Spare Key Options

[Wendel]

I have a smart key and was wondering if it would be possible to have the small mechanical key duplicated and used as a spare key for entering and starting the auto. I would like to put the spare key under the car and used in emergencies.
Could the spare mechanical key be used to unlock the car then by disabling the smart function by pressing the button under the steering wheel could I use the key to start the car?

[HokieHybrid]

You can have a mechanical key to open the door, but it will not start the car. Some people store a smart key with the battery removed in the car for this purpose. I haven't had an issue of needing to use my spare yet since you can't lock the smart key in the car, but my parents have a mechanical key to my car for emergencies.

[SomervillePrius]

This has been discussed before. The mechanical key would only unlock the door. To start the car you need the "fob". For the smart key, if it would be out of battery it needs to be inserted into the key slot or the car won't start. So making a mechanical key won't help you much unless you keep a spare fob around as well.

[inventor00]

I did make a copy of the little mechanical key- sometimes at a large conference you just want to get access to the car- or give access to someone else- to take a nap, etc.

You cannot lock the smart key in- it will not let you lock the car, so having a mechanical key to get in if you lock your keys in- does not work...

[c4]

If the smart key fob does not have a battery and you're relying on the transponder chip, does the fob have to be physically inserted into the slot or simply placed in very close physical proximity? (ie, is there a switch or sensor in the slot?)

If the answer is just close physical proximity or a switch the can be bypassed, one possibility which I don't believe has been considered is the use of a key from a Gen1 Prius.. No, it's not a fob, but it does have a transponder chip in it, so if you got a Gen1 Prius key and had it cut to match the mechanical key and then the vehicle programmed to recognize the chip in the key, assuming that they both use the same RFID technology, you could use the key to open the mechanical lock, then just hold it near the slot (or maybe it will actually fit in the slot with the key part sticking out) and push the button to start the car.

I assume that the new Prius can still be programmed with some fancy key in/push the button/open/shut doors dance?? If so, does anyone here who owns both a Gen1 and a Gen2 want to see if the G2 can recognize the transponder in a G1 key?

[darelldd]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(c4 @ May 31 2006, 09:43 AM) [snapback]263442[/snapback]</div>

If the smart key fob does not have a battery and you're relying on the transponder chip, does the fob have to be physically inserted into the slot or simply placed in very close physical proximity? (ie, is there a switch or sensor in the slot?)
[/b]

When you remove the battery from the fob, the fob needs to be inserted into the slot to start the car.

[brighamwj]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(inventor00 @ May 31 2006, 11:34 AM) [snapback]263396[/snapback]</div>

I did make a copy of the little mechanical key- sometimes at a large conference you just want to get access to the car- or give access to someone else- to take a nap, etc.

You cannot lock the smart key in- it will not let you lock the car, so having a mechanical key to get in if you lock your keys in- does not work...
[/b]

It will work to opent the car if you disable the smart key by pushing the button under the driver's side dash.

[thejoker]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(HokieHybrid @ May 31 2006, 09:33 AM) [snapback]263343[/snapback]</div>

You can have a mechanical key to open the door, but it will not start the car. Some people store a smart key with the battery removed in the car for this purpose. I haven't had an issue of needing to use my spare yet since you can't lock the smart key in the car, but my parents have a mechanical key to my car for emergencies.
[/b]

1. What sorts of emergencies do you envision where your parents can help by having a mechanical key?

2. Were you able to go to a store (or Toyota) to get a copy made of the mechanical key, or how did you get one to give to your parents?

[darelldd]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(thejoker @ Jul 5 2006, 11:14 PM) [snapback]281867[/snapback]</div>

2. Were you able to go to a store (or Toyota) to get a copy made of the mechanical key, or how did you get one to give to your parents?
[/b]

Your local Toyota dealer will make a copy of the mechanical key for you at a reasonable price. I had three of them made since they're so darn cute.

[Vincent]

Mechanical Keys $0.99 at Home Depot