Anyone surf? Do you use the valet key?

First surf in 8 weeks today due to surgery in April. Also first since I bought the 4Runner.

Pulled out the valet key from key fob and attached it to my wetsuit. Hit the lock button on key fob, put it in the back of the vehicle and shut the doors. Car would emit a long beep and then doors would unlock. Tried it again using the lock button on the driver door. Same result.

Is it not possible to lock the vehicle with the key fob in the car and the metal key removed? If not, what exactly is the removable key for??

Trying to avoid buying a lock box to put the key fob in outside of the car.

 

HitchSafe (but you also need the longer bolts and probably a metal file)

 

Put your FOB in sleep mode.

Push and hold down lock......press unlock twice.

Turns fob off. Careful you can lock it inside now.

To disable hit any button.

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lRUlqVh_wsI

 

Thank you!!!

 

Comes in handy when you're washing and drying your 4Runner too, no more triggering locks.

 

Ive seem some articles about toyota having a keypad lock entry for the runner, gets mounted next to windshield. Dont know much about it but looks awesome.

 

Thanks for that tip. I've been wrapping my FOB in tin foil for the last 3 years for no reason.

 

I've had same question for exact same scenario but haven't been close enough to the shore yet to get in the surf... thanks for the answers!

 

Are you guys talking about the newer keyless fobs?

 

Did you try putting the fob inside and locking it manually? Or locking it with the valet key?

 

yes. 2021 model.

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I did not try locking it with the valet key. That’s a good idea too.

 

Thanks Zlots for the video. I put my 2021 Fob into power saving mode yesterday and then locked it inside my 4runner with the valet key. No problems locking/unlocking. This will be super handy when getting in the water with just the valet key.

 

Sleep mode would be the best idea, but if you want to leave everything inside the rig I know there is a dealer installed option my brother has on his nightshade, a keypad on the right side of the windshield, honestly works great and that’s really the main purpose, leave everything in when you’re out for a swim, at least I’d assume so.

 

Do these come with a regular valet key that is not attached to the fob?

Does the key that fits in the fob have to be in the fob to start the vehicle?

 

Update. Locking the car manually with the metal key from the fob works. Fob inside vehicle and it stayed locked this time. Can’t believe I didn’t try that before.

 

Is that key really a valet key? Or is it just an emergency back-up key? Valet keys typically only unlock and start the vehicle, but might still be locked out of the glove box or trunk. Some valet keys even limit the speeds/RPM a vehicle can be driven at.

 

Agreed, valet is probably the wrong term. My main use for the physical key would be to open the vehicle when the battery has died.

 

Isn't the "valet key" the black Fob itself (once the metal key portion has been removed and retained by the owner... presumably after locking the glove box)?

 

I just use a lockbox. You can attach one to your hitch receiver.

 

Trying to avoid that. I prefer the key in my wetsuit or trunks. Mainly because that’s what I’ve done forever.

 

Ah makes sense. I guess I’m just the opposite because I want the lease amount on me as possible, especially something that could potentially stab me! Lol

 

I didn't know my key fob could "go to sleep" (now I don't need the Faraday bag) and I also found the DIY option of keypad locking for my '23 4Runner mentioned in this thread. Both great ideas!

The install for the keypad looks daunting to me. So many "T" connections to make.

 

Yes, It disconnects/disbale and the proximity functions from continuously transmitting increasing battery life.

 

Imagine standing there in front of the door lock with a metal key in one hand and the fob in the other hand. You look at the door lock cylinder, back to the metal key, back to the lock cylinder, and say to yourself, "man I wish there was a way to lock this fob in the car".