Did my rental car have a key?
There was a recall issued for my Toyota Corolla. Following instructions, I took it to a dealer in the morning and was given a free rental car to use for the day while they looked at my car.
When I got in the rental car, the engine was already running, so I did not think to look for a key. When I later parked the car, I looked for the key. I could not find any. Instead, there was a button with a label that said it should be used for turning the engine on or off. I was able to turn the engine off and later restart it. I never did find a key, and there was no buzzer that went off when I opened the door. I took special care not to lock the door.
I probably should have called the dealer to ask for an explanation. Do you have any idea of what was going on? If there really was no key, there was a danger that I could have locked myself out or that the car could have been stolen.
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11 Answers
The “key” (which is actually a fob with a button for locking and unlocking) was probably in the center console, the glove box, or above the driver side visor.
You would not have locked yourself out, but the car could have been driven away (theft would be a legal fine point in such a case).
A similar thing has happened the last few times I have rented a car while travelling. Toyota in particular has gone this route,.
Thanks for the answer. I could have locked myself out if I was not thinking clearly. A key was not required for locking the doors.
@LostInParadise If the key were hidden somewhere in the car still, you wouldn’t have been able to lock the car.
My car will nor let you lock the keys in the car, running or stopped. If it is running the door will unlock on closing the door, stopped it will beep twice and unlock all doors.
Look in center console. right by drivers hip.
@janbb , There were manual switches for locking the car. I would not have needed a key. If the key was connected to the console, then what @Tropical_Willie said may have applied. If the key was on the visor or in the glove compartment, I don’t see how the car would be able to prevent me from locking myself out.
I know my car cannot be locked if the key is inside anywhere. Just won’t do it.
Interesting. I wonder how that is done.
The car won’t lock if the fob is in range and the car isn’t on, unless the lock button is pushed on the fob. It’s engineered to prevent locking yourself out of the car.
Did you find the key?
My car won’t lock either if the key is in the car. Some cars will lock if there is a key inside AND outside (but the outside key has to be close enough to be detected by the car) but some won’t lock if there is any key inside.
I never did find the key. It was just for one day. There have apparently been some sophisticated changes in cars since I last bought one.
@LostInParadise Yes there have. I think the remote keyless ignition has been in some cars for a while; mine is from 2008 but it is a Volvo. I just have to have the key somewhere in the car and then press the Start button for the car to start and as I said, it won’t lock if the key is in the car but will if it is out and somewhere on my person.
I think it works somewhat like transponders. There is a signal sent.
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