Did the Ignition Key Just Die? 865
cartechboy (2660665) writes "Do you still use a metal key to start your vehicle? We already knew this was old tech at this point, but now it might fully be killed off. In the wake of General Motors' 'Switchgate' fiasco, we've heard the CEO tell a Congressional committee that the recall may force GM to ditch ignition keys altogether in favor of push-button systems. If this became a reality, it would end decades of complaints from customers. Bloomberg approximates at least 18,000 complaints have been filed since NHTSA was formed in 1970, peaking at more than 2,000 in the year 2000. Those complaints resulted in roughly 21 million vehicles being recalled. The push-button ignition isn't perfect, but we know electrical trumps mechanical more often than not. Are you ready for an era where the ignition key doesn't exist?"
Just Different Problems (Score:5, Interesting)
Re:I don't like the control it takes away from you (Score:4, Interesting)
Now, my car is an automatic, so I have not tried the roll/start on a manual transmission with a push button ignition, but it seems to me that with all of the accessories and instrumentation turned on, I don't see why it wouldn't work. And, as far as your point of needing to crank it for a while, if that's the case, there are issues that need repairing, so it's not as if you're being deprived of some designed, intended function of the vehicle.
Re:Help! Help! (Score:5, Interesting)
Relocate the bloody thing (Score:5, Interesting)
SAAB dealt with this issue mechanically decades ago. Mechanical key in the center, where the handbrake is located. No stress on the mechanical switch due to heavy key rings.
Worked very well, unless they had (have) a patent on it, seems like an easier more reliable fix.
Re:If not... (Score:2, Interesting)
If the advancement in technology makes something more efficient, more reliable, or adds a useful feature, then yes.
In the case of keyless ignition, I can't say that any of the above apply. The GM fiasco was simply a badly engineered mechanical part. If they had gone with keyless ignition instead, they would've probably messed that up too with software bugs.
Also as some of us know, a metal car key can be used as a weapon. (you can see Jesse Pinkman nervously clutching his car key while Tuco advances on him in the junkyard) Yes there are guns and knives and all kinds of other things that make better weapons, but a car key is useful because it's always with you... if you forgot your car key then you wouldn't have gone out in the first place. And there are zero legal issues with carrying a concealed car key, which cannot be said for guns and knives and brass knuckles etc.
Re:If not... (Score:5, Interesting)
Re:If not... (Score:5, Interesting)
How to program the key: (No special equipment needed)
http://mcguirelocksmith.com/ho... [mcguirelocksmith.com]
Replace the Cylinder instructions:
http://www.autozone.com/autozo... [autozone.com]
Cost of entire fix is 30 dollars, and maybe two hours of your time. The longest part is the programing which looks to take about 45 minutes.
Now how much do you think it will cost to troubleshoot and fix push button system? At least three hours labor is my guess, and probably 200 in parts. So close to 500 bucks at a minimum? Give me the cylinder lock I can replace in the parts store parking lot for the win.
The actual technical fault. (Score:3, Interesting)
The traditional key in ignition device is mixing two distinct functions: authentication and mode selection.
The link between the two and the mechanics of the failed device contributed to the problem. Wireless electronic proximity isn't necessary.
What is necessary is a simple reliable device for authentication, a key which is turned to allow other functions to operate. For instance, keys used for industrial or military controls for this purpose. They look like ordinary keys, not the large vehicle keys now common.
Then the selection of ignition mode is entirely separate, and turning to "off" or "accessory" which disengages hydraulics and safety systems while the vehicle is in motion should be disallowed.
Re:Help! Help! (Score:5, Interesting)
She replied, "I knew I should have replaced the battery in this remote door unlocker. Now I can't get into my car. Do you think they (pointing to a distant convenience store) would have a battery for this?"
"Hmmm, I dunno. Do you have an alarm, too?" I asked.
"No, just this remote 'thingy,'" she answered, handing it and the car keys to me.
As I took the key and manually unlocked the door, I replied, "Why don't you drive over there and check about the batteries...it's a long walk."
Re:If not... (Score:5, Interesting)
A mechanical lock that wears out the tumblers due to age or use is acceptable: you use it, it wears, you replace it after x years.
A lock that randomly decides not to work because of unexpected component failure (read: shoddy quality) is unacceptable. What is also unacceptable is the ludicrous price of electronic lock/key replacement, and the reluctance of manufacturers to provide at least one (preferably) two spare keys with the new car, and their apparent inability to provide replacement keys (on their own) at all.
Cars need to have a mechanical-only standby door lock/key, if only to let you into the shelter of the interior in emergencies, whether or not you can then start the engine. If manufacturers move to keyless operation, it will probably take many deaths before they provide a mechanical fallback.
Re:If not... (Score:3, Interesting)
If you need a weapon to defend yourself, then get a weapon.
If your jurisdiction is retarded enough that you cannot legally carry one that you're comfortable with, then move to a different one where that's not the case. Why should car manufacturers "fix" your problem by giving you a weapon that isn't legally counted as one?
Re:If not... (Score:5, Interesting)
But what's often forgotten is that Ludd was right. The Industrial Revolution really did cause horrible misery to many, to the point of making violent communistic revolution seem like a good idea. It was not until the unions and fear of another Red October restored some balance that the good began to outshine the bad.
And yes, all machines - including cars - should have a kill switch that mechanically cuts off the power. Industrial machines are required to have those, so why should land missiles mostly operated by amateurs be exempt?
This is what you will get... (Score:5, Interesting)
I was driving down the street and noticed something odd about the car in front of me... the keys were dangling off the back of the trunk! We came to a red-light and I hopped out and tapped on the woman's window.
She was rather startled but I put on my most innocent face and she rolled down her window a little and I said "Miss, sorry for startling you but your car keys are dangling off the back of your trunk!". She did a double take and then realized that it was true! Her button ignition switch had worked because the keys just happened to be 'close enough'.
I said "wait a moment, I'll get them for you now" (I didn't want to get them first because she might have driven off and would then not have had her keys at all). I went to the back, got the keys, and handed them to her through the window. She smiled and said thank you.
I went back to my car and managed to get my seatbelt back on and ready to go before the light turned green again.
True story :-)
-Matt
Re:You dont want a car completely reliant on the e (Score:5, Interesting)
I am 40 something and I remember the reliability of old cars was crap. If it didn't run out of power there were a hundred other reasons it wouldn't start it the body hadn't already completely rusted off. I will take a new car over an old one any day.
Re:If not... (Score:5, Interesting)
I thought most "keyless keys" actually has a small key clipped to it (or inside it), which will open the door.