Following is what I emailed Toyota:
*******
Just purchased a Prius and was told that the chip in my Master Key would be destroyed if I wrap it in tinfoil. Is that true?
The question arose when I discovered the problem of hiding a key externally on the Prius, as I have done with every car I owned in the past, and my family and I have been saved many times. I asked the tech if there was a better way to hide the key.
If the Prius Master key is hidden on the car, than anyone has access to the car. So I removed the mechanical key from the Master key and wrapped the Master key in tinfoil, and hid it inside the car to better protect it from the elements. I then hid the mechanical key safely under the car.
Now, if I were locked out I could retrieve the mechanical key, and then get into the car and retrieve the Master key from its secret location.
The Toyota tech told me to get it out of the aluminum as that would destroy the chip. I did so and the key seems to be OK, but I don't want to continue experimenting and destroy the Master key.
I think he is confused by the statement in your Prius manual on page 20 that states, "Do not affix any material that cuts off electromagnetic waves (such as a metal seal) on the key."
What I feel is meant by that statement is the well known fact that a metal seal could impede the small radiated signal from the transponder, depending upon its physical orientation to the receiver in the Prius.
There must be millions of small metal key boxes with a magnet attached sold in automotive stores, so that a key could be hidden under the car, and I can't believe that wouldn't be pointed out in the Toyota manual not to use such an item.
Please advise.
*******end of my messge
They responded with 5 Knowledgebase suggestions:
Title: Prius - Tax Deduction
Title: Prius - Fuel Economy
Title: Timing Belt and Timing Chain
Title: Purchasing an Owner’s Manual or Repair Manual
Title: Prius - Collision Safety
*******
I replied to them that none of those seemed appropriate.
I never heard from them again.
******
Help please.
*******
Just purchased a Prius and was told that the chip in my Master Key would be destroyed if I wrap it in tinfoil. Is that true?
The question arose when I discovered the problem of hiding a key externally on the Prius, as I have done with every car I owned in the past, and my family and I have been saved many times. I asked the tech if there was a better way to hide the key.
If the Prius Master key is hidden on the car, than anyone has access to the car. So I removed the mechanical key from the Master key and wrapped the Master key in tinfoil, and hid it inside the car to better protect it from the elements. I then hid the mechanical key safely under the car.
Now, if I were locked out I could retrieve the mechanical key, and then get into the car and retrieve the Master key from its secret location.
The Toyota tech told me to get it out of the aluminum as that would destroy the chip. I did so and the key seems to be OK, but I don't want to continue experimenting and destroy the Master key.
I think he is confused by the statement in your Prius manual on page 20 that states, "Do not affix any material that cuts off electromagnetic waves (such as a metal seal) on the key."
What I feel is meant by that statement is the well known fact that a metal seal could impede the small radiated signal from the transponder, depending upon its physical orientation to the receiver in the Prius.
There must be millions of small metal key boxes with a magnet attached sold in automotive stores, so that a key could be hidden under the car, and I can't believe that wouldn't be pointed out in the Toyota manual not to use such an item.
Please advise.
*******end of my messge
They responded with 5 Knowledgebase suggestions:
Title: Prius - Tax Deduction
Title: Prius - Fuel Economy
Title: Timing Belt and Timing Chain
Title: Purchasing an Owner’s Manual or Repair Manual
Title: Prius - Collision Safety
*******
I replied to them that none of those seemed appropriate.
I never heard from them again.
******
Help please.