Algonquin Adventures / Packing the car key fob.

**Posted by BarryB** 3/11/2026 7:04 pm

FYI - I just realized one of my Hyundai's key fob's buttons has a "double-trouble" feature. One of its buttons not only unlocks the car, but if the same button is held down for a few seconds it'll lower the front windows. Finding this out brought a troubling scenario to mind .. lock up the car, throw the fob in a secure side pocket of the pack, walk over to the ready canoe and toss the pack in. Unrealized, the pack immediately gets pushed against the thwart and so does the key fob .. just beyond earshot, the car doors unlock and the windows lower! Five days later upon returning to an unsecured car it's discovered the storms that had recently pummelled the tent have also drenched the car's interior.

I just went through a similar experience with the car safe in the garage .. after which I researched the "double trouble feature" online. I'll be searching for a compact "fob-clamshell" in which to safely secure my key fob.

HA! I just went into the dashboard set-up feature and was able to deactive the "Remote Window Control" (by fob button) feature. But I don't think I can deactivate the basic "Remote Door Opening" (by fob button) feature.

Last edited by BarryB (3/11/2026 7:34 pm)

**Posted by Rob** 3/12/2026 7:32 am

My car like most has a physical key that is Removable from the key fob in case the battery were to die that allows you to unock the drivers door. So at the put in I pop the hood and remove the negative cable from the battery. Close hood and lock door. Problem solved. My wife's Honda has an intermitic parasitic draw in the system so I installed a battery disconnect switch under the hood. Same problem simplified not to mention it reduces the chances of theft considerably.

**Posted by MooseWhizzer Dave** 3/12/2026 1:32 pm

That would be the nightmare scenario, Barry! I returned to my car in the Adirondacks after a three day trip and there was mouse poop all over the car. There were a couple snacks in there, but they were untouched. It was like Animal House had a frat party and the exclusive activity was to see who could drop the most. Realized later that they had come in through the cabin air intake, so I put some grated metal in front of that, but....that was a real "I don't want to touch my own car" drive home. A little mouse poop here or there doesn't bother me, but....the volume...it was amazing.

As for the key fob, I never take it on the canoe trip with me, because I just know if I do I'll either destroy it or it will somehow end up at the bottom of the lake. Instead, I have a sneaky little hiding place on my car where I stow it.

**Posted by APPaul** 3/13/2026 7:09 am

I am pretty good at checking the car now after an incident a couple years ago. Since put-ins can be a bit chaotic, I tend to lower one of the windows as we get ready. This way there is no chance of locking the key in the car. I accidentally did this as a teenager. Then just before I leave, I start the car, put the window up. However, a couple years ago I forgot to do this on a winter trip and got back the car and a back seat full of snow. Oops!

Now, I put the key in a small roll top waterproof bag with my wallet. My biggest concern now is that I accidentally break the fob, and it creates an issue with the security system when I get back. No issues yet, but, new cars are finicky.

**Posted by keg** 3/13/2026 2:59 pm

For me keys, phone, and wallet go in a hardcase.

BTW. Nanuk is a Canadian made alternative to Pelican cases

**Posted by TripperMike** 3/17/2026 2:32 pm

Barry, I realized my wife's Equinox has this function a few weeks ago when I looked out my front window at 7am to see all of the windows down. Sure enough it was -12 and a light dusting of snow had fallen. I was absolutely perplexed by the situation as my kids and I went out for dinner the night before and for no reason would have rolled all 4 windows down.

I guess while I was reading the kids a bedtime story with the fob in my jeans, I must have sat on the button long enough to lower the windows around 830pm the night before. After confirming I wasn't crazy with my 6 year old, we googled the situation and had a good laugh before getting out the leaf blower to clear the snow out of moms car before she got home from a business trip. Fun times.