lock doors while idling?

[Jimbob]

So, I can not lock doors outside of car while its running. Kind of disappointing.

[KuroNekko]

So, I can not lock doors outside of car while its running. Kind of disappointing.

Yup. I tried. Even with two keys (leaving one inside and using the other to lock from outside) it does not work. The car can detect that the key is inside while the occupants are outside. The system then prevents locking the doors. Actually a smart system as it prevents the owner from getting locked out which is a huge benefit in contrast to warming up a car remotely which is an unnecessary convenience.

[Speed_Racer]

Jimbob, is your Kiz an automatic?

If so, have you considered a remote start system for preheating your car? At least with dumb key cars, you can't "steal" the car w/o the key in the ignition. If not, the car shuts off as soon as touch the brake. I'd assume similar security measures for a smart key car.

But I echo what's already been said, having been raised in a very cold location. It's better for the car, environment, and more efficient to let it warm up as you drive vs. letting it idle in your driveway

[Woodie]

I disagree. The battery is recharged by the alternator the moment the engine is started and especially when you drive. When you leave the car running, you are wasting fuel which does not get recharged, obviously.

It is being recharged, but not enough to recoup the amount discharged during a start. That's why you can't jump start a car and then stop and start it without an extended drive first. True, fuel is used while idling, but that's a consumable item either way.

This is not an issue. A very popular fuel saving item that a lot of new cars now have shuts off the engine every time you're not moving. Yes, every traffic light.

[SamirD]

Right, but I meant that once you drive, you will recharge your battery. If your battery charge is compromised after just a few starts, you need a new battery.

Automotive batteries aren't normally intended to be heavily discharged. This is what leads to a lot of premature battery failures. I know there hvae been some issues with our factory batteries (which ours still has), so I'd rather not discharge it more than necessary. It's bad enough that there's only a short commute for it to recharge.

And this is why I LOVE yellow top optima batteries. I've run these down to nothing and charged them back up and they still work. Great investment over the life of a car.

[SamirD]

This is not an issue. A very popular fuel saving item that a lot of new cars now have shuts off the engine every time you're not moving. Yes, every traffic light.

Yes, I've seen that technology. But they're probably using deep cycle batteries from the factory. This would kill an ordinary battery in a few months of pure city driving.

[KuroNekko]

Actually, you guys, you can lock the car while the engine is running.
You all can thank Ronzuki in another post where he pointed out that you can lock the car with the fob inside if you use the manual key to lock the door from the outside.

I just tried it with the engine running and what do you know: the car doors all locked, engine running, with the fob on the seat.

This is how you do it. I always forget about the manual key embedded in the fob!

So if you want to waste fuel for the sake of a warmed up car, here's how to do it.

[Ronzuki]

Actually, you guys, you can lock the car while the engine is running.
You all can thank Ronzuki in another post where he pointed out that you can lock the car with the fob inside if you use the manual key to lock the door from the outside.

I just tried it with the engine running and what do you know: the car doors all locked, engine running, with the fob on the seat.

This is how you do it. I always forget about the manual key embedded in the fob!

So if you want to waste fuel for the sake of a warmed up car, here's how to do it.

I do this often when I have to run up the road to the post office from my office. Very short ride and I'm in and out so I just take the FOB w/ me and lock the doors with the key. Gives the battery a chance to charge a wee bit instead of multiple starts for really short jaunts. It'll stay running w/o the FOB in or near the car.

[SamirD]

Actually, you guys, you can lock the car while the engine is running.
You all can thank Ronzuki in another post where he pointed out that you can lock the car with the fob inside if you use the manual key to lock the door from the outside.

I just tried it with the engine running and what do you know: the car doors all locked, engine running, with the fob on the seat.

This is how you do it. I always forget about the manual key embedded in the fob!

So if you want to waste fuel for the sake of a warmed up car, here's how to do it.

I can't believe I didn't think of this. I guess I was being convinced by you KuroNekko to not leave the car idling.

Good to know it can be done. I probably do it though since it requires some fiddling around with the fob that's usually safe in my pocket.

[KuroNekko]

I can't believe I didn't think of this. I guess I was being convinced by you KuroNekko to not leave the car idling.

Good to know it can be done. I probably do it though since it requires some fiddling around with the fob that's usually safe in my pocket.

Well, if you are still interested in getting better fuel economy, then idling the engine needlessly is a horrible idea. It really just wastes fuel and doesn't help the engine.