You are free to try it at your own risk!
We all have those moments when we are driving along the lonely highway or in traffic. These are questions about features like shifting in reverse while driving 60 mph or whether the handbrake can stop the car in stop-and-go traffic. These questions are not useful, can be researched online, and may even be dangerous. However, we all agree that it is better to have someone else drive the car.
Mike from AutoVlog is back with another episode of “Things that you probably won’t do yourself”. This video is a follow-up to his previous series on fooling with ignition and key system. It features his 1994 Ford Ranger in its most basic trim. There are no electronic door locks, air conditioning, power steering, or manually adjustable mirrors. The key is required to start the car. This is likely his third or fourth truck. He’s also done extensive modifications on his other pickups so it won’t be a problem to have a beater to do some random experiments.
It will be safe, except if it is stolen. The video shows that this particular car’s key does lock, unlock, start, and close the vehicle. You can also remove the key while the barrel is in “on”, and the truck will still run perfectly. He even throws the key out of his car window while he drives. Mike discovered that the key could be used to start the car when he stopped to turn the engine off. The key is not required to unlock or lock the truck. It may seem a little sketchy , but it’s a manual so it should be enough to deter 99 percent of thieves.
