Ditching the bulky keyfob- How?

As I understand it, there is a second, but perhaps more important reason not to leave
a powered SKS key inside the car for long periods when it is not in routine use. IIRC,
when the SKS key is in the car the recieving antenna in the center console alerts the
computer(s) to the liklihood of an immenent start. The car then comes out of its
normal shut down mode to a higher, get-ready-to-start standby mode. This places
a higher than normal electrical load on the poor, little, weak sister 12 V battery and
running it down... risking the always troublesome, and too often heard, 'My Prius
wont start' syndrome.

 

Right. Which is why he mentioned pulling the battery out. At that point the car would only recognize it from the RFID tag when it was within inches of the Start button.

 

Somehow the prospect of leaving a key which can be used to start the car in the car at all times strikes me as a poorly-thought-out idea.

Yes, the fob is larger than the circuitry itself, but like others are saying, the only time it even needs to leave your pocket is when the battery dies - which is several years' time. And it's no larger than the fobs I've had for other cars in the past. I guess I don't see what the big deal is.

 

^^^
Ditto! Much ado about nothing.

About the only fobs that I've had in recent time that were smaller were the non-smart key (non-Intelligent Key) fobs that came w/my former Nissan Maxima and 350Z. New Pair Nissan Infiniti Keyless Entry Remote Key Fob Clicker Transmitter Beeper | eBay is an example of what those look like.

The current Nissan Intelligent Key (their name for smart key) fobs are larger than the above.

OT... I wonder how many people get your handle's reference to fish... I'm guessing that's how you pronounce it.

 

Aren't these moot points? If there's a powered fob in the car, it shouldn't let you lock it, at least not without some difficulty.

Whole thing sounds a lot more painful than the fob you forget at the bottom of your pocket.

 

I can sympathize with OP. I don't like a lot of bulk in my pockets, and long ago slimmed down the primary keyring and wallet to just the frequently used and essential items. A secondary keyring and wallet carry the lesser used items.

No other car in this household needs a fob. The Subaru had one for the remote door unlock / security system, not ignition, but that was dropped when the shock sensor began malfunctioning and had to be disabled to quit annoying the neighbors. Before getting around to fixing it, I learned that its radio protocol was no longer secure (non-rolling code), and it best be shut off permanently.

The Prius fob is bulky enough that it is on a separate keyring from the other car keys. Both rings have their own house key. The spouse does the same.

 

Unsurprisingly few people get the right pronunciation as you have

Nexus 4 ? 2

 

Do put it inside some sort of container, or cover, or plastic bag, to reduce static zaps to the conductors. While the risk from any one incident is generally low, repeated static discharges weaker than you can't feel may damage it over time.

 

See Lexus Key Card FOB Compatible? | PriusChat for more discussion about the credit card keyfob.

Here's a link to an online supplier for a "Key - Smart Card" part #8999448142: 2012 CT200h: Key - Smart Card - SmartAccess is a remarkable feature that enables the starting of your Lexus - without inserting a key - as long as the SmartAccess wallet transmitter is in the user's possession.SmartAccess functions are made possible by sensors located throughout the vehicle that recognize when the SmartAccess fob is located within the interior or exterior detection area of the vehicle.Associated smart wallet key not included. Does not apply to Hawaii Spec modelsYour key will not be programmed when it arrives as your vehicle must be present at the time of programming. Programming may be completed by any Lexus Authorized Dealer or professional locksmith or you may attempt to program your Lexus key yourself with the proper key programming instructions.

List price is $421, online $350.

My guess is that this Lexus credit card style keyfob will work with a Gen3 Prius. The important specification is that both the car and keyfob must be designated as 14ACX.

I paid about $35 for a 14ACX type Prius keyfob that works on my wife's CT200h. $350 is a bit out of my comfort range...

 

I don't put my Prius' (smart) key on any key ring. It sits by itself in its own pocket. Never had it fall out. I've never lost any car keys or key fobs ever since I've been driving (for >22 years).

I'm a guy, so no purses for me.

Yep. Static is the enemy.

I personally wouldn't want to leave my smart key anywhere inside my car unless absolutely necessary, even w/o the battery. I certainly wouldn't want to risk damage to the fob either by removing and using it w/o its housing. They aren't cheap to replace and it's not cheap to get the car programmed to learn replacement keys.

 

I agree with OP. The FOB is far too big. So, I too would love to see a smaller alternative. My thought is to remove the innards from the fob and place them into a smaller container, maybe 80% of the bulk appears to be unnecessary. More if your will to shift the location of the battery. If making duplicates wasn't so damn complex and expensive it would be easier (low risk) to try some DIY experiments.

 

if anyone could pull this off, they would be an overnight success.

 

same here, fob only. i've gone to keyless entry across my entire lifestyle.

 

how you say...simple

buy a 3d printer, design your own slimmer fob, print...and boom, there you have it

I'm pretty sure you can easily recoup your 3d printer's pricetag by selling fobs to everybody that'll buy one

 

done.