cfire, I wouldn't stress about the batteries too much - I just went out to my 04 coupe and with all combinations of arming without disarming and then pulling the batteries out of my factory remote - the car still starts. I read the other thread and Bobs explanation of the skrem system seems to be correct except the transponder pellet in the key is a device that resonates on its own when the housing ring is energized, not requiring any current from the remote battery. I do aftermarket security for a living and in my own car I just had a mechanical (no pellet, no remote) key cut so I can use an aftermarket remote with remote start and not have to carry the GIANT key. Ben