Got a dirty key fob? No problem!

Re: Key fob

Please, does anybody know the answer?

 

Re: Got a dirty key fob? No problem!

Hi Alberto,

I have attached a TSB that explains how the Smart Key system in North America works. If you have a different system in Europe then this will not apply to your car.

The Smart Key fob will both transmit and receive.

 

Re: Got a dirty key fob? No problem!

Hi Patrick,
thank you very much for the sheet you sent me.
Now I understand that low frequency emitted by the car (134 kHz) cannot damage the health.
The frequency of the Smart key is higher but I think it works only when you press a button, am I wrong?

Thanks a lot and Merry Christmas.
Alberto

 

Hi Alberto,

The Smart Key fob will automatically transmit when it receives the low frequency signal from the car. The fob may become confused and transmit when it receives random noise produced by florescent lighting, etc.

I really do not think you need be concerned about health issues related to the Smart Key (or for that matter, other vehicle) fobs. The RF power produced is quite low.

 

Re: Got a dirty key fob? No problem!

I understand that considering only the frequency is wrong, also the power of waves is important.
In fact, the cell phones work at nearly the same frequency of the key fob but with more power.
Another question, I hope not to bore you, when the fob is working, is there a small lamp lighting or not? Just to know when it could be disturbed by fluorescent light noise because in my garage there are some fluorescent lights and sometimes they can light up the TV of my father-in-law downstairs!
Bye and thanks

 

Re: Got a dirty key fob? No problem!

Is the key fob able to open the car even if the car is beyon a wall?
For example, imagine to park the Prius in the street, go inside home and put the fob in the drawer with a distance between fob and car less than 3 meter (I live in Italy...), the car remains open, Am I wrong?
Thanks a lot for the answer.

 

Re: Got a dirty key fob? No problem!

Fortunately, you are wrong. If you lock the car when leaving it (using the any of the black buttons on front door handles or the rear hatch, or using the button on the remote control), the car stays locked until you:
a) unlock it by pressing the button on the remote fob
b) GRAB the front door handle while the fob is really close (approx. 1 meter) to the car.

It's pretty safe, really.

P.S. The car never locks itself, not even with SKS - you have to lock it yourself. That is a common misunderstanding, I left mine unlocked first 2 nighs, thinking that it'd lock automatically...

 

Re: Got a dirty key fob? No problem!

Hi Alberto,

The little red LED in the fob case does not light when the Smart fob is communicating with the vehicle. The LED will light only if you depress a fob button.

The fob should not be stored near a fluorescent light as the RF produced by the light may cause the fob to transmit and use up fob battery power.

If the fob is stored within 3 meters of the vehicle then it will continue to communicate with the car for a while, thus using battery power in the car and the fob. However after some time has elapsed then the Smart system in the car will shut down to prevent further waste of battery power.

If you lock the car upon your departure, then the car will not open unless the fob is located within one meter of the external antennas located at the front doors and the rear hatch.

 

Re: Got a dirty key fob? No problem!

The LED on my SKS keyfob lights up at about 1 meter from the door. The interior light also goes on at the same time.

So I think the question of the keyfob inside a house could be answered by just watching the LED. To really confirm what's happening, just leave the keyfob inside the house and go out and try the door on the car. The proximity detection range is only 1 meter, while the remote buttons are good for maybe 10 meters.

 

Re: Got a dirty key fob? No problem!

Thank a lot for all your answers.

I saw the price of the new Prius... in USA is very very cheap!!!
Here, in Italy, the actual Prius is sold at 26400 euros... more than 34000 US dollars!!!!
Without options, of course.

 

Re: Got a dirty key fob? No problem!

:bump:

I mowed the grass today, which involves moving the car out of my garage to get access to the mower. Afterward, I noticed grass clippings on my pants legs, and did a load of laundry. My 2010 model IV fob came out spotless! :washing:

 

My husband dropped his in the yard and it rained the next day and his still works too. I was very surprised.

 

Re: Got a dirty key fob? No problem!

Dropped mine in the dog's water dish accidentally. Grabbed it out, dried it off and used it successfully immediately.