QUESTION: I have a new car. The other day when I walked out to it, I was amazed to find the engine was running. My neighbor thinks it had something to do with the key fob I use that locks and unlocks the car. Is that possible? I don't want this to happen again if so.
--Kathleen, Fort Lauderdale, Fla.
ANSWER: Kathleen, that has happened to me once or twice on test cars that have a "remote start" function. If you look on your key fob, I'll bet there is a little symbol of an arrow making a circle. That's the remote start function, and I've accidentally hit that button and started the car. Typically you either have to hit the button more than once or hold it down to engage it, but it's possible to do even that unconsciously.
Your dealer should have explained this feature when you bought the car. The idea is that if it's very hot or very cold, you could warm or cool the interior before you get in the car. Check your owner's manual; it will explain the feature, and usually it will tell you how to program the key fob to cancel it if you'd prefer.
