It’s a scenario many Subaru Ascent owners might find themselves in, or at least worry about: You start your car, leave the key fob inside while quickly running into your house, and then drive off, only to realize miles later that your key fob is still at home. This situation, similar to one experienced by a 2020 Subaru Ascent owner, brings up a crucial question about keyless driving and vehicle security: Can you drive your Subaru Ascent without the key fob present after starting the engine, and are there settings to prevent this?
Many modern vehicles, including the Subaru Ascent, employ keyless ignition systems. These systems allow you to start your car by simply pressing a button, as long as the key fob is inside the vehicle. However, a common point of confusion and concern arises once the engine is running. As the original Subaru Ascent owner discovered, once the car is started, it will continue to operate even if the key fob is no longer detected inside the vehicle.
This is not a malfunction, but rather an intentional design feature of most keyless ignition systems. The logic behind this is primarily for convenience and to avoid accidental engine shut-off in scenarios where the key fob battery might die or experience temporary signal interference while driving. Imagine driving on a highway and your car suddenly shuts off because it momentarily lost signal with the key fob – this could be a dangerous situation.
Subaru Ascent key fob with remote start and keyless entry features.
However, this design also raises legitimate security concerns. As the Subaru Ascent owner pointed out, if the car is left running and unlocked, or even if a thief breaks into a running vehicle, they could potentially drive away without the key fob present. While this might seem like a significant security flaw, it’s important to understand the intended use and limitations of keyless systems.
Is there a way to adjust settings to prevent driving without the key fob? Unfortunately, there is no user-adjustable setting in the Subaru Ascent, or most vehicles with keyless start, to automatically shut off the engine if the key fob is no longer detected after starting. This feature is not offered due to the safety reasons mentioned earlier regarding potential engine shut-off during normal driving.
Vehicle manufacturers prioritize preventing sudden and unintended engine stops while the car is in motion. The system is designed to verify the key fob’s presence at the start of the ignition process, but once the engine is running, the assumption is that the driver is authorized to operate the vehicle, regardless of whether the fob remains inside throughout the entire journey.
Addressing Security Concerns and Best Practices
While the Subaru Ascent won’t automatically shut off if the key fob is removed after starting, there are several key security measures and best practices to keep in mind:
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Never Leave Your Car Running Unattended: This is the most crucial point. Whether you have a keyless system or a traditional key, leaving your car running unattended is a security risk and, in many places, illegal. Always turn off and lock your vehicle when you leave it, even for a moment.
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Be Mindful of Key Fob Location: Develop a habit of always knowing where your key fob is. Avoid leaving it in easily accessible places inside your house or car. Treat your key fob like you would your house keys or wallet.
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Utilize Subaru Ascent Security Features: The Subaru Ascent comes equipped with standard security features such as an immobilizer system, which prevents the car from being started without the authorized key fob present at the time of ignition. Always ensure your doors are locked when leaving your vehicle.
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Consider Aftermarket Security Systems: If you are particularly concerned about vehicle theft, you can explore aftermarket security systems that offer enhanced features, although the factory-installed system in the Subaru Ascent is generally robust for everyday security needs.
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Understand the “Key Not Detected” Warning: The “key not detected” warning in your Subaru Ascent primarily serves as a reminder before you start driving or if the system temporarily loses signal with the fob. It is not designed to shut off the engine once the car is in motion after being started.
In Conclusion
The Subaru Ascent, like many modern vehicles with keyless ignition, is designed to continue running even if the key fob is removed after the engine has been started. This is a deliberate design choice for convenience and safety to prevent accidental engine shut-offs during driving. While there are no settings to alter this behavior, understanding how the system works and practicing responsible key fob management and vehicle security habits are crucial for preventing theft and ensuring peace of mind. Always prioritize turning off your engine, locking your doors, and being aware of your key fob’s location to keep your Subaru Ascent secure.
