When I bought my Toyota Prius II, the salesman gave me two transponder units (I hope that's the right name for them.) These units are used to lock/outlock the vehicle. I keep one with me at all times. I'm wondering what to do with the other. With all previous cars, I left my spare key in the glove compartment figuring that, if I locked myself out, all the locksmith would have to do is to open the car so that I could use the spare. But I get the sense as I read threads here that keeping the spare in the glove compartment makes it basically possible for anyone to break into the car and drive off. Am I right that I shouldn't be keeping the spare in the glove compartment? If so, where do you suggest I keep it? thanks to all of you,
I keep mine with my other spare keys at home, but others have wrapped the fob in aluminum foil, stuck it in an Altoids tin, then hidden it away in the glovebox. Wrapping in aluminum foil prevents the fob from "communicating" with the car, if you will.
DO NOT leave your SKS (Smart Key System) Fob in the car, After 10 Minutes it becomes inactive, but its intention is for a 2nd user (like your spouse/children/friend etc.). And, YES, if thieves would break into your car and find the Fob...well it (your car) would be gone! Your Fob is set (from the factory) to open your door when the handle is touched, squeezing the rubber pad on the hatch will open the hatch and all doors and when the passenger door is touched it unlocks all doors (along with all its Starting duties), the 2nd Fob permits a second person to duplicate the above functions. Anyone with access to this Fob has complete control of your vehicle! Hide it in a safe place, if not given to someone else, and guard it with your life! David (aka Blind Guy)
Just regard them as high tech car keys - which they are - and, as with any car keys, they shouldn't be left in the car because of the risk of theft.
They are a high tech solution to a low tech problem. It depends on your need an comfort level. It's like hiding house keys in a secret location around your house in case you get locked out. The other day, I had the key and was driving. Stopped by the store and the wife got in the driver seat and was going to the bank. Long story short, she noticed a funny noise from the car (I was outside already). Scratched my head for two seconds then remembered I had the key. We were both in a hurry trying to get stuff done so she could have easily driven off and then been stuck. With conventional keys, she could have driven off without any issues later. We don't keep the spare in the car though. Again, whatever one is confortable with. The flip side to the story. Drove the Prius all weekend. Got in the non smart key car and locked my keys in the ignition b/c I was used to having the smart key in my pocket all the time so didn't remember to take it out of the ignition before locking and closing the door. Triple A saved the day about 45 minutes later.
