Passive lock function
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2016
Posts: 126
Likes: 32
From: North Carolina
Passive lock function
Wondering how many use the passive lock function. That's when you exit vehicle, it locks itself. Question is if keys are left in car, will it still lock with the passive function? It's my understanding the key fobs go to "sleep" after a period of time. With that said the car doesn't see the fob in the car and could lock. Anyone experience being locked out. If common sense prevailed, taking your key when exiting should be second nature. Your thoughts....
Popular Reply
Jun 25, 2025, 10:19 PM
Pro
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 588
Likes: 222
From: Fuquay-Varina
It won't lock in this situation. I've left my keys in the car on accident way too many times and never once did the car lock.
Safety Car
Joined: Feb 2024
Posts: 3,978
Likes: 1,289
From: Plano, Texas
2025 C8 Z06/7/E-Ray of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
I use the passive lock system that you explain and speak of - and my previous salesperson helped me set it up and walked me through this feature. If I leave my keys in the car, the car honks a couple of times to give me a heads up... And it doesn't lock the keys inside the vehicle. It's been working pretty good and it's convenient. I have it set up on my Corvettes and my Silverado.
Safety Car
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 4,404
Likes: 952
From: Huntsville Alabama
I too use this in all my GMs cars. Also Helpful hint. if you want to Bypass the Auto lock function one time, say about to park it in garage at home.... When you shut it down and are getting out, hold the unlock button a few seconds and they will chime 3 times.... then it will NOT auto lock until turned on again. I do this when I park at home in garage so I can get things out of car without keys.
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Intermediate
Joined: Aug 2024
Posts: 45
Likes: 51
From: Tennessee
From all the above comments, it appears that locking the key fob in the car when using passive locking isn't a problem.
A different scenario that occurred to me was losing my key fob, e.g., I'm playing golf and somehow drop my key fob on the course without noticing while rummaging through my bag. It then occurred to me that I could use the myChevrolet app on my phone to start the car, unlock it, and get home to then access my spare key fob.
A different scenario that occurred to me was losing my key fob, e.g., I'm playing golf and somehow drop my key fob on the course without noticing while rummaging through my bag. It then occurred to me that I could use the myChevrolet app on my phone to start the car, unlock it, and get home to then access my spare key fob.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 6,930
Likes: 1,451
From: Any City USA
From all the above comments, it appears that locking the key fob in the car when using passive locking isn't a problem.
A different scenario that occurred to me was losing my key fob, e.g., I'm playing golf and somehow drop my key fob on the course without noticing while rummaging through my bag. It then occurred to me that I could use the myChevrolet app on my phone to start the car, unlock it, and get home to then access my spare key fob.
A different scenario that occurred to me was losing my key fob, e.g., I'm playing golf and somehow drop my key fob on the course without noticing while rummaging through my bag. It then occurred to me that I could use the myChevrolet app on my phone to start the car, unlock it, and get home to then access my spare key fob.
Racer
Joined: Sep 2019
Posts: 297
Likes: 195
From: Northern MN
Have you tested that scenario?
It will not work that way.
If the car is in remote-start condition, the key fob must still be in the car to shift out of park after holding down brake and pressing the start button.
You would need to have a spare key fob in a Faraday pouch hidden in car to make your scenario work as intended. HTH
It will not work that way.
If the car is in remote-start condition, the key fob must still be in the car to shift out of park after holding down brake and pressing the start button.
You would need to have a spare key fob in a Faraday pouch hidden in car to make your scenario work as intended. HTH
E-Ray, 3LZ, ZER, LIFT
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 35,106
Likes: 12,446
From: NE South Carolina
Wondering how many use the passive lock function. That's when you exit vehicle, it locks itself. Question is if keys are left in car, will it still lock with the passive function? It's my understanding the key fobs go to "sleep" after a period of time. With that said the car doesn't see the fob in the car and could lock. Anyone experience being locked out. If common sense prevailed, taking your key when exiting should be second nature. Your thoughts....
