Programming an Extra FOB for 2008 Prius - SUCCESS!!!

[Scrittibear]

Yes - some threads address this FOB-ish reprogramming issue - but not many threads address Fob reprogramming specifically for the 2008 Prius.

I successfully reprogrammed a used 2007 Fob I purchased on Ebay for a 2008 Model Prius - I have a Non-SKS (smart Key system) 2008 Base Trim Prius - These non-SKS Priuses use a Fob with a black emblem on the back to start the engine. However - I purchased an SKS FOB with a silver emblem on the back on EBAY for $79 which is meant only for a Prius with a SKS system (or so I thought) - I followed the instructions listed below - it took about 20 attempts and ta-dah - it worked!!!!

My advice - you have to move fast and just keep at it - If I had done so to begin with, I probably could have reprogrammed the ebay FOB on the first or second try (doooo!!!!) so...I can now use the SKS FOB (silver emblem) to start my Prius, BUT I could not re-program the lock/ unlock feature on the FOB - no success there and that's what others seem to running up against. If any one has had success reprogramming the lock/ unlock feature as well on a Silver emblem FOB for a non-SKS Prius, please tell me what you did!

Here is the original FOB reprogram link: Finally! How to program a non-SKS key/fob. Detailed!

and here is specifically what I did:

The Fob (for operating the car)
This isn't hard, as long as your new fob is not broken and you are able to follow simple directions. The whole process will take less than two minutes.

1. STRART WITH THE DOORS UNLOCKED/ and CLOSED. Then insert old fob into slot and remove it 4 times in a row, then insert it a fifth time and leave it in.
2. Open and close driver door 6 times.
3. Remove old fob from slot. Car is in fob programming mode at this point and I think the Red anti-theft auto icon will stay permanently illuminated in this step.
4. Insert new fob and leave in the slot for a full minute. Watch the blinking red anti-theft light on the dashboard. When it stops flashing and goes dark, your new fob is all set. For me, this took no longer than 10 seconds.
5. Remove the new fob and you're done. You should test both fobs to be sure they work properly.

As for a key that will lock/ unlock the doors, I will just have to get a few spare metal keys cut at the dealership and hide them. I just cannot seem to reprogram the lock/ unlock feature on the fob at all -

Please - if you have a new 2008 Prius and have attempted this in any format - share your knowledge.

[racerbob]

So, how many fobs are programmed to start the car? 2 or 3 total. I am wondering what the maximum # of keys that the immobilizer will accept.

[Scrittibear]

2 FOBS are factory programmed (they came with the car new) and I programmed one more today from Ebay - and next week I am going to try a fourth. My reading on this forum leads to believe there is a five FOB total limit. I'll let you know if I can mix and match both black and silver emblem (non-SKS and SKS) FOBS on the same 2008 Prius. Now - If I could only get that darn lock/ unlock feature to work...

[RobH]

The Toyota manual says 5 fobs. Any fob (black/silver/2004/2005+) will probably work in the keyslot for any model Prius. It's the remote/smart functions that are so finicky.

[Scrittibear]

UPDATE: I programmed another silver emblem FOB to start the prius 2008 base trim NON-SKS - again - no problems - but the FOB will not lock/ unlock doors - I'll have to get metal keys cut for that for an emergency lock out -- So folks - this really does work - I was doubtful at first too. Not anymore - I just saved $300. DIY.

[pburkh]

I have a 2007 SKS Prius. My experience with black non-SKS key fob from EBays has been exactly the same. I got the fob programmed to start the car, but not to unlock the doors. Given that that's all I needed, I'm a happy camper.

[sdhanapal]

Is there a way to program a FOB key when you don't have any key at all. I bought a car from an auction and it didn't come with a key. Is there any way the car can be put to neutral without a key?

Thanks,

[snengnr]

1. did you get the SKS fob to work in the sense that it does not have to be in the key dock (meaning it is an official sks key that can sit in your pocket or purse and and one you press the power button on the prius, it automatically starts the car?) or does it have to be in the key dock to start the car up.

2. did anyone ever figure out how to program the car with no keys?

[patsparks]

The OP said; -

I have a Non-SKS (smart Key system) 2008 Base Trim Prius - These non-SKS Priuses use a Fob with a black emblem on the back to start the engine. However - I purchased an SKS FOB with a silver emblem on the back on EBAY for $79 which is meant only for a Prius with a SKS system (or so I thought) - I followed the instructions listed below - it took about 20 attempts and ta-dah - it worked!!!!

No, they don't have SKS so SKS does not work. It works like a non SKS fob.

[RobH]

Both the SKS and non-SKS systems support the remote sending a command to the car. The SKS system adds the function of the car constantly asking if there is a remote nearby, and the SKS remote listens for that query and responds.

The SKS fob probably just has an extra part for listening to the query from the car. Or maybe they're all the same and the non-SKS fob has the answerback function disabled. Each fob has to have its serial number programmed into it, and perhaps the SKS function is just another programmed option.