Locking your keys/remote in a C4 (and up)?

[Richard M.]

Aftermarket Onstar in a C1,2,3 unlock function reminded me of this story....

I recall at a local NH Corvette club show back in the mid 90's(My 59 took 1st place, ok,ok it was the only 58-60 there, it was raining!), and this guy with a C4(95 I think) locked his keys in the car accidentally. He just got the car, and flipped out at his wife(who hit the lock button). Another C4 Corvette guy came up and did something to the car to unlock it. The owner couldn't believe his eyes. He was happy, but his wife wasn't happy with him! I know what it is, but don't want to reveal it here. Is what I'm thinking true? Off list if you want to reply, with a NM note on the list that you did please.
Rich

[Paul G.]

Re: Locking your keys/remote in a C4 (and up)?

I believe with the PKE (Passive Keyless Entry) system, there was a motion sensor in the FOB. Shaking the car would have probably unlocked it.

Paul

[Kieran A.]

Re: Locking your keys/remote in a C4 (and up)?

The PKE has a ball bearing inside that will activate it if it is aggitated; its purpose is to unlock the car if the situation you described happens. Regards,Kieran #11373

[Paul G.]

Re: Locking your keys/remote in a C4 (and up)?

Kieran,
You're correct but I believe the main purpose of the motion sensor (ball bearing)is for the FOB to transmit whenever it senses motion. The system was designed to unlock the car as the owner is walking up to it. The "key in ignition w/door locked" scenario happened to be a nice feature of that design.

Paul

[Clem Z.]

the newer GM cars with the key in the ignition

you can not lock the power door locks by pushing the lock button on the door,it just unlocks automatically. years ago mrs clem locked the keys in a rental car with the engine running at the grand canyon in november when there is no one there. good thing the cell phone worked and the GM 800 number sent a locksmith out to unlock the car and GM even refunded my $85 i paid him. the locksmith lived near there and showed up in about 1/2 hour. he told me he made a living there in the summer months because with 4-5 million visitors a year a lot of people lock their keys in the car

[Kieran A.]

Re: Locking your keys/remote in a C4 (and up)?

Paul,It was my understanding that the ball bearing and the shake feature was incorporated just for such an event of the transmitter being locked in the car,even if the key is not in the ignition. The transmitter will unlock the car once it is within proper range without shaking or activating the ball bearing mechanism. At least that is the case with my 1993,but I will refer to the owners manual to check on this. Regards,Kieran #11373

[Richard M.]

Locking your keys/remote in a C4 (and up)?

Right, the keys/remote were sitting on the seat. A few shakes and "POP" the doors were unlocked. Everyone that didn't know the feature existed was amazed.
Rich

[Paul G.]

Re: Locking your keys/remote in a C4 (and up)?

Kieran,
The small rattle you hear when you lightly shake the PKE FOB (transmitter) is the motion sensor. The FOB was designed to transmit only when movement is sensed. If the transmitter didn't have the motion sensor for a trigger, it would constantly transmit thus a shorter battery life. Regards, Paul