How waterproof is my Key (2011 Tacoma)

This may be a weird question.

I have a 2011 Tacoma. I go scuba diving, and usually tuck the car key into my glove.

However my old car was a 2001 and the key was not fancy.

if I try to take my Tacoma key into the ocean like that, am I going to ruin it ?

Nick

 

I dunno about that. It is sealed, obviously, but when you're on even a shallow 30 foot dive there's still a lot of pressure, and a chance of seepage. And each key has the immobilizer hardware inside it. I personally wouldn't do it.

I'm sure it would end up okay, but I wouldn't. You don't bring a little waterproof box?

 

I may have to from now on

 

silicone spray it and go for it or some sort of shrinkwrap

 

I'd go with a pelican box to be safe...

 

Could you keep a ziplock bag in one of your scuba pockets and make that your key pocket and slip your key into the ziplock bag before you dive?

 

I'd get a second key made - just a basic key without the immobilizer chip in it and take that one with you in the water. Hide your good key in the locked truck. My brother does that with his 08 taco when we surf...

 

Actually, I am getting a camper shell, so maybe I will get a mech key for that and can lock the truck keys in the bed.

Dragging a box underwater is a pain.

 

That is what I do for snowboarding.

 

suitcase it

 

You can install a lockable box in the truck bed and store the vehicle key in there, and take the box key when diving. It's a tad expensive but looks very secure.
http://www.tuffyproducts.com/p-235-161-toyota-tacoma-bed-security-lockbox.aspx

 

I personally would not do it will leak into the crack seperating the two pieces sometime now or later

 

Thanks!

 

BINGO. Plain key will open the door just fine.

 

Yep. There's a plan. Keep it in your console until dive time, then switch it out with your good one and go. Order a blank key on ebay for not very many dollars, then take it to any locksmith. Prooooblem Sooooolved!

 

Looking at my key closely, there doesn't seem to be a crack between the two pieces. It looks more like a parting line from an injection mold. There is even a knock-out pin indentation near the base of the key blade. I think TRW molded the plastic over the key blade and the security chip.

 

I had spare keys made. The locksmith messed one of them up, so I cut it open to see where the chip was and what it looked like. It was a royal pain to get to, I don't think you will have any issues taking it in the water. The rubber looks like it's pretty much bonded around the chip.

 

Edited above quote and placed in bold. Good info thread but just to clarify for those searching in the future....if anyone still does that.

 

What is there to damage in the key? That little chip is basically like a RF ID tag isn't it? If it's not electronic, what will the water do to hurt it? Eventually salt could corrode it if it gets into the key part but that would take quite a while. Am I missing something about our keys?

 

Have somebody bury it and make a treasure map then you'll never get water damage lol

ARG!