what to do with a key while surfing?

[RobH]

The solution I use when going trail running is to carry a mechanical key, and leave a dumb keyfob in the car. A dumb keyfob is one that only works in (near?) the dash, with no button/proximity functionality. If you leave a fully functional keyfob in the car, then the ignition is essentially unlocked unless you put it inside a metal box (or turn off SKS on a Gen2).

The expensive way to get a dumb keyfob is to remove the battery from a fully functional keyfob. The cheaper way is to get one used, and only program the key-in-dash function for it. Nobody has reported yet, but I suspect that an older Gen2 keyfob may work with a 2010.

The best solution would be some sort of keyless system, like a combination lock. It would be quite a project, but could be done. A number of Ford cars use a combination keypad, so that's a start. An immobilizer bypass with a transponder from a keyfob could be used to provide security access. This is a standard item used in aftermarket alarm and remote start systems. You'd still need some sort of computer to read the keypad data and manage the immobilizer bypass.

Whatever you do, don't go surfing with that $300 keyfob. That's just asking for trouble. And make sure you have an alternate keyfob. Lose both keyfobs and you're looking at a towjob to the dealer and several days wait for a replacement mechanical key.

[Bruno_S]

The Fusion Hybrid has a combination lock on the door. It also has another amazing technology: the lights turn on or off according to the available sun light. Hopefully Toyota will catch up to this amazing technology called "Auto-lights".

[wave_slider]

No reason for you to put it in a case or anything. Just remove the metal key, surf, rinse the key off with fresh water, open the door. You would leave the key fob in the car and use the mechanical key to lock the door. I haven't received my Gen III yet, but I am going to find out if they can make a copy of the laser cut mechanical key at my parts dept.

Dry your key well before re-inserting it back into the key fob!!!

[patsparks]

Originally Posted by Bruno_S

The Fusion Hybrid has a combination lock on the door. It also has another amazing technology: the lights turn on or off according to the available sun light. Hopefully Toyota will catch up to this amazing technology called "Auto-lights".

A combination lock? That is sooo very 80s isn't it? I can't believe you even mentioned it. Aren't you embarrassed now? Compared to the Smart Key System, I mean ...
Want auto headlights? Leave them switched on all the time, they turn off when you switch off and open the door.
problem solved.
Amazing technology!

[ggood]

Originally Posted by RobH

If you leave a fully functional keyfob in the car, then the ignition is essentially unlocked unless you put it inside a metal box (or turn off SKS on a Gen2).

OK. Not that I don't trust RobH, but can someone else confirm? My wife is always leaving her purse (with fob) in the car (hidden), so I do this a lot. I'm still not real worried about the car being stolen in this scenario.

[PriusRos]

Originally Posted by ggood

OK. Not that I don't trust RobH, but can someone else confirm? My wife is always leaving her purse (with fob) in the car (hidden), so I do this a lot. I'm still not real worried about the car being stolen in this scenario.

I think the point is that if someone does somehow break into the car, if the key fob is there, they can start it and drive off.

[patsparks]

Yep, it's just like leaving the key in the ignition but not switched on.

[accordingly]

Originally Posted by patsparks

A combination lock? That is sooo very 80s isn't it? I can't believe you even mentioned it. Aren't you embarrassed now? Compared to the Smart Key System, I mean ...
Want auto headlights? Leave them switched on all the time, they turn off when you switch off and open the door.
problem solved.
Amazing technology!

DRL is a different technology than turning your headlights and tail lights on. They use less power for one thing. I don't care for it personally, but do recognize the difference.





I wouldn't get too cocky, you could have gotten a solar roof on a Mazda in the mid 90s. And where have I seen this 80's "gem" before...

[SDChristy]

Thanks for all of the advise, I will probably use a mixture of everything.

I didn't realize that if you took the mechanical key out and locked the door with the fob inside, that the door would stay locked.

They just kept telling me at the dealer that I couldn't look myself out, so i figure the car would never lock if the fob was detectable inside. That was after my moment of horror when the sales guy was driving the prius around the parking lot while was standing there with the key in my hand (I good way to learn to never leave the car running).

[SDChristy]

FYI, my dad, the electrical engineer, came up with a simple solution. If you wrap the fob is aluminum foil and it doesn't work. I tested it out, the car doors wouldn't lock/unlock and the dash gave me the "put the key next to the power button" warning.