I have a really dumb question!

[martek@wcnet.org]

I remember reading on this board somewhere where people have had their Smarts lock on them while sitting in driveway or garage at night. My question is: what if I want to start my car and leave it running while it warms up and I go back inside, think it will lock itself?? I know, It's a dumb question, but I have never had a car with remote lock, so don't know. It gets pretty cold here in Ohio in the Winter and I have to leave work early in the AM. Anyone?????

[JanetMermaid]

I asked Marty at the Round Rock dealership about that, after reading the posts you refer to. He said if the car is locking itself then there is something wrong. I wouldn't worry about it.

[Kermit]

No - the key is in the car, won't lock. Of course some might let you have it for leaving a running car unattended.

[JPaul]

First and formost, there are no "dumb question"...
If you leave a key in the car (i.e. for running the engine for a pre-start warming), I'd strongly advise to have your second key somewhere outside the car, just in case. Because it is possible to have the car lock itself, no matter where the key may be.
The key being in the car does not insure that the car can't be locked. It has happened to a Dealership: a customer car was locked with the key inside and the car on the lift. They had to wait for the owner to come with the second key before they could move the vehicle.
Just a precaution when doing this...

[angel]

Can't do that here in Arlington, TX. It's illegal to leave a vehicle running and unattended. Leaving keys in the ignition is punishable by a fine of up to $200.

[chieftmc]

Just to reiterate what JPaul said, "There are NO dumb questions!"

My daddy once told me, "The only dumb question is the one you DON'T ask !"

[martek@wcnet.org]

Thanks everyone. I am referring to letting it warm up in my driveway. too bad we don't have those remote starts in these babies!!

[BigWarpGuy]

I believe the remote starts are only for vehicles with automatic transmissions. The remote start in a vehicle with manual transmission might jump into gear; at least that is what I read. With the Fortwo having an automated manual transmission, might this be also true?

[SmartCard]

might what be true, that it will start, or jump into gear?

The main reason why you can't start (most) manuals remotely is that the clutch has to be depressed for it to start. (I guess you could always keep a brick on it!)
I would think the smart would start fine with a remote.

[HGB]

Not to disparage your very valid question...but I always read that cars should not sit and idle...that one should just put it in gear within a minute or so of starting and then drive off.
The main thing for your own comfort are the heated seats (wich I trust your car has) and a good pair of gloves to deal with a very cold steering wheel.
As just for idling and not moving there is not much heat generated for the engine to really warm up until it sees some rpm's. I just hope you don't have to go on a busy highway right from your house, because then you might abuse a not yet up to temperature motor.
my .02 cents