of the doors after a couple of mins as previously stated..
 
Jsmills said:
Haha just read the original title, observant me...

Keyless entry and car washing is annoying as hell. You have to place the key out of range otherwise if it’s in your pocket.... open close open close open close open close
Click to expand...

Agree on this! Really annoying
 
No different though from any other keyless system, so once used to it then no issues. Both our cars have the same so I just leave the keys somewhere safe when washing..
 
What about de-icing in the morning? Theoretically speaking of course, Open car, switch on engine, Lock doors keep key in pocket and walk away?
 
I’m an idiot had keyless for 10years... still do it :whistle2:
 
Can’t lock the doors, but you can walk away with the key
 
craigomills said:
What about de-icing in the morning? Theoretically speaking of course, Open car, switch on engine, Lock doors keep key in pocket and walk away?
Click to expand...

You can enable locking with OBDEleven, but strictly speaking it's not legal to leave a car unattended with the engine running.
 
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craigomills said:
What about de-icing in the morning? Theoretically speaking of course, Open car, switch on engine, Lock doors keep key in pocket and walk away?
Click to expand...
Not to say we don't do it, well I don't have the need to defrost my car, but it is illegal in the UK to leave a car unattended with the engine running at present. However if the key goes out of range the engine can stop and you'll be required to perform a manual restart anyway.
Happens to me when I pull up at the school gates and have to get out of the car to open them with the school fob.
 
Last edited:
It's not legal to leave a car unattended with the engine running and if it gets nicked NO insurance pay out.
 
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There is no range limit to stop the car without the key, only if the engine stops it won’t restart again, I’m not sure what it’d do with stop start.

I also leave my car defrosting and it’ll keep running without stopping no problem.

The way I see it, if the car is stolen, and I have both keys, how will they know otherwise...
 
So if it gets stolen you have two keys and no car, sounds like a solution then.....
 
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Haha... I meant who proves it was open and running. They sure as hell won’t be catching the toe rag that stole it.

Suppose I should add it depends where you live, I wouldn’t be doing it in a city.. I’m in the sticks.
 
On the plus side I’m toasty warm in a morning....
 
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