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Place to hide your keys/external lockbox options?

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22K views 50 replies 27 participants last post by  Old Dogger 
#1 ·
Does anyone have any clever tricks for hiding your keys when you go on a run or to the beach? A number combination lockbox would be best, but I don't know where one would even go.
 
#7 ·
The point of what I'm asking is so that you can lock the vehicle, leave the key somewhere secure or at least discreet, and then still be able to get back into the vehicle...
 
#3 ·
Drill a hole in a valet key, put the license plate bolt through it, and reinstall plate. :thumbsup:
 
#11 ·
I you have the FOB in which I'm sure you do :rolleyes: , your only real option is remove all your keys via quick disconnect, leave all your keys excluding your key fob in the Jeep, then just buy a safety pin and secure it to your shorts ,don't just put in your pocket :eek: You will loose it :eek::eek:,, Trust me that will be your best bet !

There's alway the option to just take the valet key (Hide it or take it with you) and remove the battery out of your fob and and you can leave your fob with all your keys with the exception of your valet key

Good Luck!:thumbsup::thumbsup::thumbsup:
 
#13 · (Edited)
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#17 ·
UPDATE:

I am yet to find a good solution to be able to lock the vehicle with the radio key inside. This is to be able to go underwater (swimming, etc) with the valet key only so nobody needs to see you hide the radio key externally.

Surprisingly, the radio key inside a tin box is still detectable. Aluminium foil wrapped around the radio key is most effective and a simple way to block the transmitter.

Locking using the radio key enables the security alarm, so re-entry with the valet key will sound the alarm. So this is not an option.

With all doors manually locked the valet key can unlock the driver door. The problem is that the rear hatch cannot be manually locked and will remain unlocked without the use of the radio key.

:confused::confused::confused:
 
#18 · (Edited)
I bought a NON Proximity alert key off eBay for $40 and had it programmed for $50. It does everything it's supposed to but has no proximity sensor thing. I think it's a non SRT late 2010 key, same exact key physically as 11-13. I have 2 regular keys and one key in a tight fitting pelican like case wrapped in a $100 bill and plastic that is in a place you'd have to know.
It was harder to find a good case than the non proximity key. I'll find the part number later.
 
#22 ·
Anyone try one of these? Once locked inside, the fob is in a metal case which should theoretically block the fobs radio waves

Hitch Safe | Hitch Cover Safe

Yes, these have been mentioned a few times. However, a few members that have used them, found theirs rusted & seized up, after a winter driving season! They were not able to open them without smashing them to bits with a hammer & chisel!! No thanks! :eek:
 
#25 ·
They make cheap faraday pouches for phone and other small electronics. They would absolutely block the proximity keys.

http://www.usplastic.com/mobile/item.aspx?sku=80280&gclid=comprqgujcqcfynaaqodv6uaew

If you google faraday bag or faraday pouch there are lots of options.

I think the small faraday bag in the hitch safe would be the way to go. Just putting the key in the hitch safe alone wouldn't degrade the RF signal enough.
 
#28 ·
Another method is remove valet key, wrap fob in aluminium foil and place in back door pocket or somewhere else like under back seat. Then lock doors with button on drivers door, shut door and then re-lock drivers door with valet key
Take valet key out on water with you . Secure it with lanyard inn pocket of wetsuit or whatever relevant water sport equipment you are using.
Safe as you wont damage the key fob but if the foil and location is not correct then doors might open.

Have tested this at dealers, will check locations to put key fob and how effective once I get the new JGC.

Key fobs are common problem for water sports. Would be great for manufacturers to use pin code entry or similar.
 
#29 ·
Still not there.

When the doors are locked using the door switch the alarm is also activated. After the exit delay period, the vehicle is armed and CANNOT be disarmed with anything other than the electronic FOB. Using the valet key will unlock the door but will also set off the alarm. :(
 
#30 ·
GOT IT !!!

The aluminium foil wrapping is agreed to be the best radio shield to disable to electronic FOB for this process. Metal cases are not effective enough.

The only way to have it work:

1 - Wrap/hide the FOB inside.

2 - Sit inside (driver's door must be closed) then press the lock doors button on the drivers door.

