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Pacenews Staff

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"Open Sesame" is a relatively simple saying that's been around throughout history in stories, songs and movies. Now, the concept behind it is available at your local dealership in the form of the industry's latest 'intelligent key' systems.

It's been years since remote keyless access became widespread by eleminating the need to insert ones key into the door for locking and unlocking. Though relatively simple by today's standards, the remote added huge convenience and became something of a standard before too long.

Now, the next generation of 'intelligent key' systems are emerging, and may one day replace the old fashioned remote in much the same way. The main premise is that an intelligent key allows drivers to lock or unlock their vehicles without them actually handling the key itself. A simple touch on the door handle unlocks the car, and another touch locks it- presuming the driver has the key unit in their pocket, purse or briefcase.

It's all powered by a close-distance communication between the vehicle and its key via radio waves. Within a few feet of the door, the key and car recognize and approve one another- readying things to unlock the moment the driver touches the handle or a small button thereon.

Once on board, it's much the same story for starting the engine and driving off. Rather than inserting the key into the ignition, a simple button press is often all that's needed to start the engine get things moving. Press the button again to turn the car off.

With no need to handle the key itself, life is made simple in a number of situations. Fumbling for the remote while carrying an armful of shopping would be a thing of the past, and there's no need to search through the pockets of your coat for the remote while it's cold outside, either.

The above are just a few examples, and of course, most owners also get a smug sensation when they unlock their ride with a simple touch.

Intelligent Key systems are sold under various names, though all generally come with a slick-looking fob that houses a built in transceiver. The transceiver fob usually has standard push-button controls for the locks, trunk and alarm, though no traditional key is visible. Throw the transceiver key down on the table during a coffee or lunch with friends for a great conversation starter.

Skeptics often ask a questions of the system. The most common regards the repercussions if the batteries in the transceiver key go dead.

The answer?

Within the transceiver key is hidden an old fashioned metal key with teeth on it. This is used to unlock the car and start the engine the old fashioned way if batteries fail. Most vehicles alert the driver with a message in the instrument cluster if the battery in the key is on its way out.

Losing the transceiver key has the same consequences as losing a standard key- though most vehicles with an intelligent key can actually prevent locking the keys in the car. Since the vehicle knows whether or not the key is on board, it generally sounds a special alarm when the driver tries to lock the doors from outside if the key's been left behind.

You shouldn't leave a running car unattended, but the intelligent key system has a benefit over a standard key if you do. Though most vehicles will continue to run if the key is removed, the transceiver key is always required to start the car. In effect, if your ride were stolen while running without its key present, thieves would be unable to re-start it after turning it off or running out of gas.

Intelligent key systems are becoming more and more popular for their convenience and high-tech attributes. As the technology becomes more accepted and inexpensive, chances are increasingly likely that it will be available on your next ride. To check, or for a demonstration, head to your favorite dealership.