Intentionally locking the keys in the car

[spiritedcharm]

When I bought my Badlands, the salesman was telling me I could lock my keys in the car if I was going to the gym, for example, and didn't want to take my purse and keys with me. He said I could use the code on the side to open it. This doesn't seem like the best idea to me. A thief could easily break a window and take off with my baby. Or would entering the vehicle without unlocking it disable it from starting?

I'm curious to know if anyone is actually doing this or what other use cases do you have for using the code to unlock? This would be a cool feature if I could feel confident that the risk is minimal.

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[magicbus]

I do it often when we go to the beach, it is a great feature. Think about it… if a thief is going to steal your whole car they already have figured out a way to start it. If they break in to steal something inside I seriously doubt they will stop and think “Gee, I wonder if the keys are here and I can steal the car so I can sell it for a fix”.

I’ve been doing this since 2007 on our Expedition and Explorer and they were never stolen. A case of overthinking the problem as far as I’m concerned.

 

[Adam CW]

We’ve been doing it for years now. We did it with our two Fusions, our Escape and we’ll continue to do it with our Bronco Sport.

It has never, ever failed.

It’s an extremely useful feature and something we love about Fords!

 

[GulfCoastBronco]

I also adjusted my settings to allow for this. Turning off intelligent access just to feel more comfortable. Days when I don’t go to work or when I m running errands I keep my key in center console and use side panel or Ford pass app. Pretty convenient and makes me feel pretty cool to be honest haha

 

[Mark S.]

I've read in Owner's manuals for other Ford vehicles that the push-button start feature is disabled if:

• you use the SecuriCode to lock the vehicle, and
• the vehicle door is opened without first unlocking using the SecuriCode keypad or the fob.

I don't know if this applies to the Bronco Sport, but it makes sense that it would.

 

[spiritedcharm]

I've read in Owner's manuals for other Ford vehicles that the push-button start feature is disabled if:

• you use the SecuriCode to lock the vehicle, and
• the vehicle door is opened without first unlocking using the SecuriCode keypad or the fob.

I don't know if this applies to the Bronco Sport, but it makes sense that it would.

That's what I was wondering! Thank you!

 

[13MikeH]

I've read in Owner's manuals for other Ford vehicles that the push-button start feature is disabled if:

• you use the SecuriCode to lock the vehicle, and
• the vehicle door is opened without first unlocking using the SecuriCode keypad or the fob.

I don't know if this applies to the Bronco Sport, but it makes sense that it would.

And bottom line, criminals have ipad like devices to override the security systems and take the vehicle anyways. Not sure is Ford has a better system but FCA has a serious issue. Hellcats and similar being taken daily in our area

 

[Kate-58]

I also adjusted my settings to allow for this. Turning off intelligent access just to feel more comfortable. Days when I don’t go to work or when I m running errands I keep my key in center console and use side panel or Ford pass app. Pretty convenient and makes me feel pretty cool to be honest haha

So it is not a problem to leave the Fob in the vehicle. I thought the Fob inside the vehicle would drain the battery on the sport? Maybe this is not true?

 

[13MikeH]

So it is not a problem to leave the Fob in the vehicle. I thought the Fob inside the vehicle would drain the battery on the sport? Maybe this is not true?

perhaps test it at home in the garage where at least you aren't stranded.

 

[magicbus]

I don’t know why it would drain the FOB battery. It shouldn’t need the battery unless you press a button. I expect the RFID portion would be either entirely passive or only be activated when a query is received.

My 15 years experience leaving the fob in the vehicle is that the batteries last ~4 years.

 

[Econoline]

The FOB battery is used to extend it's range to several feet. If the FOB is made passive by removing it's battery, the BS can still be started by placing the passive FOB in the backup tray in the center console.

Low battery in the FOB raises an alert in the dash IIRC.

 

[RS1]

Don’t tell anyone but I’ve been leaving the keys in all the fords with keyless entry for 20+ years. Suppose I’ll have an issue if stolen with my insurance but the convenience is nice. If I were a car thief, keyless entry fords would be my choice. 50/50 shot the keys are in there somewhere.

 

[Carolo]

And bottom line, criminals have ipad like devices to override the security systems and take the vehicle anyways. Not sure is Ford has a better system but FCA has a serious issue. Hellcats and similar being taken daily in our area

It is my understanding that generally, the system used by thieves actually records the code sent by the FOB when locking the car (someone standing close by).

 

[M3H7363]

If I were a car thief, keyless entry fords would be my choice. 50/50 shot the keys are in there somewhere.

I'd say the odds are a lot less than that. I can't see half of the people with keyless entry leaving their fob in the car.

 

[Adam CW]

I wouldn’t worry about the technical aspect of it. The system works. It’s that simple.

I guess I might have concerns if I lived in one of the crime-ridden cities, but I live in a small town.

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