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Do I really need a FOB?

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Old Aug 11, 2011 | 11:59 AM
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Default Do I really need a FOB?

I have another thread going here on a current subject for me.

http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c5-g...out-right.html


But now I'm wondering if I really need a FOB at all...the key opens the door, starts the car, sorta old fashion I suppose, but just asking in case I'm overlooking something important. Security stuff doesn't excite me either...so any alarm function that may be bypassed is not a concern...what say you?

Thanks

Bob
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Old Aug 11, 2011 | 12:08 PM
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You don’t actually need one.. Key would do the trick. Just easier with the keypad..
I just bought one myself an only paid like 30 bucks...
Not that expensive...

Also Iv seen a thread where you could solder an fix your old FOB.
If you want to go that route...
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Old Aug 11, 2011 | 12:15 PM
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Originally Posted by camburger
I have another thread going here on a current subject for me.

http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c5-g...out-right.html


But now I'm wondering if I really need a FOB at all...the key opens the door, starts the car, sorta old fashion I suppose, but just asking in case I'm overlooking something important. Security stuff doesn't excite me either...so any alarm function that may be bypassed is not a concern...what say you?

Thanks

Bob
I wouldn't go without one. If your electronic doors lock and you don't have a key or forget your key your fob will open the doors otherwise how will you get in the car? If your alarm goes off you need your Fob to shut it off to be able to start the car with your key otherwise you will go nowhere as it won't start. Don't know that much more being I have only owned my C5 for a year now and don't drive it very much but I suggest that you have at least 2 Fobs as came with the car from Chevrolet. When buying my C5 privately last August it only came with 1 Fob and 1 key. The previous owner found the other Fob and key and sent it to me but the Fob was junk being a new battery didn't make it work so I purchased a used Fob on Ebay for around $50 that looked almost like new and works fine. Also ordered some key blanks after putting a ohm meter to my keys to see what blank I needed. Had them cut and afterwards programed them to the car to have extra's just in case I ever need them.

Last edited by ffas23; Aug 11, 2011 at 12:19 PM.
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Old Aug 11, 2011 | 12:38 PM
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The FOB is really handy if you have a car with the memory seating option. You lock it with the FOB after you're out and unlock it with the FOB to reenter. This activates the seat memory system and properly adjusts the seat, steering wheel, etc to your liking.
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Old Aug 11, 2011 | 12:41 PM
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It won't take long for scratches to occur using the key...
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Old Aug 11, 2011 | 12:53 PM
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I have had my car for close to 5 years and I can't remember ever using the key to open the door, For the cost and convince I would just get a fob.
Just my opinion. Also most don't know you can program 3 fobs to thee memory feature of the car..
Mr.Bill
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Old Aug 11, 2011 | 12:58 PM
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I have not used my FOB since I bought the car 7 years ago

No reason to. Besides the key takes up much less room in your pocket.

Dave
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Old Aug 11, 2011 | 01:27 PM
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Originally Posted by Mr.Bill
I have had my car for close to 5 years and I can't remember ever using the key to open the door, For the cost and convince I would just get a fob.
Just my opinion. Also most don't know you can program 3 fobs to thee memory feature of the car..
Mr.Bill

I would scrimp elsewhere. It is a small price to pay for a lot of convenience with the keyless entry.
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Old Aug 11, 2011 | 01:53 PM
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Originally Posted by Dave1998
I have not used my FOB since I bought the car 7 years ago

No reason to. Besides the key takes up much less room in your pocket.

Dave
That sounds like it's entirely possible then. You have never had a reason to need the FOB in those seven years...no alarm situations that caused you any inconvenience?

I'm not trying to cheap out at all here...more like perhaps making a choice to not use a previously unnecessary gadget just a decade ago.

If the alarm goes off people are saying the key will not start the car? Is this the deal really, and we are therefor enslaved to the use of the FOB? Is that true?

