On the third day I owned my E, I retired the transmitter fob to the dresser.
What's up with automaker Keys?? The ignition key is twice as long (overall) as my home deadbolt key and the head is huge. The fob is large enough to skip on a pond.
Why not a fob transmitter with a folding key (ie pocketknife, ford/jaguar)??

On the third day I owned my E, I retired the transmitter fob to the dresser.
What's up with automaker Keys?? The ignition key is twice as long (overall) as my home deadbolt key and the head is huge. The fob is large enough to skip on a pond.
Why not a fob transmitter with a folding key (ie pocketknife, ford/jaguar)??

Good suggestion... it didn't take me long to stop using the fob. Actually, when the weather is colder and I'm wearing a jacket, I'll use the fob because I can put it in the jacket pocket. Like you said, though, the key by itself is big enough without having to carry around the fob, too.

why not keyless like the Saab, the key fob is the key no crappy metal stick to insert in the ignition, just stick the fob in and turn.

Is that an Element key fob in your pocket, or are you just happy to see me? :twisted:

My biggest problem with the fob is the fact that I hit or mash the panic button inadvertently on a regular basis and have to fish it out and shut off my screeching element. I am sure the neighbors are annoyed....

hmmm,

I still find mine quite useful! In fact it was one of the things I was most excited about when buying my E. This is the first car I have had with Keyless entry.

One of the best features is the fact that I can unlock both doors before I get to the car. Just a simple but nice feature for my girlfriend and I.

The Transmitter is a bit large, but where I am from, a jacket is pretty normal attire, so sticking it in my pocket usually isn't a problem.

I don't know...I don't have a problem with it in my pocket, but then again, I'm a little old for jeans that are that tight. (I prefer to play at the Gardens - lots of ballroom :))

Mind you, I only have 3 things on my key chain - E Key, keyless fob, and E snaplink. The snaplink is a recent addition, and I never put my keys in my pocket now. I just hook them on a belt loop whenever we go into a store. That way I know exactly where they are, and I don't have to empty my hands to unlock the door - just hit the button :grin:

I agree that the fob and key are way too big. Some people like all their keys on one small keyring and carry them in their pocket (guys especially). My wife has a CRV (same size fob/key) and has the most gargantuan keyring you've ever seen, with trinkets and gew-gaws hanging off it. Then again, she has a purse to carry stuff.

Remember the Seinfeld episode where Jerry went on a pocket-diet? Well there ya go. :roll:

Those folding key/fob set-ups are pretty expensive from what I understand.

We had a special dinner at the museum and a valet lost the key to an Audi. The owner of the valet company found out how much the key costs and next thing we know, he's personally combing the place with a very, very fine tooth comb. Supposedly, the key had to be specially cut in Germany and was going to cost $400 or so.

I know when I had my VW, they had said it would cost more like $150 to replace the key. Then again, they didn't say what kind of replacement.

I don't think they are all that expensive. Not the actual fob anyway. It's the key cutting and transponder chip programming that is so costly!

Here is an interesting link to a website claming to sell all factory fob's at 50% off.

keylessride.com (http://www.keylessride.com)

I suppose after the cutting and programming, $400 might be a fair prce for a remote to a fairly expensive car like Audi or Bmw.

I never really had a problem with the key and fob size either........but I also retired my tight snakeskin leather leggings back in '87.:D
I do kinda wish the Honda key and fob was incorporated into one tho. My MINI key has the fob in the base but as you can see it's still a bit bulky even when comparred to the Honda. Infact, I carry both on the same ring.



http://img384.imageshack.us/img384/2596/keys9eo.jpg

I'm still holding out for someone to be able to adapt these Accord keys to work with the Element...


What? I can dream, can't I?

...
One of the best features is the fact that I can unlock both doors before I get to the car. Just a simple but nice feature for my girlfriend and I...

I totally agree. While my E's been in the body shop, I've been driving a POS Dodge SX20 courtesy car. It doesn't even have automatic door locks. You actually have to lock all four doors manually :shock:

Oh how I miss my Element (and my key fob).

Don't ever drop in a puddle when its raining. cause they don't like to get wet. you wind up replacing the fob. This happened to my wife with her accord it was pain to replace. :shock:

my fob only unlocks the other doors. my driver doorlock switch and fob will neither one operate the driver door. i have to use the key or push the lock down. anyone else with this problem? the alarm will set with the second push though.