Hide out key

Vandermast · 12-24-2012, 01:13 PM

I have a new 2012 Rav4 and I want to have a hide out key somewhere outside the car. The valet key will start the engine and should work for this.

What I'm wondering is if the transponder in the Valet key will survive the temperature changes of being outside and keep working over the years. A hide out key that doesn't work when I, or my wife, really need it is a poor solution.

**JuneBug** · 12-24-2012, 03:37 PM

Yes, the chip is very durable. Many have gone through the washer AND dryer without damage.

Sent from my iPhone using AutoGuide.com App

pico · 12-24-2012, 03:52 PM

Would it be a good idea to remove the battery before storing it under the car (in a padded, waterproof box)?

If the battery is not removed, then someone could open the door, no?

**JuneBug** · 12-24-2012, 04:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pico

Would it be a good idea to remove the battery before storing it under the car (in a padded, waterproof box)?

If the battery is not removed, then someone could open the door, no?

He is talking about hiding the VALET key, which has no battery, and no remote.

veliksam · 12-24-2012, 04:50 PM

I have one hidden in a magnet box somewhere under the car :D

Sent from my HTC ONE X

staplegun · 12-24-2012, 06:27 PM

You could do the magnet contraption - best thing is a zip tie, it won't come off even when you decide to go off-road. Twist off when required, just a thought

**JuneBug** · 12-25-2012, 02:34 AM

Some people hide it INSIDE the car and carry a plastic credit card key in their wallet.

pico · 12-25-2012, 11:04 AM

I did not get a valet key with the 2011 Limited - just two standard keys.

nhcycle · 12-25-2012, 12:59 PM

The purpose of hiding a spare key is to get into the vehicle......

I had a spare made from the valet key solely to gain access to a useable spare.... Some say it can't be done but can... I hid the access key up in the rear bumper tube attached to a secure point via a thin tie wrap....that can be tugged free...... Of all the many vehicles I hid a spare key in, I only needed to use the spare once...... It is convenient not having to call road service and wait for assistance..... Or sit inside the vehicle while waiting for help........in the circumstance of a lost smart key

12-24-2012, 01:13 PM	#1 (permalink)
Vandermast Junior Member Country: Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: Iowa Posts: 21 Thanks: 2 Thanked 2 Times in 1 Post Feedback Score: 0 reviews	Hide out key I have a new 2012 Rav4 and I want to have a hide out key somewhere outside the car. The valet key will start the engine and should work for this. What I'm wondering is if the transponder in the Valet key will survive the temperature changes of being outside and keep working over the years. A hide out key that doesn't work when I, or my wife, really need it is a poor solution.

12-24-2012, 03:37 PM	#2 (permalink)
JuneBug Your Humble Administrator Country: Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Baton Rouge, LA Posts: 8,983 Thanks: 37 Thanked 625 Times in 517 Posts Feedback Score: 0 reviews	Yes, the chip is very durable. Many have gone through the washer AND dryer without damage. Sent from my iPhone using AutoGuide.com App __________________ James __________________ 2008 Limited V6 2WD "The Silver Bullet" •Tow Prep •Autodim mirror w/compass •Wade deflector •Weathertech visors •BluLogic Bluetooth •QuickLift hood struts •Auto door locks • (((XM))) radio •Homelink •Unswitched 12V outlets

12-24-2012, 04:50 PM	#5 (permalink)
veliksam Advanced Member Country: Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Orlando Posts: 1,734 Thanks: 88 Thanked 89 Times in 81 Posts Feedback Score: 0 reviews	I have one hidden in a magnet box somewhere under the car :D Sent from my HTC ONE X __________________ -----2012 V6 Sport, Tow Prep, & 4x4----- HU: Pioneer AppRadio 2 & back-up cam, JDM HID Projector Headlights w/Toshiba D4S Bulbs, JDM Vanguard Tail Lights Front DRL's, LED Bumper Park/Brake lights, Red "SPORT" Theme Badges ------------------------------

12-25-2012, 02:34 AM	#7 (permalink)
JuneBug Your Humble Administrator Country: Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Baton Rouge, LA Posts: 8,983 Thanks: 37 Thanked 625 Times in 517 Posts Feedback Score: 0 reviews	Some people hide it INSIDE the car and carry a plastic credit card key in their wallet. __________________ James __________________ 2008 Limited V6 2WD "The Silver Bullet" •Tow Prep •Autodim mirror w/compass •Wade deflector •Weathertech visors •BluLogic Bluetooth •QuickLift hood struts •Auto door locks • (((XM))) radio •Homelink •Unswitched 12V outlets

12-25-2012, 12:59 PM	#9 (permalink)
nhcycle Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Posts: 348 Thanks: 3 Thanked 3 Times in 3 Posts Feedback Score: 0 reviews	The purpose of hiding a spare key is to get into the vehicle...... I had a spare made from the valet key solely to gain access to a useable spare.... Some say it can't be done but can... I hid the access key up in the rear bumper tube attached to a secure point via a thin tie wrap....that can be tugged free...... Of all the many vehicles I hid a spare key in, I only needed to use the spare once...... It is convenient not having to call road service and wait for assistance..... Or sit inside the vehicle while waiting for help........in the circumstance of a lost smart key __________________ Bob

12-24-2012, 03:52 PM	#3 (permalink)
pico Senior Member Country: Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: Driftless Zone Minnesota Posts: 406 Thanks: 127 Thanked 11 Times in 11 Posts Feedback Score: 0 reviews	Would it be a good idea to remove the battery before storing it under the car (in a padded, waterproof box)? If the battery is not removed, then someone could open the door, no?

12-24-2012, 06:27 PM	#6 (permalink)
staplegun Junior Member Country: Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: FL Posts: 29 Thanks: 16 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts Feedback Score: 0 reviews	You could do the magnet contraption - best thing is a zip tie, it won't come off even when you decide to go off-road. Twist off when required, just a thought

12-25-2012, 11:04 AM	#8 (permalink)
pico Senior Member Country: Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: Driftless Zone Minnesota Posts: 406 Thanks: 127 Thanked 11 Times in 11 Posts Feedback Score: 0 reviews	I did not get a valet key with the 2011 Limited - just two standard keys.

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