Patent ID: 8093987

Claim:
An electronic key system for a vehicle, the electronic key system comprising: a mobile unit located outside of the vehicle; a transmitter that transmits a signal to the mobile unit located outside of the vehicle; a receiver that receives a code signal from the mobile unit in response to the signal transmitted by the transmitter, when the mobile unit is located outside of the vehicle and within a specified range of the transmitter; a controller that verifies the code signal by comparing the code signal to a memorized signal, the controller changing a function of a component of the vehicle upon verification of the code signal; and an indicator for indicating the function of the component as an indicated function after verification of the code signal, wherein the component is a switch and the function of the switch is changed between a door unlocking switch and a door locking switch, the switch being engageable with a user to invoke the indicated function, wherein the controller switches the function of the component to a lock function to lock a door of the vehicle in response to the mobile unit remaining outside of the vehicle and within the specified range of the transmitter for a specified period of time without a user engaging the component or the mobile unit.