Thanks for the feedback so far guys

Bob
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Old Aug 11, 2011 | 02:00 PM
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I use my fob all the time, but that's just me. Sure you could go without the fob, but for a small price, why deal with just using the key.
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Old Aug 11, 2011 | 02:31 PM
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I disabled mine after I bought my C5. After having a bad experience with my old 94 coupe (while driving down the street, my door locks began to lock, then unlock, then lock again and wouldn't quit, and my hatch popped open while the door locks were doing their thing). I could never find the problem so I pulled the fuse. Besides, it's a PITA if you are working around your car and have your keys in your pocket with the doors locking and locking all the time.
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Old Aug 11, 2011 | 02:39 PM
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Default Replacing a door lock is a PITA get a FOB

The door lock cylnders WILL WEAR OUT if you use the key all the time.
Unless you are Ferris Bueler's father with 200 miles on your vette spend a few bucks and get a FOB. The user suggesting having 2 and cutting a couple spare keys is right on the money. I have already worn out one key and have a couple $10 spares.
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Old Aug 11, 2011 | 02:39 PM
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Originally Posted by ffas23
I wouldn't go without one. If your electronic doors lock and you don't have a key or forget your key your fob will open the doors otherwise how will you get in the car? If your alarm goes off you need your Fob to shut it off to be able to start the car with your key otherwise you will go nowhere as it won't start. Don't know that much more being I have only owned my C5 for a year now and don't drive it very much but I suggest that you have at least 2 Fobs as came with the car from Chevrolet. When buying my C5 privately last August it only came with 1 Fob and 1 key. The previous owner found the other Fob and key and sent it to me but the Fob was junk being a new battery didn't make it work so I purchased a used Fob on Ebay for around $50 that looked almost like new and works fine. Also ordered some key blanks after putting a ohm meter to my keys to see what blank I needed. Had them cut and afterwards programed them to the car to have extra's just in case I ever need them.
1. If you have a FOB but no key, you still cannot drive the car.

2. If the alarm sounds, you simply put the key in the driver's keyhole and turn it to the left, disabling the alarm.

To the OP, you do not need the FOB for daily use...
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Old Aug 11, 2011 | 02:58 PM
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Don't you need a fob to open trunk?I think on my Z I do.Other than the pull wire in the trunk.
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Old Aug 11, 2011 | 03:01 PM
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I don't use a key to open any car so I wouldn't want to live without one.
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Old Aug 11, 2011 | 03:03 PM
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Originally Posted by 76 VETTE
Don't you need a fob to open trunk?I think on my Z I do.Other than the pull wire in the trunk.
Nope, on my C5 there is a dash button to release the hatchback, also can be released by the key in the doorlock with an extra left hand blip. I've done it both ways.

As far as wearing out a doorlock that didn't happen back when cars had no such technology as FOB's...unless now they have cheapened the mechanism thinking no one will use it anymore...

Bob
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Old Aug 11, 2011 | 03:06 PM
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I guess it is possible to go without a FOB as long as you disable the security system, however you may be able to disable it if it does go off by using the key either in the door or the ignition but I'm not sure on that. In the 10 years since I bought mine I've only used the FOB, I don't think I've ever used the key to open the door. The FOB is just so convienient I can't imagine not having one on any car.
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Old Aug 11, 2011 | 03:58 PM
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Turn it twice to open and it Unlocks both doors - turn it twice to Lock it and it locks both doors!

Once it is locked and key is out it is secure with the onboard security system!

Thanks,Matt
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Old Aug 11, 2011 | 06:14 PM
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Originally Posted by Dave1998
I have not used my FOB since I bought the car 7 years ago

No reason to. Besides the key takes up much less room in your pocket.

Dave
How do you alarm your C5? Don't know if there is a way without the Key Fob but even if there was how would you shut the alarm off to get inside your car with just the key?

Add On: Didn't see the post above this one when posting as I was answering a post further up in this thread.

Last edited by ffas23; Aug 11, 2011 at 06:22 PM.
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Old Aug 11, 2011 | 08:49 PM
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Originally Posted by bighank
The door lock cylnders WILL WEAR OUT

No offense but thats just funny. I just sold a Camaro with 220k miles on it and the lock cylinder was about the only thing that wasn't worn out.
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