key detected in vehicle - while driving

[cantgoback]

Originally Posted by jdcollins5

When you try the experiment (I did this also), lower the hatchback door as softly as you can. There are two definite clicks as you close it all the way. As easy as I tried, I could not avoid the first click as the door is too heavy. I was able to not get the second click. Drove the car and when I hit the first bump I got the error message that you did. It would clear I turned the power off and back on but would come back if I hit another bump. It would not clear completely until I closed the hatch completely.

Try it to convince yourself.

I tried the experiment today and sure enough the warning came on as the car encountered bumps in the road. I think the problem is solved, at least in my case. Thanks again for pin-pointing the issue.

[fuzzy1]

I had the same message and audible warning this evening, also after going over a bump. Will try the hatch experiment myself, it does seem to be a likely culprit.

[Earman]

The very same problem occured to me today. I was taking my son to airport and we had put a suitcase in the trunk. I stopped, turned engine off and restarted. No difference. The message was coming on and off intermittently. My son opened the hatchbacked door and closed it and the problem disappeared. There was no indication that any door was not closed properly prior to the problem occuring.

So the problem likely came from the hatchback door but it is weird that no indication was given prior to the problem occuring while driving...

PS: The interior lights were definitely flashing and I think the red door ajar indicator was flashing as well (right side of display). There were many things flashing at the same time so I am not sure about the door ajar icon...

[32kcolors]

Got the same message once after I went over a bump. Weird.

[qbee42]

Originally Posted by 32kcolors

Got the same message once after I went over a bump. Weird.

It's really not that weird. When you close the doors in a Prius with the SKS, it looks for a fob inside the car. A poorly latched hatch will wiggle over bumps, causing it to appear open and then close. When the car sees it close, it looks for the fob and finds it.

Tom

[32kcolors]

Originally Posted by qbee42

It's really not that weird. When you close the doors in a Prius with the SKS, it looks for a fob inside the car. A poorly latched hatch will wiggle over bumps, causing it to appear open and then close. When the car sees it close, it looks for the fob and finds it.

Tom

You're right. It was weird at the time it happened and before reading this thread.

[Tideland Prius]

Originally Posted by Earman

The very same problem occured to me today. I was taking my son to airport and we had put a suitcase in the trunk. I stopped, turned engine off and restarted. No difference. The message was coming on and off intermittently. My son opened the hatchbacked door and closed it and the problem disappeared. There was no indication that any door was not closed properly prior to the problem occuring.

So the problem likely came from the hatchback door but it is weird that no indication was given prior to the problem occuring while driving...

PS: The interior lights were definitely flashing and I think the red door ajar indicator was flashing as well (right side of display). There were many things flashing at the same time so I am not sure about the door ajar icon...

Was there a separate key located in one of the bags/luggage in the rear hatch??

(P.S. You want the Tech Pack not the I-Tech which is the Australian model)

[cantgoback]

Originally Posted by Earman

So the problem likely came from the hatchback door but it is weird that no indication was given prior to the problem occuring while driving...

Earman, you bring up an excellent point -- if the hatch isn't properly closed, you would expect a door-open indicator, like in any other car. Sounds like an oversight on Toyota's QA group/department.

[qbee42]

Originally Posted by cantgoback

Earman, you bring up an excellent point -- if the hatch isn't properly closed, you would expect a door-open indicator, like in any other car. Sounds like an oversight on Toyota's QA group/department.

The door open indication happens during the bump. The problem occurs when a door or hatch is closed well enough to depress the door switch, but not completely latched tight. It might not be QA at all, but simply the design of the latch and switch. Regardless, as an end user, I would want the latch and door switch to be synchronized.

Tom

[rrolff]

I have found if the key is in my left pocket (deep - almost under my leg), sometimes the car does not recognize a key very well - so in theory, you could be driving, then have the car "think" there is no key, then have it "think" there is a key - and report it (key detected)...

Where did you guys have the key???