3 - Open the driver's door using the handle and exit

4 - Closed the driver's door and lock using the valet key

:arms:
 
#31 ·
Good on ya' Mozzie! Thanks for sharing! :thumbsup:
 
#32 ·
Thanks again to Mozzie for these steps, I use them often.

I went to a local locksmith and got some metal copies made. I sometimes keep the fob inside and bring a metal copy with me instead of pulling the fob apart. I have also hidden one copy on the JGC, just in case. Even if I don't have the fob, or it doesn't work, I can at least enter the car and wait inside if need be.

Also, I was at a car wash once and the worker locked a lady's key in her car. She was hosed, until she either called AAA or a locksmith.

And maybe it's the military in me, always wanting a backup, but I am seriously considering getting another fob and keeping that inside, always. My wife keeps the second key, and she may misplace or lose it. And here's a possible scenario: if I fall into water or a pool, or if I need to jump in to save some kid, I don't want to stop and think of what's in my pockets (well, shoot, my phone is there...).

Besides, I don't fully trust these electronic locks. They sometimes unlock spontaneously. If they ever lock spontaneously,
 
#33 ·
I did jump into the lake with my fob in my pocket, it still works great. I noticed pretty quickly but I think they built it to be somewhat robust. I tossed it in my boat and by the time I needed to get in the Jeep it was fine. Been working well since.


I think the faraday bag in the hitch safe is the best idea. Lock the Jeep at the door, place in bag, lock in hitch, done.
 
#34 ·
Most simple electronics aren't hurt by being submerged in plain water. The two issues are:

1) AC powered devices that could short out - which is not an issue with most simple battery devices. DC devices are a little more forgiving with crossed contacts and shorts.

2) Battery damage from water that leaches into the battery cell itself - which can be an issue with a fob.

3) Corrosion on the circuit boards and connections from contact with water, especially salt water.

My advice, should you happen to get tossed into a lake or pool with your key fob in your pocket is to do the following to ensure damage won't occur:

1) Open the fob in a dry place and allow any water inside to drain.

2) Remove the battery immediately after opening the fob to ensure no damage can occur to the radio components or the battery itself.

3) Especially in the case of salt water, flush the board and button contacts with either distilled water or isopropyl alcohol to remove any corrosive elements. Even with lake, pool or toilet water, it's best to rinse off minerals and chemicals that can have long term effects on the electronics of the fob.
 
#35 ·
i used to have a 14 cherokee trailhawk and could put the fob inside the bottom plastic trim by the front right wheel. it would be far enough away to not let door unlock. i have 13 optima that i put it inside fuel door and door wont unlock. havent checked my new gc th yet. ive always said the fob should have an on off switch so you could hide it inside. every pushbutton car ive had will let the car start if it is anywhere inside.
 
#38 ·
First, to onefunkar - sorry, couldn't resist! :DThat is an interesting concept. Here is an image of the keypad. I have seen similar keypads on cars. How does the keypad work? Because, for example, the first button is either for a 1 or a 2 - for a 2, do you push once on the bottom right corner of that first button, or do you push that button twice in succession?

Your first post, WarmSoda - welcome to Jeep Garage!
 
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#41 ·
If you power lock all doors and hold driver handle open, the Cherokee will automatically unlock all doors. But repeat that process three times and the car will stay locked with the fob inside. Somebody needs to figure out something cooler there so that I don't feel like a kook going through that each time I surf.
 
#42 ·
There is a better way to lock the fob inside, then use a metal key copy or the metal key in the fob to unlock the driver's door. If I recall correctly, it goes something like this (but I'm a little hazy on the steps):

1) Park, shut off engine.
2) Remaining inside, open and shut driver's door. I believe other doors can be opened then shut also (if there are other passengers, e.g.).
3) Press the Lock button on driver's arm rest to lock all doors.
4) Open driver's door, exit the car, lock the door using metal key while the fob remains inside.

That's it. I have done this a few times and it works well. I believe those are the steps, I'm about 90% solid on that but not 100%. If you search here you will find the procedure. Or just try these steps. I have made metal copies just for this purpose.
 
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