[jagged-chisel]

> … used to be able to remove the key and keep the engine running, while preventing the car from being shifted out of park …

I’m pretty sure (not 100%) that new cars with contactless keys have this feature by default. You can get out (with the key) and leave it running, but the shifter won’t work until you return with the key.

[akira2501]

Contactless keys and fleet vehicles do not go well together.

[javawizard]

I'll bite. Why not?

[akira2501]

Loss of keys. If you expect the vehicle to be used by multiple different shifts then a lost key removes a vehicle from service unless you can reprogram it. Some cars let you program new fobs up to a limit then you need a dealership unlock to continue doing that.

Easier is just to key all the fleet vehicles with the same standard non chipped key. Then any key operates any vehicle which removes a ton of operational friction. When I drove cab we also just used fleet keys, but only because we bought old police interceptors, which also meant, our cab keys could open and drive police cars. Which is why police fleet cars sometimes have an extra interlock button or switch in them which disables the shifter so it can't be taken out of park. Similar to the switches in this post.

Vehicles assigned to a single officer may be different and will likely use the fob but the shift vehicles in a lot of jurisdictions just use fleet keys even today.

[dguest]

Seems like a solvable problem, the trivial solution is to have the dealership program multiple fobs identically.

I guess maybe not solved yet because:

- The trivial solution also means multiple cars respond to e.g. "unlock" if they are parked adjacent.

- Anything more complicated means custom electronics for a niche market.

By contrast every small town in the world has a fundi who can duplicate your physical key.

[gr33nq]

I think you're right, although I've noticed that there's a timeout where newer cars automatically turns off if the key fob doesn't come back within range after so many minutes. Probably a safety feature to avoid accidental walkaways, whereas the button required a deliberate two-step action (hold down while turning and removing the key) to activate the feature.

[kccqzy]

Mine didn't. My contactless key needs to be nearby when starting the car. The shifter is independent and does not need the key.