New smart key problem

[richard schumacher]

Uh, yeah, tell them that.

This is why I never buy aftermarket cra.., err, equipment. Anything can go wrong during installation; or the equipment itself can be faulty. If either one damages the car you're SOL with respect to the car's warranty. If the aftermarket related fault still exists it can just keep breaking replacement Toyota equipment.

[blueberry]

I see...I bought the car, including in the deal, the installation of the radio and the lojack. I was told since I bought it with the car that the Toyota warranty covered the extras as if they were factory, as opposed to me deciding some days or weeks later that I wanted them installed. Is that not the case? I'll be really angry with I10 and their finance manager if that was not as it was presented.

In any case, I was blown off again today, received no phone call about my blueberry. I will make an appearance down there tomorrow and see what is what. They will owe me a car payment if they don't get their s*** together and fix this.

[dguzman]

Yikes, not a good problem to have (computers, eh?) ... I used to live down Porterville, moved to Vancouver, Canada since (1991). Would be nice to know what they finally discover (and how to resolve it), hhhmmmmnn.

[Patrick Wong]

Originally Posted by blueberry

In any case, I was blown off again today, received no phone call about my blueberry. I will make an appearance down there tomorrow and see what is what. They will owe me a car payment if they don't get their s*** together and fix this.

I understand your car has been at the dealer for 10 days; did they give you a free loaner vehicle while your car is being worked on for this warranty issue?

I've attached a few pages from the repair manual so you can see how complex the system is. I think that the correct parts were replaced; if the system still doesn't work I would suspect a wiring harness problem.

Also find attached a few pages that show the expected voltages and resistances to be found on the Smart ECU terminal connector. Perhaps you may inquire whether the tech has gotten around to verifying that the voltages and resistances at the terminal connector are correct. If not, s/he should do so to rule out the wiring harness as a problem.

[blueberry]

Thank you for the pages on the complexity, Patrick. I hope the ASE or whatever other certification covers all of this! It seems fairly straightforward on the troubleshooting; I only hope my car responds as it is intended and the tech is patient and diligent. Whew!

They did in fact offer a loaner car, I turned it down since I had my husband's camry hybrid and he is out of town working. I may go back and ask for a loaner since it seems likely at least over the weekend and a few more days of sleuthing.

[blueberry]

Good news guys...Prius back in working condition and shined up like new!!! Thank you to all who commented on my dilemma, and Kudos to Patrick! It was indeed a wiring harness problem. In fact, it was the LoJack installation, a bad splice into the wiring for the smart key. Duh! LoJack uninstalled, smart key working, and waiting on a refund from I10 Toyota in Indio for the returned LoJack. Toyota Corporate got involved and bingo, problem resolved. Can't thank them and all enough.

Gosh, so good to have my car back!

Penny

[DWP]

Any update on resolving your smart key problem yet? I am having the same problem with my 2005 Prius (70,000 miles). It started a week ago. I have replaced the batteries in the fob but no help. I haven't been to Toyota yet.

[Arthur Dunkel]

On Friday, the key fob would not open the door. The second fob worked. Later the first fob was working. Today, at the gas station, the engine would not start until I inserted the fob in the slot. Does the fob have a battery? I can't figure out how to open it up, and the owner's manual doesn't say anything.

[qbee42]

Originally Posted by Arthur Dunkel

On Friday, the key fob would not open the door. The second fob worked. Later the first fob was working. Today, at the gas station, the engine would not start until I inserted the fob in the slot. Does the fob have a battery? I can't figure out how to open it up, and the owner's manual doesn't say anything.

There are several good threads on this topic. Here is a quote from one of them:

I find it easy to open after some trial and error.

1. Take the key out. Not necessary, but it seems a LITTLE easier to slide the cover with it out. It will come out when you take the cover off anyway.
2. Hold your right hand, palm up, in front of you, fingers flat. Put the fob in your right hand, emblem up in a position that places your thumb between the emblem and the end of the fob (at the top of the Toyota stylized T) and the fob on your flat middle and ring finger. The key side of the fob will be facing you, the release will be to your left
3. Put your left middle finger on the side of the fob away from you and your left thumbnail on the release
4. Push the release away from you with your left thumbnail and push down on the cover with your right thumb, then push toward your left hand.

Pushing down on the far end of the cover seems to make all the difference, it slides off easily. __________________
Bruce

Tom

[Arthur Dunkel]

Hi Tom, Thanks for the info. I followed the instructions precisely, but the cover did not come off. It must really be stuck. I've had my Prius for almost 5 years, so things are beginning to happen. But, I do take it that there is a battery in there. Do you know if the battery has to be functioning even if I insert the fob in the slot? Will the car start with a dead fob battery if the fob is inserted in the slot? I hope I'm not stranded before Sat. when I can get in to the service center. ss. Arthur