Getting an extra smart key plus wheel key...
 

I bought my Z used and only have one key. Was thinking about getting an extra one but was curious what would be the best way. Dealer? Ebay? Also don't have the key to the wheels. Dealer?

Thanks ahead of time,
Doug

One more probably dumb question....is it a good idea to put the key in that spot on the dash? Does that charge it or something? Sorry for the newbieness. I know I know I need to really read the owners manual...
:o

keep the key in your pocket, the dash slot is only to be used when key battery is dead and no it doesnt charge it.

Extra keys run about 160 from the dealer. They also charge a ridiculous fee for programming. My local one asked me 200 dollars and an hour of my time.

It will use less power while in the dash slot, and thus last longer.

It doesn't matter where you get the FOB from, anyway you are going to need to have program to your car by the stealership.

Like one of the previous post said, its NOT cheap!

So you use the physical key to unlock the door? That use even less battery on your FOB.

It will not.

Actually not. Keeping the key out over a drive uses more power than unlocking the doors.

I was just referring the the comment that it was only for use when dead.

If you take the phyical key out to unlock the door. Wouldn't you put it back into the FOB once you get into the car, or did you think you needed to leave the key in the door while you drive?

What are you talking about?:icon14:

I think you've be lost since you replied to me. Go back and reread our posts then ask me if you're still lost.

I don't take the key out. Dont know where you got that idea.

Let me break it do for you.

You made a state of putting the FOB in the fobgina will save battery life.

I asked it you unlock your door with the physical key to save even more battery life.

You said that leaving your key out would use more battery life.

That is where I knew you were confussed and decided to mess with you about leaving the key in the door.

Use the fobgina whenever you get the urge.

More accurately:

OP asked if there was any reason to put the key in there.

Nogoodname correctly states that it does not charge, incorrectly states that there is no reason to place the fob in the dash.

I note that it will significantly reduce battery consumption, since the OP was wondering whether there was any benefit.

You attempt to :stirthepot:. If you want to continue, take it to PMs to avoid derailing the thread farther.



Yes it will. Places the fob in the dash reduces the required power transmission levels significantly.

The transmitter in the fob operates at a fixed power level, just because the signal has to travel a shorter distance won't help it in this case.

It does not. The transmission is inversely proportional to received power level.

I've taken one of the fobs apart and actually played with the circuitry. Where do you gather that the transmission level is fixed?

i don't understand why you didn't get 2 sets of fobs........ your car is to new to get only one.. go back to the dealer and ask them where the second fob is at.

When I took mine apart I didn't identify anything that could control the transmitter power. Are you saying you actually measured the output? I didn't go as far as actually probing the circuit so if that's the case it is interesting. But I'll still keep the key in my pocket and replace the $1 battery when the time comes. :)

I keep mine in my pocket as well. I was just answering OP's question.

More accurately, TX power stays roughly the same, but the more power is received, the less that needs to be supplied by the battery. With a high enough RX power, the unit functions almost as a passive RFID.

Please excuse me while my head explodes

What prompted you guys to dissect your fobs?

My FOB is bigger than your FOB

being an engineer:happydance:

I bought it used at a Chevy dealer (trade in). They only had the one key and no key for the wheels. They weren't even sure if there was an owner's manual but I did find that in the flip out behind the passenger seat.

Ah, gotcha. And in the case of a dead battery it basically is a passive RFID. +rep for doing the extra digging.