Just purchased a 2007, after driving a 1st generation Insight. Much nicer ride. Went to the dealer and had a new key cut to get in the car in case I lost the clicker but as you all know, it is useless for starting the car. I thought I could "hide" a spare clicker in the car, but have discovered that won't work because the car won't lock with the clicker still in the car. Anyone have any ideas, solutions to this challenge? Thanks for any ideas.
BTW, since it sounds like you have SKS (smartkey system) I hope you realize that the "clicker" is more than just a "clicker". You don't need to push any buttons on it or take it of your your pocket to lock or unlock the doors nor start the car. The only easy ways I can think of to hide a spare are to take its battery out or to put it in something that will totally shield RF well enough so that the antennas don't think the SKS is inside your car.
If you must store a spare fob in the car, try wrapping it in aluminum foil to see if that will shield the RF energy.
You can purchase a used fob on Ebay and only program it to start your car when placed in the ignition slot. Then that fob can be safely hidden anywhere in the car as none of its remote functions will be functional. Combined with an extra mechanical key this makes an excellent spare to carry with you when traveling. You can leave your second smartkey fob safe and sound at home. Losing all your smartkey fobs is a problem that will cost many $$$'s to fix. See this link for programming a used fob: http://priuschat.com/forums/knowled...lly-how-program-non-sks-key-fob-detailed.html
Actually, you can hide the spare fob in the car, and you will be able to lock the car with the other one. Just take the battery out of the spare that is hidden in the car. Then, when you open the car with the key and get the spare without the battery, the only thing different is that you then must put the battery-less spare into the slot to start the car.
Taking the battery out of the FOB sounds good but I would take out the mechanical key and put it in the magnetic tray and attach that to the body of the car for emergencies.No battery to die at the wrong time...
Just use a metal box. Such as the ones some breath mints come in. Of course if a thief likes mints you could be in trouble.
Thanks to everyone for their help. This is a great forum. Several posts have indicted that the dealer cannot reprogram a used fob like the ones on E Bay. I wrapped the second fob in alunimum foil and hid it in the car. I am now carrying around just a spare key and everything is working as it should.
The can must have a good electrical seal around the edges. Apparently the Altoids can isn't up to the task. Sometimes buffing or sanding the seal area will help. Tom
