Stranded with inoperative key signal

ocmitch · 10-30-2009, 03:47 PM

What help is there if I get stranded in a remote area with no cell phone and the key will not identify itself to the Insight?

Fl_Fyr_Fytr · 10-30-2009, 04:49 PM

Has this happened to you? I've never heard of it but I'm sure it happens every blue moon. But then again, what happens if your in the middle of nowhere and your Insight is struck by a metorite?

numbness4sound · 10-30-2009, 05:01 PM

Do you mean the battery in the remote dying? You can just use your key manually to let yourself in.

ocmitch · 10-31-2009, 05:32 PM

Perhaps I should clarify my question. My Insight LX is a 2010. Access can be gained to the vehicle using the key to physically unlock the doors. However, the engine is supposed to be inoperative (shut off fuel?) unless the key transmits a radio signal that is coded to this particulare auto. When the electronics fails, what is the recovery process, especially if you are in Eastern Oregon or the High Sierra or Southern Utah?
If hit by a metorite, I would care no longer. The key battery could fail as well as any other part of the loop.

numbness4sound · 10-31-2009, 06:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ocmitch

Perhaps I should clarify my question. My Insight LX is a 2010. Access can be gained to the vehicle using the key to physically unlock the doors. However, the engine is supposed to be inoperative (shut off fuel?) unless the key transmits a radio signal that is coded to this particulare auto. When the electronics fails, what is the recovery process, especially if you are in Eastern Oregon or the High Sierra or Southern Utah?
If hit by a metorite, I would care no longer. The key battery could fail as well as any other part of the loop.

I didn't even realize that. I really don't think that will be an issue. Don't all Hondas have that set up now? My father's 2005 Accord has that same key.

Willie Williford · 10-31-2009, 06:13 PM

If you are that concerned, buy an extra battery and put it in the glove box.

253,000 miles.........8 years..........No igntion key battery failure.

I've never heard of a battery failure........Anyone else? The car would probably run in a "limp mode".

Solution:
Take the battery out of the key and see what the engine does.

Fl_Fyr_Fytr · 10-31-2009, 06:15 PM

Umm, no. The key does not use a battery. It is powered wirelessly from the cowl. Now it is possible for the electronics in the key to fail if the key has been seriously damaged or has been exposed to a very intense magnetic field. Both of which are really rare though.

To give you an idea of how resilient these keys are, I had a friend completely crush a smart key in a door and, in the process, broke the key in two. I suggested holding the black mangled mess next to the key as he started the car (with the key half), and whala. The car started right up.

aglowlight · 10-31-2009, 10:13 PM

I think what is being referred to here is the transponder. There is no battery for the transponder, only for the actual remote that locks, unlocks, and panics the car.

I found the following after doing a google search.

"When the key is inserted into the ignition and turned, the transponder is energized and broadcasts its unique code to the car's receiver in the dashboard. If the car's receiver recognizes the code, it will allow the car to start. "