Hi all, great forum! I'm thinking about buying a used 200 series - between 2008 and 2015 model year. I'm not sure about what to do with my key when I go surfing. Based on what I've read, I think I should be able to build a metal box of some kind inside the vehicle, and leave the transponder in that box (so that the vehicle doesn't "see" it), then lock the doors from the outside of the vehicle using the physical key. Then, when I come back, unlock the door with the physical key, and get the transponder out of the box and drive. Will that work? Thanks!
Going surfing - where can I put my key?
- Thread starter surfingpl
- Start date
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Try taking the battery out of the fob, leave it in the truck, and take the physical key with you. Or, just don't take anything but the physical key with you?
You can just leave the remote part inside the vehicle. If the remote is in the inside - it doesn't allow the doors to be unlocked by grabbing the handles. The car knows if the remote is inside or outside. If there is no remote on the outside - the passive keyless entry by pulling on the handle doesn't work.
Now if you're worried that some asshat will break the glass, get into the car, and drive away using the remote that's inside...
You could get a RFID blocking bag, put the remote inside, and lock the bag in the glovebox.
Here's a RFID blocking bag that I use for other things and know it works to block the remote's signal. Many that claim to - don't.
I had to try a few before getting one that worked.
Amazon.com: Ska Direct 100% Anti-tracking Anti-spying GPS Rfid Signal Blocker Pouch Case Bag Handset Function Bag for Cell Phone Privacy Protection and Car Key FOB - (Black): Cell Phones & Accessories
But one could easily break into the glove box. It's just plastic. And a thief who breaks into the car will likely rummage through the typical compartments. So maybe hide the bag and remote...
On model years 2010 and newer you can also disable the smart key system from the nav unit. When the smart key system is off you have to press the buttons on the remote for lock/unlock. To start the car you have to do the "dead battery in remote process" by holding the remote up to the start button. You'll hear a beep for confirmation and then the start button will work and start the car. When the smart key system is off it works much like a prox badge to get into a building to start the car.
Page 573-574 of this manual, for a 2010, shows how to enable/disable the smart key system.
https://www.toyota.com/t3Portal/document/om-s/OM60G31U/pdf/OM60G31U.pdf
So you could also disable the smart key system too. If one does break in and finds the remote they would have to know to hold it up to the button. Doesn't 100% prevent the issue but adds more of a challenge.
The most effective way to avoid a drive off is to not leave the remote in the car. But you're surfing and that makes it hard.
I see this as something a surfer might use. Another option is to disable the smart key system and then use this lockable hitch safe.
Assuming you're not towing at the time. Although it might stand out and be a target.
Amazon.com: HitchSafe HS7000 Key Vault: Automotive
The RFID blocking bag means you don't have to turn the smart key system on and off.
Just have to have a good place to secure/hide it.
Another good hiding place could be the jack compartment (there's cup built into the access door) or the storage compartment in the tailgate next to the tool box.
A visual of these are on page 516-519 of this manual.
https://www.toyota.com/t3Portal/document/om-s/OM60G31U/pdf/OM60G31U.pdf
Just some thoughts, ideas, and options...
Now if you're worried that some asshat will break the glass, get into the car, and drive away using the remote that's inside...
You could get a RFID blocking bag, put the remote inside, and lock the bag in the glovebox.
Here's a RFID blocking bag that I use for other things and know it works to block the remote's signal. Many that claim to - don't.
I had to try a few before getting one that worked.
Amazon.com: Ska Direct 100% Anti-tracking Anti-spying GPS Rfid Signal Blocker Pouch Case Bag Handset Function Bag for Cell Phone Privacy Protection and Car Key FOB - (Black): Cell Phones & Accessories
But one could easily break into the glove box. It's just plastic. And a thief who breaks into the car will likely rummage through the typical compartments. So maybe hide the bag and remote...
On model years 2010 and newer you can also disable the smart key system from the nav unit. When the smart key system is off you have to press the buttons on the remote for lock/unlock. To start the car you have to do the "dead battery in remote process" by holding the remote up to the start button. You'll hear a beep for confirmation and then the start button will work and start the car. When the smart key system is off it works much like a prox badge to get into a building to start the car.
Page 573-574 of this manual, for a 2010, shows how to enable/disable the smart key system.
https://www.toyota.com/t3Portal/document/om-s/OM60G31U/pdf/OM60G31U.pdf
So you could also disable the smart key system too. If one does break in and finds the remote they would have to know to hold it up to the button. Doesn't 100% prevent the issue but adds more of a challenge.
The most effective way to avoid a drive off is to not leave the remote in the car. But you're surfing and that makes it hard.
I see this as something a surfer might use. Another option is to disable the smart key system and then use this lockable hitch safe.
Assuming you're not towing at the time. Although it might stand out and be a target.
Amazon.com: HitchSafe HS7000 Key Vault: Automotive
The RFID blocking bag means you don't have to turn the smart key system on and off.
Just have to have a good place to secure/hide it.
Another good hiding place could be the jack compartment (there's cup built into the access door) or the storage compartment in the tailgate next to the tool box.
A visual of these are on page 516-519 of this manual.
https://www.toyota.com/t3Portal/document/om-s/OM60G31U/pdf/OM60G31U.pdf
Just some thoughts, ideas, and options...
Taking the battery out is an option too. Keep mind the remotes are plastic and prying them open every time will leave pry marks in the plastic. And of course you run the risk of breaking the plastic in the prying process. But I'm a little OCD that way. Most folks might not care.
Volvo and Jaguar are the only ones I've seen cater design to this use case. They offer a neckless / bracelet option to unlock the car after outdoor activities.
- Thread starter
- #7
Last time I was at the beach, I forgot the key in pocket and was in the water for over 30 minutes. I took the metal key out, left the FOB and metal key in the sun to dry out and had no issues. Not saying you should purposely do this but just in case 
Better yet - can you imagine this guy having to go through airport security?
"Sir - from the body scanner I can see that your watch is running 10 minutes fast"
How about just putting the key fob in a ziplock and burying it in the sand near your stuff? But putting that uncomfortable hunk of metal up your ass was gonna be my first suggestion. You know, birthright and all. 
^^THIS^^
SQRRRL
SILVER Star
I just dig a hole in the sand and bury it ... I mark it with something like a stick or flip flops and then dig it back up ... Almost lost it one time but always find it eventually.
This also works:
Master Lock 5400D Select Access Key Storage Box with Set-Your-Own Combination Lock, 13/32-Diameter Shackle, 1-Pack - - Amazon.com
This also works:
Master Lock 5400D Select Access Key Storage Box with Set-Your-Own Combination Lock, 13/32-Diameter Shackle, 1-Pack - - Amazon.com
Just bring this friendly turtle on your adventures...
Amazon.com : Gifts & Decor Garden Decoration Turtle Cast Iron Key Hider Stone : Outdoor Decorative Stones : Patio, Lawn & Garden
Amazon.com : Gifts & Decor Garden Decoration Turtle Cast Iron Key Hider Stone : Outdoor Decorative Stones : Patio, Lawn & Garden
- Thread starter
- #19
Haha, missed the turtle suggestion, but I like that one. I ended up getting this on Amazon: Mission Darkness Faraday Bag for Keyfobs - 5th Gen Shielding for Law Enforcement and Military (ASIN=B01H1C21O2), and it works great.
