Smart Key dying??

[Angels Fan]

I apologize if this is a repeat - I did a search but couldn't find a similar problem.

I've had my 2007 Prius for 2 months now and am IN LOVE! Only one small quirk. At first, the Smart Key was great - it would unlock once I got "in range" no problem. Then after a while, I noticed I had to loiter by the door for a few seconds for it to unlock. Now it only unlocks if I take the fob out of my pocket and wave it around right next to the door. Sometimes not even then. Not worth the time - I've been clicking the unlock button as I walk up. I kind of miss the "magic" unlock, though.

FYI - I usually carry my keys in my front pocket or my purse. Car still starts just fine once I'm inside.

Any thoughts? Thanks!!!!!!!!

[adam1991]

The owner's manual mentions something about the SKS transmitter and cell phone proximity. Check it out.

[Charles Suitt]

Hi Angels Fan

There have been reports of having the fob near or adjacent to a cellphone interferes with the smart key function. Do you have your cellphone next to your fob?

[Tom_06]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Angels Fan @ Apr 7 2007, 01:27 PM) [snapback]419415[/snapback]</div>

I apologize if this is a repeat - I did a search but couldn't find a similar problem.

I've had my 2007 Prius for 2 months now and am IN LOVE! Only one small quirk. At first, the Smart Key was great - it would unlock once I got "in range" no problem. Then after a while, I noticed I had to loiter by the door for a few seconds for it to unlock. Now it only unlocks if I take the fob out of my pocket and wave it around right next to the door. Sometimes not even then. Not worth the time - I've been clicking the unlock button as I walk up. I kind of miss the "magic" unlock, though.

FYI - I usually carry my keys in my front pocket or my purse. Car still starts just fine once I'm inside.

Any thoughts? Thanks!!!!!!!!
[/b]

If the fob spends a lot of time near the car, it can run the fob's battery down quickly. Like my family room couch is about 5 feet from the driver's door of the car when it is in the garage. I think the manual says something about 15 feet to keep the fob in a low power mode, but the thing is in a higher power state when it gets to 3 feet or so from the car's door when locked. Look for the red LED on the fob as you approach your car when it is locked. Mine starts blinking about 5 feet from the driver's door (couch range!).

I'd try replacing the fob's battery and see if that solves the problem. It may have spent too much time at the dealer's too close to the car before you picked it up if you don't think it has at home.

- Tom

[Angels Fan]

Thanks for the tips! I keep my keys by the front door, which is very close to the driveway. I'll move them and also give it a shot sans cell phone. You guys are the best!!!!!!!

[nwpa]

" Look for the red LED on the fob as you approach your car when it is locked. Mine starts blinking about 5 feet from the driver's door (couch range!)."


I just learned that the fob has a red LED. This car and the systems continually amazes me!

[galaxee]

mine still inexplicably does this, and it's not the battery or my phone. sometimes i have to take it out of my bag and hold it in front of the door, or in front of the power button. or both! we've been meaning to take a scantool to it to change the frequency that the car looks for the fob but never got around to it... still doesn't really explain it since it's only my fob and not DH's. i think we'll probably end up getting a new one while still in warranty.

[unit_juno]

Oh yes, the cell phone in the same pocket as the key fob screws mine up so I just have the key itself in one pocket, and all of my other things in the other. lol

[judymcfarland]

Every once in a while mine exhibits the same behavior that Galaxee noted. I don't have my cell phone on usually, so I wouldn't think it would interfere (or would it?)

[anj48]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(galaxee @ Apr 7 2007, 06:40 PM) [snapback]419574[/snapback]</div>

mine still inexplicably does this, and it's not the battery or my phone. sometimes i have to take it out of my bag and hold it in front of the door, or in front of the power button. or both! we've been meaning to take a scantool to it to change the frequency that the car looks for the fob but never got around to it... still doesn't really explain it since it's only my fob and not DH's. i think we'll probably end up getting a new one while still in warranty.
[/b]

This can be specific to certain locations. My Smart Key does not work when I am in certain parking places in the garage where I work, in others nearby it works but is sluggish - some sort of interference here I presume. Otherwise my Smart Key always works perfectly.