I'm trying to come up with any use for the mechanical key besides replacing the Smart Key battery. If I lose the Smart Key I've also lost the mechanical key. If I have the Smart Key I have no use for the mechanical key. If for some reason I have the mechanical key and have lost the Smart Key all I can do is open the driver's door and set off the alarm. I can't start the car with it. So what good is it?

 

a) Valet. You keep the mechanical key and the key ring. You give the Smart Key to the valet driver. In addition to this, the mechanical key locks the glove box allowing you to safely hide small secure items.
b) Dead car battery. If the battery on the car dies, the Smart Key obviously won't be able to unlock/lock remotely. So you use the mechanical key to unlock it.
c) Dead key battery. If the key battery dies, again you can't unlock/lock it remotely. So you unlock with the mechanical key.

 

Thanks. Makes sense. If the battery in the Smart Key is dead will it still start the car?

 

Yup! The Smart Key uses a passive induction loop system. The key for ignition draws it power from the car itself for ignition. The battery is only there for the remote features.

 

Good info... thanks!