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Smart Key - heart problems?

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Main Forum' started by Larry_R, Jun 2, 2007.

  1. Larry_R

    Larry_R Wryter

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    Hi - I'm getting a new Prius in a couple of weeks - and am concerned about the Smart Key product. I was told by the dealer that people with pacemakers may be at risk if they carry one of the Smart Key devices.

    My question is - will a person with a pacemaker be at risk if he/she rides in the Prius? I can't seem to get a solid answer, and need to know, because my 82-year old father-in-law has a pacemaker.

    Any help would be appreciated! Thanx. . . .
     
    #1 Larry_R, Jun 2, 2007
  2. abq sfr

    abq sfr New Member

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    <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Wryter @ Jun 2 2007, 06:02 PM) [snapback]454112[/snapback]</div>

    IMO, the keyfob puts out such little RF energy that it would not matter. Also, remember years ago when all microwaves in Quckie marts had pacemaker warnings? When was the last time you saw one? Pacemakers are probably shielded much better that they used to be. Knowing car manufacturers and lawyers, if there were ANY chance of an adverse affect, there would be a warning sticker on the keyfob. If you are really concerned, I'd ask Toyota. Even my 100 watt ham radios that pull 30 amps do not have pacemaker warnings.
     
    #2 abq sfr, Jun 2, 2007
  3. galaxee

    galaxee mostly benevolent

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    people with pacemakers are advised not to turn on the smartkey system... you can turn it off with a button under the steering wheel and just use the remote control instead.
     
    #3 galaxee, Jun 2, 2007
  4. seasalsa

    seasalsa Active Member

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    #4 seasalsa, Jun 2, 2007
  5. qbee42

    qbee42 My other car is a boat

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    <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(seasalsa @ Jun 2 2007, 09:58 PM) [snapback]454148[/snapback]</div>
    This is a standard warning dealing with RF devices and pacemakers. If you want to be completely safe, follow the advice. If it were my heart and pacemaker, I wouldn't worry about it.

    Tom
     
    #5 qbee42, Jun 2, 2007
  6. daniel

    daniel Cat Lovers Against the Bomb

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    Is your father-in-law allowed around cell phones? Hard to believe the SKS (which runs for many years on a tiny wristwatch battery) could interfere with a pacemaker.

    Bottom line: Ask your father-in-law's cardiologist.

    Toyota probably puts the warning in there to protect itself from lawsuits. Of course, as galaxee says, you can always turn the SKS off via the little button under the dash below the steering wheel any time your father-in-law will be in the car.
     
    #6 daniel, Jun 2, 2007
  7. hschuck

    hschuck Member

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    <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(daniel @ Jun 2 2007, 08:44 PM) [snapback]454204[/snapback]</div>
    I would think that bluetooth devices would be a bigger threat than the SKS. They have considerablely more range (generally 30-100 ft vs. 3-10 for SKS) and may be anywhere at anytime. Daniel's advice is good.
     
    #7 hschuck, Jun 2, 2007
  8. Larry_R

    Larry_R Wryter

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    Thanks to all for your advice. I shall check the links, the doctor and Toyota for further info. I did not realize that you could turn the system off - not yet having the car or its owner manual. We hope to take delivery in about two weeks, and we are really looking forward to the car! this is the first time I've gotten excited about a car since I got a Honda CRX, some twenty years ago.
    This Forum, BTW, seems full of both good people and good answers. Think I'll stick around!

    Respectfully. . .LarryR
     
    #8 Larry_R, Jun 3, 2007
  9. David Beale

    David Beale Senior Member

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    Also, it's not the FOB, it's the SKS system in the car, call it the "base station" that is referred to. You can't turn off the FOB unless you remove the battery.
     
    #9 David Beale, Jun 3, 2007
  10. Larry_R

    Larry_R Wryter

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    <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(David Beale @ Jun 3 2007, 11:48 AM) [snapback]454383[/snapback]</div>
    OK, got it, with thanks. Sounds like I have a LOT to learn when my Prius (finally) gets here!
     
    #10 Larry_R, Jun 3, 2007
  11. SW03ES

    SW03ES Senior Member

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    How old is the pacemaker?

    My dad has an IAD (defribrillator, similar to a pacemaker). He has a Lexus LS430 with SKS and has no problems.
     
    #11 SW03ES, Jun 5, 2007
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