Patent ID: 7581422

Claim:
A device for starting an engine of a vehicle by means of an electronic key, which may also be in the check card format, said device comprising: a receiving device in the vehicle for inserting the electronic key, with the electronic key, when inserted in the receiving device, being unable to be rotated and being moveable in a longitudinal direction into at least one defined raised position; a sensor of a control unit monitoring the electronic key in the raised position to control at least one function of the engine; a locking element controlled by an electric drive securing the electronic key in the specific raised position against removal from the receiving device; and means enabling removal of the electronic key in the event of failure of the electric drive, wherein the means enabling removal of the electronic key includes an actuation element extending completely through said electronic key in the direction of key insertion to disengage said locking element from said electronic key and enable removal of said electronic key from said device in the event of failure of the electric drive.