This only applies to cars that can be unlocked by that remote button on your key ring. Should you lock your keys in the car and the spare keys are home, and you don’t have “OnStar,” here’s your answer to the problem!
If someone has access to the spare remote at your home, call them on your cell phone (or borrow one from someone if the cell phone is locked in the car too!)
Hold your (or anyone’s) cell phone about a foot from your car door and have the other person at your home press the unlock button, holding it near the phone.
Your car will unlock. and it works. Saves someone from having to drive your keys to you. Distance is no object. You could be hundreds of miles away, and if you can reach someone who has the other “remote” for your car, you can unlock the doors (or the trunk, or have the “horn” signal go off, or whatever!)
Remote Keyless Entry Systems Overview
How Remote Entry Works
Partlow, Joshua. “Keyless Remotes to Cars in Waldorf Suddenly Useless.”
The Washington Post. 5 July 2004 (p. B1).
Associated Press. “Mysterous Force Knocks Out Keyless Entry Systems.”
TheWBALChannel.com. 6 July 2004 (p. B1).
Consumer Reports. “Myth Busters.”
September 2013 (p. 9).
Zipcar is the world's largest car sharing network. Four Zipcars* are available on the CSULB. These cars offer temporary vehicle use as an alternative to traditional car rental or ownership. All students, faculty and staff, 18 years or older, with a valid driver’s license (international OK) are eligible to rent from Zipcar.
*COVID-19 Note: Zipcar typically has four cars at various locations on CSULB’s campus, two in Lot G6 and two in Lot E2. Due to COVID-19, only one vehicle, located in Lot E2, is available. Read more about how Zipcar is taking extra precautions to protect your safety as well as best practices for drivers at Keeping The Zipcar Community Safe.
Zipcar members pay a monthly or annual membership fee in addition to a reservation/usage charges. Members can reserve Zipcars with the mobile app, online or with your mobile device at any time up to a year in advance. Zipcars can be reserved by the hour or by the day.
Members have automated access to Zipcars using an access card, which works in conjunction with the car's technology to unlock the door. The keys will be located inside. Zipcar also offers an iPhone or Android application that allows members to honk the horn to locate a Zipcar and unlock the doors. Zipcar charges a one-time application fee, an annual fee, and a reservation charge. Fuel, parking, insurance, and car maintenance are included in the membership price.
Zipcar currently has four cars at various locations on CSULB’s campus, two in Lot G6 and two in Lot E2.
How to use Zipcar?
Step 1: Apply for a Zipcar membership
Step 2: Reserve a Zipcar for an hour, an afternoon or the whole day. Do it online or on your phone via the Zipcar mobile app.
Step 3: Walk to your chosen Zipcar car and hold your Zipcard against the windshield. The doors will unlock and the keys will be inside.
Step 4: When your time is almost up, return your Zipcar to its original parking spot. Be sure to follow all instructions provided on the Zipcar website.
What is included?
Gas
Insurance
Miles (up to 180 miles/day)
Your own Zipcard
The mobile app (free download for iOS and Android)
Can I Unlock My Zipcar With My Phone Service
Zipcar is a private, independent company and not affiliated with the CSU or providing services in partnership with CSULB. Please visit the Zipcar website for full rental terms and conditions, services provided, and additional eligibility restrictions.