TomShea

I would like to hide a smart key somewhere under my 04 LS-430. I have always felt that it was a nice way to avoid the potential pitfalls of losing or not having a functional key. I'm wondering if there is a way to block the radio signals from the key that would otherwise allow opening of the doors and operating the vehicle. I was thinking of wrapping it in some foil to block the Rf signals. Is there a special container or some thing else that I am not aware of? Is there some reason that I should consider some other form of lost/malfunctioning key alternative?

joerogan

Use the valet key. It doesn't contain smart key functions.

LScowboyLS

car thieves know all of the good hiding places.

Kansas

Carry the wallet key in your wallet: http://lexus.sewellparts.com/accesso...2004/2744.html

I've carried mine everyday for 23 years and have used it maybe twice - and that was only for convenience so I wouldn't have to go back into the house and get my key.

ultm8mind

iTrader: (3)

that fits right into the wallet?

chunkyda

I have not tried it but would the key transmit without the battery in the key? You'd just locate a key in the hidden spot and put the battery in the coin holder or other location inside.

InfamousLS

A++++++ for the wallet key. I love mine. Esp when I dont want to carry my keys... just lock em in the car and your set.

Jabberwock

Great idea if you want to hide the whole key and fob. But it might be better to just get a metal spare key cut and hide it on the car.

You could get a good solid small waterproof container from REI or some other camping goods store, put in an extra key and then use a couple of sturdy zip ties to zip tie the container under the rear of the car. Maybe to one of the sway bar links, one of the muffler hangers, or other solid mount points in the rear.

jac430

Did you try to wrap the smart-key in aluminum foil and see if the car can detect it then?
That should screen the radio waves.

Jac

SLLTO

i personally dont think that aluminum foil would work and to get a container that would block radio signals would be way too expensive for consumer use...prob lost of bad things you could do with that...

jac430

That might very well be the case, but did you try it?

Jac

chunkyda

With smart key you can not lock the key in the car, car will unlock itself and beep at you. The problem with aluminum foil is that you really can't solder it, certainly not without a lot of work. And that makes for leaky seams. If your key is communicating with the smart electronics you will create a security problem and you will also drain the remote battery.
You can buy a blank key on EBay for $10-15 and have it cut to your car. Don't put the electronics in it. Would that allow starting? I thought you'd need the smart key interaction to drive the car. The metal key would open the door and get you out of park for towing.

mikevanle

iTrader: (1)

For your purpose, I would just remove the battery from the key and keep a spare battery somewhere in the center console/glove compartment. If/when you are prepared to use that hidden smart key, just install the battery. Removing and installing the battery from the key isn't hard, so you can do it on the spot.

If you are worried about losing your last copy of a smart key, keep it somewhere safe in your house and get a wallet key as others suggested.

SLLTO

no i have not tried it just my mind at work with giving my opinion

be careful of storing the battery in the car for hot places. very high or low temps will deff damage any batter (more so when its not used regularly) and you could have the battery dies or even leak/explode from just leaving it in your car somewhere

jayclapp

I thought the original intent of a spare key outside of the car was for an emergency caused by losing the key while at a remote area. If so, then it makes no sense to store an emergency key inside the car, as it would be locked and you couldn't get inside.

I think this leaves the wallet key as the best proposed solution.