I just had a strange thought....
The RKE has a range of 195 ft (per the manual)...
What happens if the RKE is outside the Volt but within range...and someone starts the Volt and drives away?
I assume that once the RKE is out of range the Volt shuts down....correct? Is it a 'orderly' shutdown? (I would hope so...)

Anyone know?

Stilgar

I just had a strange thought....
The RKE has a range of 195 ft (per the manual)...
What happens if the RKE is outside the Volt but within range...and someone starts the Volt and drives away?
I assume that once the RKE is out of range the Volt shuts down....correct? Is it a 'orderly' shutdown? (I would hope so...)

Anyone know?

Stilgar

I believe the 195 foot range is only the active transmitter, (the push buttons). The fob must be actually in the car for it to start and drive. Even if you were standing just outside the car with the fob in your pocket I don't believe that someone inside the car could put into drive and move the car. Maybe a CAB drive could verify this theory.

FYI for background here's a writeup about how the key fob works.

http://gm-volt.com/forum/showthread.php?5475-Some-Unique-Features-of-the-Volt&p=45230#post45230

It's linked in the FAQ below.

Reading that, and the followup there a few posts later, I think the key fob does indeed need to be much closer to the car, probably inside, for the car to move. Here's a useful quote:


The FOB has its own receiver/transmitter for low range (passive) operation. So it is used when in proximity to automatically unlock the door/s when you pull a handle, or as I said permit starting once you enter the car.
The FOB also has a long range transmitter but the only time it's used is when you issue commands through the FOB buttons (door lock/unlock or remote start/precondition for instance)

What if the RKE is in the Volt for the 'start' and the say...handed out the window....the car drives away.....does it quit?

Stilgar

What if the RKE is in the Volt for the 'start' and the say...handed out the window....the car drives away.....does it quit?

Stilgar

If it is anything like my Prius (which is a wonderful car, contrary to what someone said about not being caught dead in one), if the fob is more than about 7 feet from the car, you cannot shift into gear and drive away. The engine will run but the other functions will not work. Returning to the Prius comment, the only thing that would make me give it up is when my Volt clears Area 51.

I believe the 195 foot range is only the active transmitter, (the push buttons). The fob must be actually in the car for it to start and drive. Even if you were standing just outside the car with the fob in your pocket I don't believe that someone inside the car could put into drive and move the car. Maybe a CAB drive could verify this theory.

My BMW has a similar remote fob with push button start inside the car. The car will not start unless the FOB is inside the car. Sometimes it is even too sensisitve as I have to move it from my left pocket to right for it to "sense" it is actually inside. So, if the VOlt is like my 335 (which I'm sure it is) you will have nothing to fear.