Keychain & key fob

[markr6]

Just curious - has anyone ditched their massive key fob and opted to just use the oldschool key and manually unlock car doors to save weight? Convenience vs. weight...I can't decide.

I just discovered today how pleasant it is carrying my keys without the huge Jeep Grand Cherokee key fob since it's in the shop getting a new starter installed. The rest of my keys, swiss army classic and photon II light feel like a feather now!

I'm not sure I want to sacrafice a $80? key, but it's tempting. Then there's the issues of making it friendly to hold without the part housing the electronics on the key. I'm not sure how to accomplish this.

 

[lachesis]

Yes, I did. I have a Honda Civic with a fairly giant key and an even-more-giant keyfob. All I have on my keychain is a car key, three apartment keys, a mailbox key, and the key to my parents' house. Oh, and a Verbatim Tuff n' Tiny 16GB flash drive. I have no problems opening my door manually, although it is a bit of a hassle having to lean in and hit the electric unlock so my friends can get in. I also worry about the tactical issue of potentially fumbling with keys when I need to quickly enter.

The last worry is locking your keys in your car. If you get in the habit of pressing the electric lock then shutting your door, one day you'll do it while your keys are in the ignition or on the seat. My Civic won't let you lock the doors using the push button or electric lock while the driver's side door is open, so that saves me that problem.

 

[Monocrom]

Remote key-less entry isn't just convenient, but a safety feature. I can walk up to my car without taking my eyes off my immediate surroundings, to manually unlock my driver's side door. Smart carjackers know the two best times to strike are just when a person is getting into or out of their car. Plus, key-less entry puts you into the habit of exiting your car so that you're guaranteed not to lock your keys in it. Have to admit that having a switch-blade key-fob, while a bit bulky, means not having the key jabbing me in the side of my leg for hours at a time.

 

[Gregozedobe]

You might be able to find a key blank with the same profile as your current fob, in which case you can get it cut by a locksmith. But another issue is whether your Jeep has an immobiliser chip (or RFID) built into the key fob (as well as the remote lock/unlock electronics). If it does you'll need one (and possibly need to have it programmed to your car as well). You might be able to take the one in your existing key fob (but then your key fob won't run your car). Some car makers sell "plain" keys as well as keys built into key fobs.

 

[joelsit]

Keychain key fob

I am looking for a broken key fob. All i actually need is the inside rubber part mine has worn out and the unlock part has made a hole and no symbol there any more. So if you have one let me please.

 

[JeepFreak21]

Re: Keychain key fob

...I have no problems opening my door manually, although it is a bit of a hassle having to lean in and hit the electric unlock so my friends can get in.

Yeah, that is a pain, and my Jeep (the 2007) doesn't even have a keyhole in the passenger doors! =\

But another issue is whether your Jeep has an immobiliser chip (or RFID) built into the key fob (as well as the remote lock/unlock electronics). If it does you'll need one (and possibly need to have it programmed to your car as well). You might be able to take the one in your existing key fob (but then your key fob won't run your car). Some car makers sell "plain" keys as well as keys built into key fobs.

Good point there. If he's got the big Jeep key, he certainly does have the immobilizer.

Remote key-less entry isn't just convenient, but a safety feature. I can walk up to my car without taking my eyes off my immediate surroundings, to manually unlock my driver's side door. Smart carjackers know the two best times to strike are just when a person is getting into or out of their car. Plus, key-less entry puts you into the habit of exiting your car so that you're guaranteed not to lock your keys in it. Have to admit that having a switch-blade key-fob, while a bit bulky, means not having the key jabbing me in the side of my leg for hours at a time.

^What he said! My solution for the big Grand Cherokee Key (I have one too, an '07) is to arrange my keys so that my keys can go in my pocket and the Jeep key actually sticks out of my pocket (I've got a necklace/lanyard that sticks out too). This works great for two reasons: obviously, -I don't have that bulky key in my pocket, jabbing me in the leg, but the unintended benefit has been that the key is always super accessable; I can find and press the lock, unlock, and panic buttons, even when my hands are full (I'm usually holding a toddler). It's worked out really good for me.
Billy

 

[Nutdip]

Re: Keychain key fob

Old thread...but I had to post...

I got rid of my truck keyfob. I just keep it at home in a drawer in case I'm locked out. I also keep an additional key without the chip taped hidden on my truck. This key will open the door but not start the engine. So, I'm double covered in case I get locked out.

I think the damned fob things provide a false sense of security. I noticed so many times when I was sitting in my office that my car unlock noise (quick beep of the horn) would go off. Sure enough, it was just randomly unlocking my truck when I would move around in my chair. Also, I can't tell you how many times the damned panic button went off. I finally took that switch out and glued the hole shut.

I now carry a little Klarus flashlight and a pry tool in it's place. These are slim items that I don't feel at all and are way more useful than that big plastic nightmare.

 

[Flying Turtle]

Re: Keychain key fob

My latest car has keyless entry and start. Now I'm forced to carry that big fob. Not happy about that. It's okay during coat wearing weather, but with shorts and tee shirt I hate the heavy lump. The price we pay for bells and whistles.

Geoff