RM> My Ford Escape is the first car I owned where I tend to do
RM> everything electronically compared to my older cars, but
RM> from outside you can always use the hidden Keypad to
RM> unlock the driver's door.

AA>An Escape is my anticipated next vehicle.

I like mine well enough, although it's a bit older now, 2017.
Less electronics in it than the newer models. But my key fob
battery is probably original and I can still unlock the doors
Etc. from 100 feet away. I have 2 Fobs built into keys.

AA>A friend with a Fiat 500x claimed he was unable to start the
  >car when the batt in his fob seemed to go dead.  Turns out, he
  >could have still placed the fob near the "Start" button at the
  >steering wheel column, and then press the "Start" - it was in
  >theory supposed to work that way.  But.. before I had a chance
  >to look that up, he had the car towed!

Yes, I was looking online and apparently that works for most cars.
In my case, I have to put the key in the ignition to start it so
it is automatically close enough that it should work.

AA>Apparently, his habit was/is to always leave the fob in the car
  >when he was home. 

That doesn't sound too safe.. Heck, I'm in the middle of nowhere
and I still lock my car. Does leaving the fob in the car kill
the fob battery faster? Maybe with the car sensing it is near..

Again, I suspect the newer models will be different but I have
my extra key with built in fob hidden in the car in case I lose
my keys. I can unlock the car with the hidden keypad and then
find the extra key so I won't be stuck..

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 * SLMR Rob  * I spilled spot remover on my dog... He's gone now.  
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