Can the Car Be Turned Off Without the Key Inside?

[VanAustin]

No, the car cannot be turned off and can still be driven away. Here is detailed information about car keys: 1. Key Types: Common keys on the market include mechanical keys, remote keys, touchscreen LCD keys, and smart wristband keys. Regardless of the type, their basic functions are to unlock doors and start the engine. Some remote and touchscreen LCD keys can also enable automatic parking and vehicle information display. 2. Remote Keys: Remote keys allow doors to be unlocked or locked from a distance without inserting the key into the lock. Their biggest advantage is that, regardless of day or night, there's no need to locate the keyhole or go through the cumbersome process of inserting the key to open the door. They enable convenient remote locking and unlocking. Remote keys can also open the trunk or fuel filler cap from outside the car, close windows, and retract side mirrors when locking the vehicle.

[AdrianRose]

Just heard a real story from my cousin the other day. His SUV with keyless start kept idling for half an hour when he went shopping with the key in his pocket, even increasing fuel consumption by 0.3L. Actually, most modern vehicles work this way - once the engine starts, the system disconnects from the key. However, it will automatically shut off if you open the door while in drive gear, which is an anti-rollaway safety feature. During a dealership visit, a technician told me they once encountered an unlucky owner whose car key fell into a river, yet the vehicle could still be driven back to the shop. But if the key stays away too long, the dashboard will flash warning lights like crazy, as if keeping rhythm.

[MacTalia]

After driving automatic transmission cars for ten years, I've personally tested this several times. With the key in my pocket, I walked just ten meters away, and the car was still shaking perfectly in place. The car's onboard computer is more independent than we think; once started, the fuel injection system doesn't rely on the key signal anymore. Once, I parked in the underground garage and only then realized I left the key at the courier station—luckily, I hadn't turned off the engine and drove straight there. However, be cautious with hybrid vehicles. My neighbor's Toyota Hybrid once had issues with the auto start-stop not working when the key wasn't inside the car, though this doesn't count as the engine shutting off. Just remember not to press the start button intentionally.

[RileyAnn]

After the engine is started, the communication with the car key is basically cut off. During manufacturer testing, various scenarios are simulated, such as the key falling into water or being shielded. I once saw the data stream on testing equipment at a repair shop, where the RPM signal and fuel injection pulse width were fluctuating normally. Unless it's a safety setting like opening the driver's door while in D gear, or some high-end cars' automatic locking feature when leaving the vehicle, which forces the engine to shut off. But in daily situations, there's no need to worry at all. I've tried leaving the key at the security booth and driving around the neighborhood three times without any issues.