Hi Folks,
Question - can the Transponder Key get wet? I'm a surfer and I'll be carrying the key in my wetsuit (I don't prefer to hid the key in a hidden magnetic box on the car). Thanks in advance.

 

i highly doubt it. i've dropped mine in a puddle once, but i doubt thats anything close to going surfing with it.

 

It can probably survive being a little wet. And it's possible that falling into a puddle, didn't really give the water much time to enter the internals (I assume you picked it up IMMEDIATELY, right?)

But I doubt it will survive being submerged for any amount of time.

Wait... transponder key? Are you talking about a Base key or the Sport keyfob? Both have the "transponder" (immobilizer chip). But only the Sport has any actual electrical components, which is for keyless entry. The immobilizer is in a self contained and seal module. And even that is sealed in the Base key. The Sport key body is only mildly sealed... as water can enter through the area around the buttons.

edit: from the looks of it, the keyless entry module (inside the Sport keyfob) is a self contained module, which needs to be "cracked" open further when you need to replace the battery. Whether or not that is waterproof, I don't know.

additional edit: I took my Sport keyfob apart (down to where the battery can be replaced). The buttons that we normally see are sitting on top of a rubber "cover" of sorts, that covers the entire circuit board on one side. The edge is squeezed between the module's two housing halves. So, it looks water "resistant"... though I still wouldn't attempt to surf with it (if I could even swim).

 

A tiny zip-lock bag (or two, or three, one inside the other) would alleviate the need to find out.

 

I was thinking about suggesting getting a Base key cut/programmed for car (if have a Sport).

But your idea is MUCH better. Cheap and simple. Lol.

 

you can get a metal key cut to open only the door for about $15 to $20. Lock the "real" key in car, take the small flat door key with you.

 

it's also pretty bulky. I'd go with just getting a basic key cut that'll just open the door and leave the real key in the car. you could get a pretty minimal key with just the shank. Just be sure to rinse it off before sticking it in the lock.

 

"ohw'" "malraux" or - (1) Could any of you please send me a link as to where I could purchase a basic key blank to be cut? (2) Can this only be done at dealership? (Please forgive me if topic has been discussed before but I'm just 2 weeks into owning my Fit). Thanks.

 

I would see if any local key places have the correct blank and can cut it. The dealer can supply and cut it, but I don't know if they would just cut the key without also programming the immobilizer. Try hardware stores and key smiths.

 

Don't think the key is "waterproof"... I wouldn't chance it. As to a blank key, I've seen it at a hardware store like OSH.

 

no need to buy key blanks, I just walked into the dealer in Denver and ask them to cut me a key for the door. They'll need your original key, and possible proof of ownership. Took 5 minutes and I think $18.