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I Should Have Bought The Davis Key Buoy !

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OLarryR
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
3441 Posts

Initially Posted - 06/16/2008 : 05:37:05

It finally happened ! I was rushing to get back home and bobbled my keys after taking them out of the small storage compartment near the transom. They went into the drink ! My son came to the rescue with the extra key. So...guess I should buy that key buoy we all talked about some time ago. I may stop by West marine today/tomorrow and pick one up.

The key for my Honda is one of those with the electronic chip inside. I have a 1998 Honda Prelude and it runs fine and since I have not really seen anything that interests me more...I am going to keep it a bit longer. I really should have two keys... a spare just in case something like this happens again. The key that went overboard...I know approximately where it is and it is laying in mud muck and whatever is down there between my boat and the finger slip. The water there is anywhere's between 4-7 feet deep depending on tide. There is no way I am going into that water - Wash DC central - Maybe flesh eating bacteria in there ! So...I have two options...and could try both but what do you think ?

1) Go get a replacement chip key from Honda - Don't know what they cost but figure it is probably... ~ $50. or more ? (I will call later today and find out cost - May stop by an order the replacement today.)
2) Buy a fishing net with a long handle from West Marine and see if I can scoop the key out of the water. A fish net may not work and probably will have limited use for me after using it...and I have to get one with mesh fine enough that will capture the key and stiff enough frame to dredge thru some of the muck down there. Isaw one possibility in the WM Catalog but it may not be in the local store.

(Thought of using a magnet but may be easier said than done and maybe it would ruin that chip.)

Getting the spare key from Honda is the sure bet - Pay the dough and the job is done ! Netting it has in addition to recovery, some goal oriented benefits....but only if successful !

Larry
'89 Robin's Nest#5820, Potomac River/Quantico, Va
http://catalina25.homestead.com/olarryr.html

Edited by - on

DaveR
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
2015 Posts

Response Posted - 06/16/2008 : 07:39:39

Larry,
I'd go down to the tool rental store and rent a large magnet. If they don't have one try a roofing company. Then put it on a stick and do some scanning.

Edited by - on

delliottg
Former Mainsheet C250 Tech Editor

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USA
4479 Posts

Response Posted - 06/16/2008 : 08:35:23

Magnet was my first thought too, especially in shallow water.

Edited by - on

John Russell
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
3444 Posts

Response Posted - 06/16/2008 : 08:54:51

How much is your time worth? Go buy the new key.

Edited by - on

OLarryR
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
3441 Posts

Response Posted - 06/16/2008 : 09:27:41

I was not sure if the magnet would have an effect on the electronic chip. Though, that did sound like a good idea. Hey, I fogot to call Hinda for the key replacement cost. If it is really expensive, then I may start fishing for the key.

Edited by - on

jerlim
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1484 Posts

Response Posted - 06/16/2008 : 09:35:25

We use a small camping bag for all the incidentials (my kids call it the 'murse'); keys, cash, cell phone, bberry, wallet etc, camera...It gets loaded in the parking lot and opened in the cabin.

Edited by - on

Frank Hopper
Past Commodore

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Pitcairn Island
6776 Posts

Response Posted - 06/16/2008 : 10:09:25

key pad on the door, keys in arm rest
a friend without a keypad still leaves her keys in the car but has one single car key on a float she keeps with her

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Stardog
Captain

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USA
319 Posts

Response Posted - 06/16/2008 : 11:40:43

I would be out of luck in retrieval, I have 60+ feet of water under my boat. Thanks for the reminder that I have new floaties for my keys and they are in the trunk of my car and doing no good there.

Edited by - on

OLarryR
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
3441 Posts

Response Posted - 06/16/2008 : 11:48:55

I called the Honda dealership and they could not give me a straight answer if a magnet would effect the chip. Someone at work told me that magnetism does play a role in somehow energizing something in the chip or the car ignition switch to then read the program on the chip. I also recall that the Honda manual or instructions that came with it when the car was new indicated to only use the two keys that come with the car and not to use the "Learning" key which is what the dealership uses to program a new key. A new key cost $25 for the key blank and then $55 to program it with the "Learning" key. If the "Learning" key is not provided, then they have to replace the whole Immobilizer system.

I am not sure if I want to take a chance with a magnet. Me thinks I should bite the bullet, take my punishment, buy a Davis Key Buoy and get the replacement key made up. That way, I know the issue goes away, do not have to sink dough into a net that may not yield anything, a magnet that may goof up the Immobilizer System and not go into the water (Washington, DC - Anacostia River) and minimize my chances of getting the flesh eating bacteria.

