Abstract: In at least one embodiment, a vehicle apparatus for changing status for a key is provided. The vehicle apparatus comprises a controller. The controller is configured to receive a key identification signal from a first key and to transmit a key status signal indicative of whether the first key is one of a master key and a non-master key based on the key identification signal. The controller is further configured to receive a change request signal corresponding to a request to change status for an additional key from a primary key to a secondary key if the first key is master key.

Abstract: In at least one embodiment, a vehicle apparatus for changing status for a key is provided. The vehicle apparatus comprises a controller. The controller is configured to receive a key identification signal from a first key and to transmit a key status signal indicative of whether the first key is one of a master key and a non-master key based on the key identification signal. The controller is further configured to receive a change request signal corresponding to a request to change status for an additional key from a primary key to a secondary key if the first key is master key.

Abstract: In at least one embodiment, a method and device for assigning a driver status of one of a primary driver and a secondary driver to a spare key is provided. A controller is configured to receive a first key identification signal from a first key indicative of the driver status for the first key being that of one of the primary and the secondary driver. The controller is configured to determine whether the driver status indicated on the first key identification signal corresponds to the one of the primary driver and the secondary driver. The controller is configured to receive a spare key identification signal and assign the spare key identification signal to correspond to the driver status as indicated on the first key identification signal.