electronic key panic deactivation

[ltjsprius]

How do we deactivate the red button on the electronic key? My husband keeps the key in his pants pocket, and about once every day it goes off, and the car alarm starts beeping. The neighbors aren't amused! (especially at 1 AM) (And thank you forum for telling us how to deactivate the reverse alarm!)

[Allannde]

Originally posted by ltjsprius@Feb 27 2006, 06:28 PM
How do we deactivate the red button on the electronic key?  My husband keeps the key in his pants pocket, and about once every day it goes off, and the car alarm starts beeping.  The neighbors aren't amused!  (especially at 1 AM)  (And thank you forum for telling us how to deactivate the reverse alarm!)

[snapback]217724[/snapback]

I have never heard of a way to deactivate that button. Has he ever considered carrying the fob in a different pocket or on a chain around his neck?

[Tideland Prius]

Err. You'd have to hold the panic button for a second or two before it'll manually set off so there's no way you can accidentally set it off unless he has a key or something else in his pocket that presses against the button when he sits down or what not.

[koa]

Maybe he's just happy to see you.

[c4]

1 AM?? Does he sleep with the keys??

I've kept fobs in my pocket with big ring of keys and have *never* had false alarms- the button is recessed and you must hold it for at least 2 seconds as mentioned already, so I'd double check that something else isn't wrong (check the charge level on the 12V battery as a low 12V battery has been known to set of the alarm at odd times)..

If you're sure the alarm going off isn't due to some other issue, it is possible to disable the panic button on the fob, but you have to do some minor surgery to the fob.. Disassemble it, and open it up as if you're changing the battery, but actually lift the circuit board out and separate it from the case, then get a small piece of electrical tape and stick it on top of the contact area on the circuit board for the panic switch and then re-assemble everything.. Now, when you push the panic button, the conductive rubber pad on the inside of the panic button touches the piece of tape instead of closing the circuit- no more panic alarm...

[Ecotim]

This thread is almost four years old, but I'd like to add my discoveries to it. I have a 2004 Prius which I bought just a few months ago. I also have had the same problem as Mr. 1 AM. I was relieved to find what appeared to be a solution. After following the steps above (and inadvertently setting off the panic alarm one more time). I discovered that the suggested procedure is impossible. The circuit board is not accessible. It is permanently encased in the body of the fob. Out of desperation I took a knife and actually pried the red panic button out of the front of the fob. It popped out quite easily. After reassembling the fob, I tested it to be sure I didn't break the whole thing. The remote still locks and unlocks the car. The panic button still works too, but is much less accessible. To deliberately activate the panic button, which is very tiny now and recessed, you have to use your thumbnail. Works for me! (has anyone actually relied on one of those panic alarms, like, in dire need?)