Ok, so can someone who has linked their garage door to their homelink tell me if you can open the garage door without the car being on (or even the key being in the ignition)? My car lives outside, so the BF doesnt want to link the garage door if you can use it without the key being in the car (in case someone breaks into my car, then they could get into the garage/house).

 

Good thinking. Does the light come on when you press the button with the key off?

 

The ignition must be on for the Homelink to work.

 

Mine works without the ignition being on. Both of my cars are like that. The Acura and a Chrysler Pacifica.

 

even without the key being in the ignition?

 

I just checked, the door still operates with the key out, and if the car is locked up, it still works. Looks like you are going to have to park it in the garage!

 

That will never happen. Thanks though!

 

But if you keep the clicker in your car, they can just use that too.

And also, always keep the garage entrance door locked (we'd do it for many reasons, that being one of them).

 

Toyota and Honda are like that...work at any time. My Mercedes will only work with key in ignition and turned on.

 

I don't have a remote in my car.

 

Personally I prefer the homelink over the remote.

 

The HomeLink will work without the ignition on or without the key in the ignition. The 1st gen TSX was also the same way. I sent an email to Acura when I got my 06 as a future suggestion. When I traded it for my 09, that was one of the first things I checked.

 

I always thought being able to use the homelink without the key was a good idea, as I would never park my car outside at night. But seeing that some may have to park outside at some time,I would think it a good idea to have the homelink work only with the key

 

Has anyone linked their homelink button to anything else other than a garage door? I know they can be used to turn on lights and other devices if they're plugged into a receiver.

 

Sorry - I stand corrected. It does work with the ignition off.

That's surprising. The Homelink on our 2007 BMW only works with the ignition on.

 

I think the basic concept to allowing homelink to work with the engine off is if your car is inside the garage, and you want to open the garage door before starting your car (and filling up the place with exhaust fumes). That way, you can hit the button as you're settling in. If you have to put your key in and turn the ignition on before the button works, you might as well start up the car then to warm up the engine as you wait for the door to open.