New way to unlock Pruii when keys misplaced

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(HYACK\";p=\"102201)</div>

I should point out that my fob sits maybe 8 feet from my car, on the baker's rack near my carport door, and the car shows no sign it's close enough to ever just walk out and open the locked door.

Usually, I have to walk right up to the car, no further than arm's reach, for the dome light to come on, so if somebody told you 30 feet is close enough, either they must have a plutonium battery in their fob or I have one lame fob...

 

I had dealer make extra keyfob. Now I have three. Took spare and wrapped in two layers of aluminum foil. This prevents keyfob from transmitting. Also purchased spare keyfob battery. Stored both well hidden inside car. Had locksmith make copy of driver side door key. Hid this operating key on vehical exterior. This is an expensive safegard but the alternative could be disastrous.

 

actually 30 feet would be close enough to remotely unlock the door. would that drain the battery?

 

Wrapping in aluminum foil will prevent any battery drain/engagement? (both car and FOB)?

hmmm

 

The fob responds when it hears the SKS transmitters calling for it. The outside transmitters only activate when the car is locked or being locked.
When the fob hears a transmit request, it transmits using the same mechanism used for the remote door lock function, and the car uses the same receiver. The SKS transmitters only have a range of about 3-5 feet.
You can see when the fob hears an SKS request when you see its LED light up.

 

Wrapping the keyfob in aluminum foil blocks it's radio signals, thus the car can't detect it. If not detected it has no effect on the car's battery.

As to kefob battery life. Battery has a shelf life of a few years. However, I keep a spare in the glove box. Keyfob is not easy to replace but not impossible.

A spare keyfob will cost several hundred dollare. Cost of fob + dealer install. Cost if all keyfobs are lost is several thousand dollars.

Best regards,

 

Evan, I hope you also include the fob transmitting when it gets an SKS request.

The aluminum would more likely prevent the fob from hearing the SKS transmission. OK, it prevents both.

If the car is unlocked, the SKS doesn't transmit, though its circuits probably still pull some drain, just as the auto-off of the headlights does.

If the car is locked, it will look for the fob periodically. I think I remember that it will stop looking after 14 days.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(DanMan32\";p=\"102471)</div>

Isn't that because the 12V battery will have died by then?... :mrgreen:

 

I knew someone would say that! :lol:

 

Thanks Efusco and DanMan for your relevant comments!

regards,

 

An interesting phenomenon. Back away from your car until pushing the "ulock" function will definitely not work. Put the fob up against your forehead and now push the "unlock" function. You'll be amazed! Try it before you post a response. :?