I understand Toyota instructs us not to carry the fob for the Prius with the rest of our keys. Why is that?
I noticed that too - and promptly ignored it. Practically, one doesn't have enough pockets. I always try to keep my FOB and my Mobile (Cell) Phone in separate pockets going on advice from several years ago.
I'm a book man. I go by the book. The book was written for a purpose. There's the right way, the wrong way, my way, and the Toyota way. The book says to keep your fob and your keys separate, and that's what I do. My fob is in one pocket, and my house keys are in a second pocket. My cell phone is in a third pocket. And my wallet is in a fourth pocket. Cargo shorts. It's the only way to go.
I suspect it's more an operational thing - my previous FORD's manual stated: "keyless entry system may not function if the key is close to metal objects or electronic devices such as mobile phones."
I wonder if there's a risk of keys depressing a button on the fob while pressed against it in a pocket?
I've about ½ dozen other keys. I wonder if there could be a problem for 2 (or 3, 4, 5 or 6) car families where you might have 2 (or 6, 4, 3 or 5) FOBS on the same key-ring?
I have my half dozen keys on my keychain with my fob -no problems. I have separate key chains all with complete set of keys for all of my cars. So no 2 fobs together. I can report that if my iPhone is in the same pocket as my keys and fob that it can disrupt the fob signal.
I think whoever has told you that may be reading the manual through the lens of a lawyer, rather than that of a poet. The FOB comes with a key ring, for crying out loud. Here is what I saw in the owner's manual, BTW:
Now that you mention it - mine had this attached at delivery - which is quite larger than any of my keys:
One issue I see with my FOB for my 2006 Prius. After all those years of being in my pocket with other keys, It's worn. Holes right thru the plastic case. Still works. When there are a few to chose from, I'm going to get a protective cover for this one.
What about women who put everything in a handbag, or walkers who put their keys in a backpack. Maybe I got this wrong but I thought the Europe manual says the fob should be 1 metre away from a mobile phone! Yea right, that's really practical! So does anyone do it by the book, truly?! Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.
If so, I need to put on a LOT of weight - I keep my mobile phone in left pocket, FOB in right pocket. SERIOUSLY - both the AUSSIE & EURO Manuals say: To avoid serious deterioration, do not leave the electronic key within 1 m (3 ft.) of the following electrical appliances that produce a magnetic field: • TVs • Personal computers • Cellular phones, cordless phones and battery chargers • Table lamps • Induction cookers (I don't understand the inclusion of "TABLE LAMPS"? - maybe really old tube Fluoro ones might?)
I don't recall where it was said, don't leave the key within a distance from the car when not in use. The issue is the key communicates with the car and you will kill the battery in the FOB.
Maybe also a security risk of this too, if key is too close it might respond to an unlock? Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.
My Gen 3 I always had all the keys together. Never fail to worked. I never saw the notice in the book before. Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.
Toyota manuals seem to have many warnings like this, which don't seem to be borne out by experience. Just seem to like covering themselves and being very cautious. Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.
Ya I read that when I got the car and decided to ignore. Basically I have to store my keys somewhere else when I'm at work, or hang them up at the opening of my cubicle. Except then it would be 3 ft from my neighbor's computer.
The tiny little key ring on the Fob, I believe that is just there so that you can pull out the small metal emergency key. (It's certainly too small to hold any standard keys.) I also noticed scratches on my Fob, caused by keys before I got a case for it. So now the Fob has its own case and is kept separately with no keys on it. I'm just picky like that. Back to my burger…