"Yes, the C8 Corvette key fob will go into sleep mode if left inside the car and inactive for a period of time. This feature helps prevent relay attacks and conserve battery power for both the fob and the vehicle. After a short period of inactivity, the car will not be able to detect the fob until it's moved and "awakened".
Here's a more detailed explanation:
- Sleep Mode:
The C8 key fob is designed with a motion sensor that detects when it's been inactive for a certain period. After this period, the fob will enter a "sleep" mode. - Activation:
Once in sleep mode, the car cannot detect the fob until it's moved, such as by picking it up or handling it. This ensures the car doesn't constantly search for the fob, saving battery life. - Security:
The sleep mode also enhances security by making it harder for criminals to use relay devices to unlock or start the car. - Detection:
If you leave the fob inside the car and it goes to sleep, the car may display a message like "KEY IN SLEEP MODE, MOVE KEY, THEN START" on the dashboard. - Battery Life:
This sleep mode helps extend the battery life of both the key fob and the car's battery. "
Pro
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 679
Likes: 279
From: Charlotte NC
It has been stated above, the GM system will not passive lock the vehicle, but I had it happen to me with my wife's Cadillac with the feature active. Took the car in for service at the Chev/Cad dealer and the service writer tossed the fob on to the dash, closed the door with the windows up and when they went to move the car it was locked. I didn't have the OnStar active, so the dealer had to beg OnStar to unlock the car. I have never used the feature since on any of my cars.
Safety Car
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 4,404
Likes: 952
From: Huntsville Alabama
From all the above comments, it appears that locking the key fob in the car when using passive locking isn't a problem.
A different scenario that occurred to me was losing my key fob, e.g., I'm playing golf and somehow drop my key fob on the course without noticing while rummaging through my bag. It then occurred to me that I could use the myChevrolet app on my phone to start the car, unlock it, and get home to then access my spare key fob.
A different scenario that occurred to me was losing my key fob, e.g., I'm playing golf and somehow drop my key fob on the course without noticing while rummaging through my bag. It then occurred to me that I could use the myChevrolet app on my phone to start the car, unlock it, and get home to then access my spare key fob.
That will not work. You can use the app to start the car and unlock it. BUT with out the fob you can not turn the ignition on and drive it home. going to have to find the FOB.
But that example has nothing to do with passive locking either way you hitting lock as you get in the golf cart to play a round or letting it auto lock as you walk away is the same issue when you loose the Fob
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2016
Posts: 126
Likes: 32
From: North Carolina
I too use this in all my GMs cars. Also Helpful hint. if you want to Bypass the Auto lock function one time, say about to park it in garage at home.... When you shut it down and are getting out, hold the unlock button a few seconds and they will chime 3 times.... then it will NOT auto lock until turned on again. I do this when I park at home in garage so I can get things out of car without keys.
Safety Car
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 4,404
Likes: 952
From: Huntsville Alabama
It has been stated above, the GM system will not passive lock the vehicle, but I had it happen to me with my wife's Cadillac with the feature active. Took the car in for service at the Chev/Cad dealer and the service writer tossed the fob on to the dash, closed the door with the windows up and when they went to move the car it was locked. I didn't have the OnStar active, so the dealer had to beg OnStar to unlock the car. I have never used the feature since on any of my cars.
Intermediate
Joined: Aug 2024
Posts: 45
Likes: 51
From: Tennessee
Have you tested that scenario?
It will not work that way.
If the car is in remote-start condition, the key fob must still be in the car to shift out of park after holding down brake and pressing the start button.
You would need to have a spare key fob in a Faraday pouch hidden in car to make your scenario work as intended. HTH
It will not work that way.
If the car is in remote-start condition, the key fob must still be in the car to shift out of park after holding down brake and pressing the start button.
You would need to have a spare key fob in a Faraday pouch hidden in car to make your scenario work as intended. HTH
Safety Car
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 4,404
Likes: 952
From: Huntsville Alabama
the system works fine, key sin pocket or purse and you come and go with no issues. if you lose your keys to anything its a issue haha.
