I need to find a way to lock my 2010 with the key fob inside so I can safely go surfing with the tiny key in my wetsuit pocket. I thought that manually locking the door with the key, after leaving the fob inside would work, but it doesn't. Thanks, Fran
I recall reading this same request sometime back. IIRC, the advice was to wrap the FOB in foil and then place in a metal box somewhere in the middle of the car. This puts it as far from the transponders as possible while still being in the car.
Take the battery out of the FOB and then leave the FOB in the car and take the hard key surfing. The FOB will still start the car if you hold it near the start button while pushing the button. Happy surfing!
In my experience these tend to be bulky and unreliable. Maybe they're good for a swim in calm waters but in the surf they are not comfortable, and I don't want to trust one of these. Thanks to all of you for your help I'll try your suggestions and post results soon.
You could get one of those door knob type key boxes that realtors use and secure it to your rear towing eye with the fob inside that should shield it enough. Posted from my iPhone via the Tapatalk app.
I agree this is the way to go for me, tried it today and it works,, simple, easy and unexpensive... No way I give up surfing... I'd rather walk to the beach!! Thanks dudes!! ;-)
There should also be an option in your settings to turn off the smart key system. Unless that's just in the 2012.
I have foil that I wrap it in, then put it in the cargo compartment. It works for me. But I don't need to do it daily.
I was having the same issue last week while getting ready for my first sesh with the prius. Took me 20 mins to find a place to store the key outside the car. Will the hard key rust out easily? How do you remove the fob battery?
The metal key sould not rust most are brass under the silver finish. To remove the fob battery take out the metal key and look along the seam of the fob for a small notch, insert the end of the key and twist the key to open the fob by seperating the halves. Once appart remove the battery and put back together carefully the fob is water reistant if put back together correctly.
Secret Surfer Prius Fix: Take surfboard out of car. Take the hard key of of the FOB. Hide the FOB anywhere in the car. Close all the doors. Now lock the driver side door with the hard key. Test to see if car will unlock by touch. Lock hard key in key box or take it surfing with you. Please Read Disclaimer - "not responsible for any stolen Prius's and less then desirable surf conditions" FCS
I had a similar thought about this issue. My conclusion was to leave fob and home and just deal with the hard key on those beach / water activity days. I don't want to rely on foil block all of the signals. However I do notice when I have my cellphones in my pocket and the fob goes behind them I get a key not detected error sometimes.
Gen III won't start without the fob. I wrap mine in foil, I've had the same piece of foil in my car for years. For us active types it would be nice if there was an off switch, which i belive is on the gen II.
