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Hiding a spare electronic key in the Prius Prime...

Discussion in 'Prime Technical Discussion' started by Insighter, Feb 4, 2018.

  1. padroo

    padroo Senior Member

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    I hide my spare keys with zip ties, they don't fall off.

    Try ACE HARDWARE for a spare key.
     
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  2. Insighter

    Insighter Active Member

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    Hi Ken - I'm afraid you lost me with your response. Why something waterproof? What will something waterproof do?
     
  3. Insighter

    Insighter Active Member

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    Hi Fuzzy - That's very good information. I didn't know that. I saw a couple of things in the manual that mentioned holding the fob up against the power button, but I never understood what that did until you told me. Thanks!
     
  4. Insighter

    Insighter Active Member

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    Hi padroo - You think Ace would have the blanks? I like the zip tie idea, but I picture myself somewhere in West Texas trying to figure out how to cut the zip tie so I can get my key.
     
  5. I'mJp

    I'mJp Senior Member

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    Wrap your spare key in aluminum foil to block the radio. That will keep the car from sensing it.

    I traded up a prius for a newer prius at the dealer, and I did not want to forget the second key because of how much it would have cost me.
    Putting the second key in the car was problematic. Wrapping the key in foil worked.

    jp
     
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  6. fuzzy1

    fuzzy1 Senior Member

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    Do be sure to test this before depending on it. When my fob battery was dying, and I wasn't replacing it immediately due to an extended trip, it took several tries to get the starting procedure done correctly. From memory (I don't have the manual at hand now), it seems it required pressing the brake first to wake up the RFID detection, then holding the fob to the power button. But read the manual, don't rely on my fading memory.
     
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  7. FuelMiser

    FuelMiser Senior Member

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    Assuming Gen 4 Hatchback is similar to Prime in this regard, I just took my de-activated fob into the cabin and pressed the Power button without the brake pedal. The screen said, "Key not detected". I then moved my fob near the power button and it was recognized and the display lighted up to the accessory power display without pressing the brake pedal or touching the power button again.
     
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  8. fuzzy1

    fuzzy1 Senior Member

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    This sounds like some improvement added since my Gen3 was built.
     
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  9. RobH

    RobH Senior Member

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    Don't wrap a fob in aluminum foil and then leave it there for 5+ years. The battery will die and corrode all over the electronics. Best to remove it, and then the aluminum foil isn't necessary anyway.
     
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