"keyless" keys - questions

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Batman

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#150648 29-Jul-2014 16:10

So I am looking at a Toyota Estima with Push Start and most cars that suit me come with ONE key.

THere is NO PHYSICAL KEY so we are advised to keep a spare battery in the glove box in the event the key runs out of battery.

Some dealer says they can get a separate key from TOyota, some say from Japan, some say from a NZ registered key company (what is that?).

What are the chances that a key will fail for some reason and then you are stranded?

Also any tips and advise appreciated.

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#1097984 29-Jul-2014 16:18

If you plan on buying one of these cars I would factor in the cost of a replacement key,
Just went through this process for my 04 Holden (Not keyless start but the key controls the immobilizer) ended up costing us $380 to get a new one cut & programmed but I was told it would be around $3000 if we lost the key to get into the car and a new one programmed.

I wouldn't worry so much as if the battery goes flat but more, If you drop it in a puddle of water / drain and kill the electronics.
Otherwise make sure you add replacement keys to your insurance :)

If you're going to get a new key you will find it will HAVE to be through a dealer who will order a specific key in and then program it.

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Behodar

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#1097986 29-Jul-2014 16:20

Andib: ended up costing us $380 to get a new one cut & programmed

Yikes! That makes me appreciate my oldish Ford with "normal" keys even more :)

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#1097994 29-Jul-2014 16:36

The wife's Swift Sport has keyless entry and start its awesome get to the car press the little button on the door or hatch and voila, no need to put stuff down to find the keys, great if is poring down. The fob stays in your pocket never lose it. Look after them though they are pricey to replace. If we are going to the beach or such we keep the thing a small zip lock bag.

The push button start is cool you can fantasize that you are in an Aston Martin :P

nolanz

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#1098000 29-Jul-2014 16:46

What is the point in having a spare battery in the glove compartment if you can't get into the car to get it when your fob goes flat. Use one of those magnetic keyboxes to store the battery outside.
I was once caught out buying a car with keyless entry with only one fob, never again. Far too expensive to get another programmed. Two or no purchase, it's up to the dealer.
Our latest is a Mazda which has a keyless entry fob, which includes an actual key built in, so best of both worlds.

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#1098002 29-Jul-2014 16:54

nolanz: What is the point in having a spare battery in the glove compartment if you can't get into the car to get it when your fob goes flat. Use one of those magnetic keyboxes to store the battery outside.
I was once caught out buying a car with keyless entry with only one fob, never again. Far too expensive to get another programmed. Two or no purchase, it's up to the dealer.
Our latest is a Mazda which has a keyless entry fob, which includes an actual key built in, so best of both worlds.

The Swift one has key backup to enter the vehicle if the remote is out of juice. We do keep a spare battery in the car.

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#1098015 29-Jul-2014 17:14

You use the key to enter the vehicle. But key won't start the car.

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#1098016 29-Jul-2014 17:14

Apparently.

ajobbins

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#1098019 29-Jul-2014 17:18

I didn't think the keys had a battery? Are they not passive RF?

I would think unless your car battery is flat they will let you in. But if you lose it, it's not really any different than losing a physical key.

Keeping a spare key anywhere on or in the car is likely to result in a rejected insurance claim if the car gets stolen.

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itxtme

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#1098023 29-Jul-2014 17:20

Have an SX4 and the key starts the vehicle if the remote goes flat, had the car 4 years and never had the need to use the physical key. You know its heading to becoming flat as it doesnt work as well with push unlock or remote unlock so you change the battery. Its not just like one day it suddenly doesnt work. So in response to your question I do not keep a spare battery in the glove box.

Like someone said above the risk is more if you dropped the key into water and it didnt work.

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#1098024 29-Jul-2014 17:21

My head hurts ...

ajobbins

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#1098025 29-Jul-2014 17:24

Some manufacturers included a phyical key blade as part of the fob. A bit awkward to use, but it will open the door. Don't think you can start he car with it tho.

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#1098026 29-Jul-2014 17:24

ajobbins: I didn't think the keys had a battery? Are they not passive RF?

I would think unless your car battery is flat they will let you in. But if you lose it, it's not really any different than losing a physical key.

Keeping a spare key anywhere on or in the car is likely to result in a rejected insurance claim if the car gets stolen.

Will try when the wife gets home and report back