A PSA TO OWNERS OF LATE MODEL GM VEHICLES - DON'T GET LOCKED OUT!!

[Squarebutt]

My truck doesn't have any fancy electronic systems that lock me out, but I found myself locked out once or twice after I left my springer spaniel in the truck along with the key. I solved that by making a Slim Jim from steel strapping and slipping it under the rubber pad on the rear bumper.

 

[Inusuit]

About 10 years ago, a rental GM Suburban locked me out when I left the keys on the console. This was at a work site accessed by leaving pavement, 10 miles of gravel road, 2 miles of two track, and then a mile across county. Neither the rental agency nor AAA would help. They kept asking for the nearest milepost or intersection and would eventually hang up when I described where I was. Had to finally call a local locksmith to meet me on the gravel road and unlock the damn thing.

 

[JSR III]

Just carry a brick with you......

 

[les.b]

Thanks, Chief!! I have a 2017 SLT Terrain, the little brother of the Yukon. I have been pretty careful since getting it to always keep the fob in my pocket, but I can see how a careless moment can get you locked out. Mine has the app that you can load on your smart phone to do all sorts of stuff remotely, including unlock and lock the car, start it, etc. I always keep my iPhone in my shirt pocket, and could always unlock the car with that as well. I do like your idea of the spare key, though. Mine just came with the two fobs and no separate simple key. I'll have to try to remember to have one made, and hide it. Great idea.

Best Regards, Les

 

[chief38]

Thanks, Chief!! I have a 2017 SLT Terrain, the little brother of the Yukon. I have been pretty careful since getting it to always keep the fob in my pocket, but I can see how a careless moment can get you locked out. Mine has the app that you can load on your smart phone to do all sorts of stuff remotely, including unlock and lock the car, start it, etc. I always keep my iPhone in my shirt pocket, and could always unlock the car with that as well. I do like your idea of the spare key, though. Mine just came with the two fobs and no separate simple key. I'll have to try to remember to have one made, and hide it. Great idea.

Best Regards, Les

Les,

I have the same App too and that's a great possibility if one has the phone on him at the time. Since my vehicle has the build-in wireless phone charger in the console that is where I let it sit. Since I was only pumping Gas I did not take it with me out of the vehicle.

On the funny side: When I place the phone on the wireless charger there are times I'll open up the console to get a pen, a piece of gum, etc. and inadvertently flip the phone onto the carpeting in the rear because I forgot it was there. Since I have pretty thick carpeting back there (Lloyds Mats) I do not hear it fall. Sometimes at 10 or 11 at night I'll look for my cell phone and then realize it's probably on the floor behind the front seats. I can't tell you how many times I've done that!

My problem is that I hate carrying more junk on me in my pockets. My front two pockets are usually filled with a M60, spare ammo and a pocket knife. I do not put anything in my rear pockets because of the sciatica pain it gives me. I like to keep my shirt pocket opened and reserved for my sunglasses when I take them off and so unless I am wearing a jacket in colder weather, pockets are at a premium. - lol.

But thanks for reminding me about the phone App - I sort of forgot about it! I used it only a few times when the car was new but glad you did mention it!

 

[les.b]

I use that app in the wintertime, my office is too far from the parking garage for the key fob to reach, so when I'm getting ready to leave work, I start my car with the app...it's warm when I get there!!

You're right about getting used to the creature comforts!!!

Best Regards, Les

 

[LVSteve]

Les,

My problem is that I hate carrying more junk on me in my pockets. My front two pockets are usually filled with a M60, spare ammo and a pocket knife.

See, that's what I don't get. Keys are security items and equally as important as the other things.

 

[Kanewpadle]

Chief, this has been going on for several years and started with European vehicles.

As one the few locksmiths in the region that have anything to do with cars, we have a great deal of experience.

In regards to your spare key, brilliant idea! But know that there are key blanks available for this purpose.

And Onstar doesn't always work. I've unlocked several vehicles that couldn't receive a GPS signal for some reason.

 

[Golddollar]

I routinely carry three keys for each Batmobile at any given time. I have on occasion dropped one set in the trunk and shut it, but luckily I had another key in my pocket.