Putting wallet, keys, etc into a small camping bag, etc....I have to mull that over. Old habits hard to break and so not sure if i would put everything into the bag near the car.....I'm thinking about that one. Maybe ..maybe ....I should just leave a PFD in the car and then tie the bag with all it's contents onto the PFD. At least then the whole bag won't wind up same place as my keys ! LOL

Edited by - OLarryR on 06/16/2008 11:52:36

delliottg
Former Mainsheet C250 Tech Editor

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USA
4479 Posts

Response Posted - 06/16/2008 : 12:55:48

Along the camping bag lines, we use a [url="http://www.outdoorpros.com/Prod/Seattle-Sports-016100-Seattle-Sports-Glacier-Clear-Dry-Bag-Sm/35366/Cat/60?utm_medium=referral&utm_source=googlebase&cvsfa=1184&cvsfe=2&cvsfp=35366"]small-clear dry bag[/url], keys, wallets, glasses, change, whatever, goes in the dry bag. If we drop it, it floats, presuming you haven't squeezed all the air out when sealing it.

We also use it for going ashore, tied to a thwart, it's not likely to go swimming, and it's small enough that you can clip it to your belt or whatever. It keeps the sun screen handy, and toilet paper nice & dry...

Edited by - delliottg on 06/16/2008 13:00:28

Dave Bristle
Master Marine Consultant

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Djibouti
10005 Posts

Response Posted - 06/16/2008 : 13:23:20

Magnet?? You have rustable steel keys?? Never heard of that.

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stampeder
Master Marine Consultant

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1608 Posts

Response Posted - 06/16/2008 : 13:41:28

i don't think a magnet is going to do anymore damage than sitting underwater for a couple days is going to do.

Edited by - on

piseas
Former Treasurer

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USA
2017 Posts

Response Posted - 06/16/2008 : 17:51:13

I am so paranoid of this happening especially after having my keys with one still in the lock of my lock box. I asked my friend to hand it to me while I was on the boat and he tossed them.( Note I said "Hand"). The lock fell in the water but keys stayed on the dock. I was so lucky. I always keep spare but after I lock up cabin, in put keys in the tote bag and zip it up. I never toss keys anymore, especially around water.
Steve A

Edited by - on

Dave5041
Former Mainsheet Editor

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USA
3758 Posts

Response Posted - 06/16/2008 : 19:34:24

After an electronic key sits on the bottom for a few days, I would be very surprised if it works at all. I have opened older keys to replace batteries, and I have yet to see one that could even remotely be described as waterproof Unless you have nothing else to do with your time, buy the new key. A new key for my Grand Cherokee is $!25.

Edited by - on

ddlyle
Captain

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302 Posts

Response Posted - 06/16/2008 : 20:04:20

I work sometimes for a locksmith.
A locksmith can often do the same "programming" job on a proper electronic "key blank" than a dealer.
Call a couple of locksmiths to get a price.
Dealers are usually more expensive.
Yu want / need a new key.
Sorry about your loss.
Poseidon got another sacrifice.
Glory be to God.

Edited by - on

delliottg
Former Mainsheet C250 Tech Editor

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USA
4479 Posts

Response Posted - 06/16/2008 : 20:27:10

At the risk of a hijack, can a locksmith make a new VW key? Our "new" 2006 Jetta only came with one key, and getting another one from the deal apparently requires a minimum two hour wait after waiting several days for an open appointment while they do some sort of magic to make new keys. This seems extreme to me, I know how long it takes to flash an EEPROM which is what these probably are, and it only takes 2-3 minutes to cut a key. If I can get it done at a locksmith, I'm all for it.

Edited by - on

OLarryR
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
3441 Posts

Response Posted - 06/16/2008 : 22:14:15

I stopped off at WM after work and picked up the Davis Key Buoy. Looked over the fish nets ...and the only one that could potentially work (had a fine mesh) had a long pole handle. Decided to pass up the net and concentrate on getting another key to use as a spare.

Then I stopped off at the Honda Dealership and talked to their Service Dept. They indicated that the extra key I brought with me from home was a valet key and that none of their cars have a "Learning" key ...and then added...except for the Prelude. I told him I had a '98 Prelude but thought the key I brought from home with the grey sleeve on it was the "Learning" key. Apparently, I needed an "Orange" key and if I could not find it.....then that would be unfortunate and not bode well for making a spare key ! Searched at home in my 10 year old car file and ....found the "Orange" key ! So....gotta go back to Honda tomorrow or Wednesday.

