its a good question -
I have some stuff I have learned about the key FOB (limited model) over the last 6 years.
The FOB is remarkable.......... I don't know how to make sense out of the distance parameters. I can lock / unlock and remote start it from ~ 100 yards?
The proximity function is about a 5ft range - where the puddle / interior lights and auto unlock function activate.
I have a small pelican case that I carry all my stuff in keys /phone, mini ipod (remember those) small automatic knife, wallet some spare cash and change. I think of this as my "go box" - basically has everything I need. I take it on the boat, toss it in a small backpack for mountain biking, hiking, beach etc.
It sounds like that's not something that works for you...... got it, but I wanted to start there as it has proven to be fool proof...the down side is that everybody wants to throw their keys / etc in my box.......ha
WARNING: I am not recommending this behavior-----however. This key FOB cracks me up........have you ever popped it open? It has a rubber membrane that basically seals it. So what. The 4runner is actually my wife's. She is a rock star and the best person on the planet, but she has torture tested the FOB in the following accidental ways:
1. Run it through the full cycle in the washing machine
2. Taken it swimming - full submerged
3. Dropped it in the pool, and it was lost for 2 days
I am not sure its designed to be indestructible and water proof, but somehow it has survived for 6 years in her world.
I am sharing this because I could not believe that it still worked after these types of situations. After each of the above incidents I did pop it open and inspect for the presence of water before trying to use it again... just in case, but it has worked every time.
I lose stuff that is not mine, part of the reason for the "go box" / pelican case.... having everything in one place helps....total OCD behavior, but when we bought the 4runner I paid for a 3rd key....because you never lose you key in a place where you can walk home. I pulled the battery out and the FOB sits in the bottom of the center console in a zip lock, and the mini key is hidden in a place that everybody in the family can easily get at.. if you lost the FOB, the key can be used to unlock the door and the battery can be inserted into the FOB and the crisis and drama is avoided....... that plan has not happened and it was ridiculous that the dealer charged me $300 for the extra key, but --- well whatever.
