Nissan: Don't mix cell phones and car keys

Automaker asks drivers of new sedans to keep "intelligent keys" and cell phones at least an inch apart, or keys could be disabled.

The story "Nissan: Don't mix cell phones and car keys" published May 24, 2007 at 6:10 AM is no longer available on CNET News.

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[Nichol4sC4rter]

the key is so fragile?

the key is so fragile? if i have a phone, i can not drive the car, so...i won't buy it
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[Maccess]

Product not ready for market

Unless Nissan intends to sell only to the tiny upper class market niche that DOESN'T have cellphones, the product is simply not ready for market.

How many people can consistently remember to place their Nissan keys in the left pocket and their cellphone in the right pocket?

[itchief]

So Intelligent, It's Stupid

This is yet another example of designing a gadget of dubious value in a vacuum, without regard to how it will react with other ubiquitous gadgets.

[mr3vil]

Not the first time Nissan has blundered

Anyone remember a while back hearing about the lady whose Altima suddenly went to WOT on her? She tried stomping on the brakes but the engine overpowered them and the "smart" Transmission ECU wouldn't let her take it out of gear because the engine was Wide open.

The lady didn't hit anybody else, but she ended up wrecking her car in a ditch. Nissan designed the logic of the FBW throttle to go to WOT when the gas pedal lost communication with the ECU.

[shawnson]

why not have two methods

The Prius has a similar key - but built into it is a small physical key for the door and the entire fob can be inserted into the dash to start the car. So if the battery dies on the fob or it gets erased you aren't stranded. How did Nissan let a car key go to market with no alternative method of entry/start? Crazy.

[regulator1956]

Still requires a signal

The Prius key still sends a signal to the ignition. Just inserting a key and turning won't start a Prius.