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Waterproof key fob

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Main Forum' started by Stevep, Jul 20, 2007.

  1. Stevep

    Stevep Junior Member

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    Great news.

    Last weekend the family and I went swimming at Walt Disney Fort Wildewrness campgrounds. Since we were camping, and I didn't want to wear a bunch of extra stuff to the pool, I put my key ring, with the key fob on it, into the pocket of my swimming suit. I thought I would have my wife hold them while the kids and I were swimming. I guess I had a senior moment, because I left the keys in my pocket and proceded to takt the kids in the water. I was wet about 20 minutes, got out to get a drink( swimming is hard work) and realized the keys were in my pocket. Took them out and thought KRAP there goes a couple of hundred $.

    To my delighted supprise, when I got back to the pri, it started right up, and haven't had any problems since.

    SO, don't worry about getting the fob wet.
     
  2. mgipe

    mgipe New Member

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    Consider yourself very lucky.

    I don't believe that the key is sealed.

    I had another Toyota remote get wet (dropped into a lake) without apparent damage. However, the battery ran out a month later and I found extensive corrosion inside after opening it up to replace the battery.

    You might want to open it up and check.

    --Mike
     
  3. Bill Merchant

    Bill Merchant absit invidia

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    Mike, I think the SKS fobs are well sealed. We've had several reports of putting the fob through the wash, or shooting rapids with it in the pocket, etc. While it wouldn't hurt to open the fob to check (if you can find a #0 phillips screwdriver), I think you'll find an O-ring seal under the cover keeping the innards dry.
     
  4. Sufferin' Prius Envy

    Sufferin' Prius Envy Platinum Member

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    <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Bill Merchant @ Jul 20 2007, 11:31 PM) [snapback]482686[/snapback]</div>
    I have taken it apart, and yes, there is an O-ring . . . but it's still not the best idea to tempt fate by getting the fob wet.

    That reminds me of being a 13-year-old. :mellow:
    I had a brand new watch which said, "Water Resistant." So, just to prove it, I held the watch under the kitchen faucet.

    The watch turned out to be water resistant after all.
    Yep, it resisted letting the accumulated water out for months.
    The watch was instantaneously toast. <_<
     
  5. ceric

    ceric New Member

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    Well, buy a Toyota smart-key watch for your Prius, it resists water at 30m depth ;)
    http://www.tokai-rika.co.jp/en/news/2005/051020_3.html

    Seriously,
    (1) They don't make one for Prius (only Crown -> our Lexus LS)
    (2) Low voltage electronics are not very sensitive to water. However, erosion is a problem.
    You better open it and blow dry it (inside). That is why your gardening lights are low voltage.
     
  6. mgipe

    mgipe New Member

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    <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Bill Merchant @ Jul 20 2007, 11:31 PM) [snapback]482686[/snapback]</div>
    That's good to hear! ...especially since the SKS is so expensive to replace. Cost aside, the SKS is a great system, and I wish it would work on the house. :)
     
  7. SpecialK

    SpecialK Junior Member

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    I am just here to contribute to the hive mine. Thanks to the post above making me realize the key fob can be opened.

    2016 prius key fob

    My wife tossed the key in the wash, granted it was a front loading washer so water was a bit more limited, but it was bouncing around for about 20 min before she realized. I googled it, found this thread, youtubed how to open 2016 key fob, and used my datavac to blow the water out of the button side. It seems they've put a little effort into keeping water out as all the water was on the button side of the silicone. No damage, I am a happy man.
     

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  8. RobH

    RobH Senior Member

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    After years of using truly hazardous cleaning agents on circuit boards, a newer agent has been gaining favor. Ultra pure water. So if you dunk a keyfob in the swimming pool, washing machine, etc, I'd recommend taking it apart and rinsing the circuit board in distilled water. Let it dry before reassembling.