At this point...I am reluctant to go search out a locksmith with the hopes that one can program the key. I already screwed up this key business once....so my thought is I will let Honda make the spare for me. ( I have the shop manual and looked up the Immobilizer System but it did not go into any real details regarding the "Orange" key and how it is used to program the key blank. The shop manual and the owner's manual just had a lot of cautions....like never stick the "orange" key into the ignition switch or it may wreck havoc on the system...erasing the existing codes.)

Edited by - on

GaryB
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
4303 Posts

Response Posted - 06/16/2008 : 22:50:27

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by OLarryR
 The shop manual and the owner's manual just had a lot of cautions....like never stick the "orange" key into the ignition switch or it may wreck havoc on the system...erasing the existing codes.)
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

It's probably uses a magnet to clear the codes!

Edited by - on

OLarryR
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
3441 Posts

Response Posted - 06/17/2008 : 05:44:18

Gary - That is what someone at work told me - It uses a magnet.....that was also why I decided not to buy a magnet and try to fish for the lost key.....I would then be afraid to use it for fear of effecting the Immobilizer System.

Anyway, I have the orange key. I'll get to the dealership today or tomorrow and then that will end the spare key issue.

So, Father's Day had this unfortunate event but looking at it on a positive note, it was the best day for this to happen ! My son lives not far from us and was able to go to our house and bring me the spare key. Timewise, it was pretty efficient in that he arrived at the marina just about an hour after I called him. Then we both drove to the movie theater and met up with the rest of the family. We just got there in time - We saw the Incredible Hulk. I am sure my Mom & Stepfather enjoyed that one ! LOL Then we all went out for dinner.

So....it was good day overall....and I had a nice sail to start the day off !

Edited by - OLarryR on 06/17/2008 05:45:06

DaveR
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
2015 Posts

Response Posted - 06/17/2008 : 07:18:17

Mr. Bristle hit it on the head .......... a magnet won't work anyway, just tried it. The ring is magnetic but if you've got more than a couple keys on it they outweigh the magnetism of the ring.

Edited by - on

jerlim
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1484 Posts

Response Posted - 06/17/2008 : 08:36:17

I'm just impressed you found the 'orange' key - BRAVO!

Edited by - on

Stardog
Captain

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USA
319 Posts

Response Posted - 06/17/2008 : 11:38:58

Hey Larry,

Try this website, they carry transponder keys for just about every car you could think of. They come with instructions on how to program them and it turns out to be really easy. For my Nissan, it was something like: turn the ignition key on and off ten times quickly, which puts the car in program mode, then lock and unlock the doors, then shut the ignition off. It took me less than sixty seconds, I was really amazed at how easy it is.

http://www.autotransponder.com/?gclid=CPv9n_X0-5MCFQGbnAodGA95Wg

Edited by - on

OLarryR
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
3441 Posts

Response Posted - 06/17/2008 : 12:50:42

Thanks for the info ! I was hesitant to go this path but...well I took a look at the website and it sounds like a good way to go....though, still hesitant.

Anyway, I searched for a 1998 Honda Prelude and it comes up with a $14 key w/chip but indicates the key has to be programmed by the dealership or a locksmith. So....$14 plus a bit for shipping....compared to Honda selling the key w/chip for $25. I save some dollars but then have to hunt for a locksmith that does this or bring it to a Honda Dealership which is what I was going to do anyway. I guess for many keys, you can program it yourself but apparently not this one.

Edited by - OLarryR on 06/17/2008 12:52:18

stampeder
Master Marine Consultant

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1608 Posts

Response Posted - 06/17/2008 : 13:11:39

I've felt the pain of wallets and keys going overboard so I feel your pain brother.

Whenever something like this happens I tell myself that if this is the worst that happens to me, things are okay....maybe even good.

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OLarryR
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
3441 Posts

Response Posted - 06/17/2008 : 16:40:44

It's a done deal and...a happy conclusion !

I, for whatever reason, decided to stop at a different Honda dealership on the way home from work. (We sometimes get our Hondas serviced at one or the other.) I figured I would see what the cost was for the key and the programming and if it was more than the $25 (key) and $55 (programming) cost that the other Honda dealership quoted me, then I would see if they would at least match that cost.

To my surprise, the Honda dealership charged me $22 for the replacmeent key including the programming for it. It works !

Edited by - on

ddlyle
Captain

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302 Posts

Response Posted - 06/17/2008 : 17:44:09

David,
Re. VW key...
A good locksmith has to invest thousands for computers, software, and access to manufacturer info to properly reproduce keys. Yet the locksmith is still less than a dealer.
It is a regulated industry.
Go for it.

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