Key Fob Follies

[SwampNut]

lots of traffic on the topic which is great, doubtful jeep/fca will listen but the aftermarket might?

Nobody is listening to the one lone nut who wants a Model T.

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[jimbom]

Our BMW key is inside the fob. We never use the key, so that's fine. I use the Jeep key for the trailer lock, a cable lock for the generator, and several other things. I bought all the BOLT locks that use the OEM key. So flip is way nicer.

We had a VW with a flip key, can't recall how big the fob was.

Wife's key vs. Jeep. Same length, ~2/3 the width, ~2/3 the thickness, ~1/2 the weight. Hers has an extra function -- trunk release. No remote start (on either.)
I'm with you on the key, except when we valet (we only valet if there is no other choice,) we can lock the glove box & trunk release and keep the key. When the battery is dead, you insert her whole fob in a special recepticle.

 

[Artsifrtsi]

Why not have an RFID chip embedded in your hand, and then just leave the doors and key at home... Each door averages out to what, 50 LBS? So you'd leave approx 300 LBS at home that way...

 

[SwampNut]

Why not have an RFID chip embedded in your hand

I have one. But the Jeep won't let me program it in, I've tried. I can use it to unlock the house, office, computer, and other things.

 

[jimbom]

I have one. But the Jeep won't let me program it in, I've tried. I can use it to unlock the house, office, computer, and other things.

OK, so now we know where the "Nut" part comes from. But what about the "Swamp" part? In Arizona?

 

[ShadowsPapa]

key's aren't going anywhere, sucks there is a small percentage of population with an injury or handi-cap that make working a key inconvenient, and so it's good Jeep provides the buttons and proximity stuff for those very few people to be convenienced...

I know you don't get out a ton - but please be very careful about the "very few" thing. The numbers are a whole lot bigger than you'd imagine.
I worked as a manager at On With Life, Inc, in Ankeny a few years back, and worked for Voc Rehab for several years - both were swamped dealing with people with disabilities and handicaps. Otherwise very productive people, really wanting to work and be part of society again - but held back by people who assumed a few things.
Voc Rehab handled many hundreds of people each year and the budget was in the multi-millions. On With Life filled up FAST after opening and is still full today, helping people through rehab and getting back into life.
I'd even say that my neighbor, a long-time county employee, plow truck operator, now part time farmer helping neighbors in the busy time, could benefit from lack of key. His right hand isn't steady like it used to be and it takes both hands to hit the hole with the key. Sharp as hell when driving, though. He still operates heavy equipment just fine.
What anyone goes through having a fob that's "too big" is frankly petty when you consider a BIG part of the population that needs such things. And why would any auto maker use two systems.
Why not make something that works for ALL people (or almost all) and those very few who it "inconveniences" simply find better ways.

Everyone recognizes issues with race relations in this country - but no one seems to want to be bothered with others in the community who are "different".
I've helped fix up many vehicles so disabled vets and others could drive again......... you find someone missing part of a hand, or worse, and tell them the fob is a major inconvenience and see what you get.
My wife would likely punch you. (and she's got a hell of a left hook)

For me - it's time to think of others, life is just fine for me, inconveniences and all. If I had to live like my wife has - not sure I could handle it, honestly.
And I can tell how parents operate just based on how their kids react to her when they see her.

 

[ShadowsPapa]

OK, so now we know where the "Nut" part comes from. But what about the "Swamp" part? In Arizona?

He's got some swamp land to sell you........... he already sold his ocean front property there. I bought that.

 

[ShadowsPapa]

I'm with you on the key, except when we valet (we only valet if there is no other choice,) we can lock the glove box & trunk release and keep the key.

That's actually a great point. With my wife's fob, you can lock things and take the key with you.
Sometimes I have to valet at certain clinics or hospitals where the parking is so full even the spots were you could park a capable Jeep are gone.

 

[SwampNut]

I'm one of those people with a disability that this affects. I have rectal myopia. I just can't see my ass using annoying outdated shit like metal keys.

 

[DreamedofaJeepSomeday]

. . . annoying outdated shit like metal keys.

Wait - aren't you the one who likes BOLT locks?

 

[SwampNut]

LOL, only because I can't find those in an electronic version. There are Bluetooth padlocks, but not the others. My back yard gates have proximity locks that are simply unlocked when I stand near them. This is how life should work.

 

[Jt-wrx]

Nobody is listening to the one lone nut who wants a Model T.

so many inaccuracies in so few words mr odoriferous uniball

1. people are listening
2. there is definitely one lone nut here, that whole 'when you point your finger at someone there's three pointing back at you' is a possibility here haha (pretty sure this lone nut is the only one in all the JL and JT forums who has a chip implanted in his hand)
3. there's an entire movement from JL's to JT's that agree this fob is 'indefensible', how many threads? there's plenty of traffic on this topic, i'm just the best at keeping it fun, exciting and painfully truthful as well

 

[ShadowsPapa]

LOL, only because I can't find those in an electronic version. There are Bluetooth padlocks, but not the others. My back yard gates have proximity locks that are simply unlocked when I stand near them. This is how life should work.

Be careful. I used to work at Compressor Controls Corp - a company that did mega-dollar business around the globe, and especially in Eastern Europe and Russia.
They warned our field engineers when in certain places, especially those areas, and especially Russia, do NOT secure your computer or other equipment to your person. A person lost a hand there when thieves right there in the airport stole a bag of electronics.
They won't hesitate.
They said hang on, but not TOO tight. Be very aware of your surroundings at all times because if you are in line and something is stolen, trust that no one else there saw a thing.
I saw some scary stuff - our field engineers always carried 2 grand US cash - "get out of the country" cash. One was detained because his equipment "looked like spy equipment" and he said it was like the movies - a guy in white with armed men on either side of him approaching him at an air field.
So don't let anyone know of your secrets......... it could cost you a body part.

 

[Jt-wrx]

That's actually a great point. With my wife's fob, you can lock things and take the key with you.
Sometimes I have to valet at certain clinics or hospitals where the parking is so full even the spots were you could park a capable Jeep are gone.

yes they didn't think through valet at all, along with the entire rest of it size/weight wise it's 1960 tech not 2020 tech, old calculator watch vs new apple watch...couple functions vs millions of functions and the apple watch is likely smaller/lighter than the old calculator watch...fob is a for real joke, certainly doesn't display any technical might that fca or jeep should be displaying

 

[jimbom]

... there's an entire movement from JL's to JT's that agree this fob is 'indefensible...

Is that right!? I just assumed the fob was carried over from the JL. Anyone have a pic of that?

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