Smart Key

You can make a little container out of tin foil and put the Smart Key in that. That way the key can't communicate with the Prius.

 

As an option to foil wrapping, if you really really have to leave it in the car, you can also reach under the steering wheel, turn of the smart function, and you're good to go. Then, turn it on when you get in the car. Takes an extra 2 seconds or so.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(efusco @ Aug 23 2007, 10:45 AM) [snapback]500982[/snapback]</div>

Does not work. I took an extra fob in an Altoids tin. Every time I left the car, I got beeped at and the car refused to lock until I found the tin inside a car packed full of stuff and took it with me. A major PITA after a whole week.

 

You can put the Smart Key together with your house key, so that you won't forget to take it with you both leaving the car and leaving the house.

Or you can put the SK in your purse at all times, don't have to stick it in the car to work it, and you never have to leave it in the car.

Tin cans are unlikely to work - the transmitter signal can go through thin metal.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(JimboJones @ Sep 30 2007, 10:18 PM) [snapback]519633[/snapback]</div>

The OP stated that his house is within range of the car, so inside the house may still be a problem. Otherwise, that's what I do. My smart key is attached to all of my other keys and stays in my pocket.

Tom

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Doc Willie @ Sep 30 2007, 07:34 PM) [snapback]519590[/snapback]</div>

OTOH the tin for Hershey's 65% Cacao Reserve Premium Dark Chocolate Truffles works. Don't ask me why -- the cans appear to be the same thickness.

The contents disappear faster, so the can is available sooner. Get 'em while they last.

 

There are 4 locking systems in a smart keyfob. The battery draining smart function only works within about 3 feet of an antenna on the car (front doors, back hatch, console). The 30 foot range function that locks/unlocks the doors only uses the battery while you're pressing a button. Next there's the transponder, which is sensed only when it is in the keyslot on the dash. It doesn't use the keyfob battery at all. And then there's the mechanical key, which only works in the door lock.

As long as you don't leave the keyfob within 3 feet of the car, the keyfob battery will have a normal lifetime. You can tell when the smart function is activated by watching the red LED on the keyfob. It blinks when you press a key, and also when the smart function detects its presence. The car sends out a poll about every half second, and the keyfob replies when it hears the poll. The interior lights also come on (if they're in "door" mode) when the smart keyfob is detected.

If you want to leave the keyfob inside the car, then you should press the smart key disable button on the dash just under the steering wheel. The car will not poll for the keyfob, and, in terms of battery life, the keyfob will not have to answer the poll continuously. When you use the car, just release (press so that it goes to the out position) the disable button. That's got to be easier than putting the keyfob in aluminum foil or some candy box.

Or you could just leave the smart function disabled. The keyfob buttons will still work, but you will have to use them to lock/unlock the door from outside. Or you could use the mechanical key to lock/unlock the door. You'll have to put the keyfob into the keyslot to run the car. Rather like every other car you've ever used before, except that the "key" is shaped more like a remote than a key.

I think that once you've learned to use the smart key function you'll use it exclusively. It's really nice to almost ignore the idea that there are keys. You just leave the thing in your pocket/purse, and the car is unlocked for you. You do still have to pay attention to locking the car with the outside door button when you leave it.

It is useful to understand all of the locking systems, since the fancy ones fail occasionally. Long before the keyfob battery dies, you'll encounter situations where the electronic systems don't work. There are areas where electronic noise interferes with the smart function. Other electronic devices (cell phones, PDAs, etc.) are occasionally accused of interfering with the keyfob. If you leave a keyfob inside the car (even in a purse in the trunk), then the locking system will refuse to lock the car. Maybe you really want to leave that extra key in the car, and the answer is to either disable the smart functions or to use the mechanical key.

I think you should have a smart key per driver, plus an extra smart key as a backup. Then another dumb key (a smart key with the battery removed) hidden somewhere in the car (or even the trunk). If you lose your key, the roadside service people can get you into the car. But you're going to need a keyfob to get the thing running. Without a spare keyfob, that means towing the car to a dealer.

I carry a mechanical key (only) when I go running. The keyfob is just plain too expensive ($250) to risk losing or damaging on the trail. I can tie an ordinary key to my shoelaces, but no way with a keyfob. Then I use a dumb keyfob left in the car for the keyslot.