timcole421

So, it is -2 degrees out, and I am *not* getting in cold and freezing at 4am.....typical warmup. Problem is, this is at a bar just after closing time....I play in a band and was heading home. Not a great idea to leave a car running unattended in town, just after bar close.

I had only one key with me, so I started the car, took the keyless with me, and went inside. I had to open up the passenger door and hit the inside lock to lock it, and went inside. Immediately after doing so, I thought....gee, hope the keyless works to UN-lock it while running.

Nothing doing. Had to have someone take me on a 30 mile round trip home to go get my spare keys. Car ran for a total of close to an hour and a half.

On the bright side, the car was plenty warm.

That sucks.

Shutterbug

wow, that sucks. i'll keep that advice in mind from here on out. ;)

xBster

I have never understood why the keyless entries work that way. You should be able to open the door with the remote even if the car is running....it was the same way on my Focus and my F-150s I had in the past, if the car is running, the remote won't work...

smeg

While I didn't lock myself out, I did find out this one in zero degree temps myself. My old Altima could be running and lock or unlock itself, and it's a bit of an oversight that the Scion can't

iKevin

I think it's due to child safety stuff.

burstaneurysm

That's a drag. It's definitely something to keep in mind.

stew32

Good to know. I'd thought about warming up my car on a couple cold mornings. Now I'm glad I didn't! I would've left my house key on the ring and just taken the remote, thereby locking myself out of both car and house!

pooder

That sux. I ALWAYS carry a spare in my wallet. Uhhh, except one for my Camry; I've actually TRIED to lock myself out of that car without a key -- it's impossible.

You've found another good reason not to leave a car idling to "warm it up". It's a bad idea; the best way to warm up a car is to drive it gently as soon as it will run decently, which for the Scion (and most other modern cars) is a few seconds after starting it. It will make heat faster that way, it wastes less gas, and it's better on the car. Now you know.

stew32

Yes, best not to do this. If your car were to get stolen, the insurance company probably won't cover it if they can prove you left the keys in it. I've also heard it is illegal in some states to leave a running car with keys unattended (keyless remote start is legal).

timcole421

I didn't warm it up for the advantage of the car, I did it so my ********* wouldn't freeze together. It was 2 below with a -23 wind chill.

xBster

I think my 89 Escort is the exception to the "Warming Up" rule...it shifts so hard you can get a whiplash if you don't warm it up a few minutes before driving...lol

theregulator

thats why remote start is nice =).. scion keypad still doesnt work once remote started.. not a big deal unless u have a passanager they have to stand outside until u can hit unlock on the inside.. no biggie really..

pooder

Heh. You need to dress for the weather. It's going to be -21F actual temperature with a windchill of -40 or so here overnight tonight. That means that instead of coming up to full operating temperature within a mile, my xB might have to go a couple of miles to get there. It does put out heat within a half mile or less, so I'm not worried; my parka, thinsulate mittens, and Mad Bomber hat will keep me cozy until the cabin temperature comes up . . . .