Club Touareg Forum banner

Hide a Kessy key next to the car when surfing.

10757 Views 19 Replies 12 Participants Last post by  ShadowImg
I am new to this forum, with a 2011 US spec Tdi Exec. I have performed a preliminary search to see if there is an answer to this, but drew a blank.

In California, I surf. A lot. Normally, I would keep a wet / hard key in my wetsuit or in the leg rope, but my TDi has full Kessy.

So far I have not been able to find a way to store my KESSY key next to the car while I surf - in a remote isolated car park, for instance, as the key's proximity keeps the car unlock-able and drive-able. I have experimented with the location of the key - maybe hiding it somewhere. I have also thought about a real estate agent's lock box that I could attached to the frame at the front where there are no sensors, but it still remains unlockable.

Is there anyway to disable the KESSY OR disable one side of the car - such as the passenger side - so I could attached the lock box for the key?

Any other suggestions?
1 - 20 of 20 Posts
I don't remember if the T3s have exterior door locks, but if there is one you could always just take the plastic valet key with you and use that instead of automated entry and start.
I think that would work, BUT as I was told that the plastic unit would only unlock and lock - not start the engine, the KESSY unit will still be in range,

Though I do have push start and a receiver for the key unit in the dash.
Don't know how the new Ts work but on old ones such as my 2006 with keyless doors and keyless pushbutton start/stop:

1. Put full key under driver mat
2. Lock door with plastic key; go surf, kayak or sail. Make sure alarm is on.
3. Use same to unlock car.

Cheers,
Have you thought of waterproof cases?
Or if you don't want the key on you maybe take the battery out of the fob after you lock the car.
vwW12: Will the unit still try repeatedly to unlock / lock with the fob under the mat? Does the plastic valet key 'out rank' the fob remaining in the car?

.V10TDI - waterproof is a little too risky, and the fob is pretty big in size, so not too practical.
I think that would work, BUT as I was told that the plastic unit would only unlock and lock - not start the engine, the KESSY unit will still be in range,
Why don't you test it out? its not that hard...put your key 50' away then try and open/start with the valet key. One would think that the valet key must work since typically its used to give to "valet's"
The valet key is for unlocking and locking only - and for locking the glove box (in case the valet has sticky fingers!).

I did try leaving the fob in the car, and locking using the emergency / valet ket, but KESSY remained active, and I was able to unlock the thing.

I need to experiment with field range of the sensors - the diagrams in the manual show there is no field of 'vision' from the front of the car, but no mater where I placed the key, I was always able to unlock and start.

Is is possible to disable KESSY partially / completely - and just rely on the remote push button function?
The valet key is for unlocking and locking only - and for locking the glove box (in case the valet has sticky fingers!).

I did try leaving the fob in the car, and locking using the emergency / valet ket, but KESSY remained active, and I was able to unlock the thing.

I need to experiment with field range of the sensors - the diagrams in the manual show there is no field of 'vision' from the front of the car, but no mater where I placed the key, I was always able to unlock and start.

Is is possible to disable KESSY partially / completely - and just rely on the remote push button function?
This differs from what I have observed on my T1 - If the key is not inside the cabin I cannot start the car with the push start. Also if the key is on the right side of the car I cannot touch open the door on the left side. Kessy will also let you lock a key inside as long as there is a second key outside of the car (in your pocket).

You can always lock the car and then remove the battery while you hide the key. Even without the battery the key will unlock and start the car (at least on the T1).
Couple of thoughts (maybe you've tried them...)

1 - how about burying the key in the sand (in a bag) near the car, a rock, etc?
2 - Northcore Surf Accessories - Northcore™ Surf Accessories : Waterproof Key Pouch
3 - AquaPac - Waterproof Backpacks, Drybags & Pouches - Aquapac 100% Waterproof Phone, Camera, MP3 cases, bags and pouches

I'll have to look at my 08 (with Kessy). I don't think there is even a key slot on the exterior - unless it's in the driver's door.

As far as disabling Kessy, you could probably fully disable the system using a VAG-COM, but that would also disable your keyless start and all the other functions that Kessy supports. I don't think you can just disable one side of the car.

Have you tried one of those little magnetic keyholder things? The metal case of the keyholder (assuming it's metal) might be enough to block/weaken the signal to the point where the car wouldn't recognize it.
See less See more
Would hiding it in a small metal box work to shield the RF?
Find a piece of lead and make a small box up. That should do the trick.
vwW12: Will the unit still try repeatedly to unlock / lock with the fob under the mat? Does the plastic valet key 'out rank' the fob remaining in the car?
On a 2006, one locks with the plastic key, goes surfing, comes back, unlocks, and goes.

Car will not attempt to unlock on its own.

Car can be opened and started and driven with plastic key in case of absence of the full remote key.
If you have a Tow Hitch there are little combo boxes that lock in the receiver for an extra key.
The trick to blocking the keys signal is building a little Faraday Cage in the box. copper mesh if I remember works the best. This should keep the signal in the bag and your car locked till you get done surfing.
This might work:
Amazon.com: Techni-Stat Static Shielding Bag, 3" X 5", Zip, 100/Pk: Home Improvement
Amazon.com: HitchSafe Key Vault: Home Improvement
By way of update - I purchased a lock box, put the key fob in that and lock it somewhere directly in front of the car, sometimes on the front grill but preferably on a gate / fence somewhere.
Bringing this up as a total newbie.
Also in California, also surf; have a new 2015 Touareg TDI.
There is no exterior key access - as I understand it, the key that can be removed from the fob is only for the glove compartment.
Don't want to try a "waterproof" bag for a bulky Kessy that won't squeeze into my wetsuit. Also looking to be sure I don't need to do the hidden key somewhere, because the sensor knows you're close and door sensor opens right up.

Any help greatly appreciated - find no help in the owner's manual so far.
Bringing this up as a total newbie.
Also in California, also surf; have a new 2015 Touareg TDI.
There is no exterior key access - as I understand it, the key that can be removed from the fob is only for the glove compartment.
Don't want to try a "waterproof" bag for a bulky Kessy that won't squeeze into my wetsuit. Also looking to be sure I don't need to do the hidden key somewhere, because the sensor knows you're close and door sensor opens right up.

Any help greatly appreciated - find no help in the owner's manual so far.

Take the battery out of the key and hide it.

regards
Drag
I have just been thinking about the same thing. Haven't purchased my touareg yet but had this thought as I surf also. Appears removing battery won't work but on a search found some RF shielded bags. See below link to my thread and the bags. I live in Australia so can't say if these work first hand but being your in US would be a worthy experiment? YOu could stash the bag on the car like you would your key?

http://www.clubtouareg.com/forums/f67/fancy-keyless-entry-208985.html
Yeah, just get a container meant for RFID storage, it should inhibit the key fob from functioning while it's inside it.

http://briangreen.net/2010/11/diy-ultralight-faraday-cage-pouch.html
1 - 20 of 20 Posts
This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.
Top