Least Expensive Way to Get a Back Up Key Fob and ? About Battery

welcome to priuschat! sounds perfectly normal. you can get a fob on ebay and program it per the threads here on the subject, (search: chicken dance) it's hit or miss. or you can try a locksmith with the proper equipment. otherwise, the dealers gonna want 3-400 bucks. and don't lose the one you have, or else you'll need a new computer too. all the best!

 

It's best to get the keys from a Toyota dealership, that way you know for sure they are Brand New. Only a Brand New key can be self programmed. The keys are about $105 each online.

Autonation Gulf Toyota has a promotion this month that gets you additional 5% off by using promo code july2014

 

Here is the key fob programming instructions. Pls report your results.
How to Program a New Key Fob for Full SKS Functionality | PriusChat

 

Welcome to PriusChat!!!

Keri, please keep us posted I only have one key as well and have always wanted a backup. I completely understand about losing keys... I've had to dig through the sofa too many times. A back-up key has been on my Prius-to-do list for awhile. I keep meaning to take care of it, but I never do.

Any information you can share on your adventure to get a new key would be helpful.

Oh, one other thing to keep in mind for your search for a key: On the back side of the fob, if the Toyota symbol is black, this normally signifies that this is a non-SKS key. If the Toyota symbol is chrome, this normally signifies that this IS an SKS-key. (SKS is the security system.) I see in your Avatar description that you have a Prius model four, most likely you have the security system, so you'd need an SKS enabled key.

bisco, JC91006 or usnavystgc any other advice for Keri?

 

No but, my advice for you is to read the thread I linked, buy yourself a key fob and, post your results in the sticky.

 

A guy sold lots of self programmable keys for Prius on eBay. I bought two, one for my friend. They both worked very well.

Toyota Smart Key Backup Remote MOZB21TG MOZB31EG Prius Silver and Black Logo | eBay

Note, if u can't make it work, flip the key and try again. I think some chips inside may be installed opposite way. Flipping the key solved problem in my case. Good luck!

 

keri?

 

He probably use the same name on ebay as well as here:

ovnisf

 

I'm also thinking of buying one of these keys for my Prius. Cheaper than getting a keyfob and easier to program. And plus I just need it as a spare. My question to you is, can this key be hooked onto a keychain? Probably not since you have to insert the key into the ignition now right?

 

You just want a spare key? I did a quick Google search and followed the instructions to program an original Toyota key from another prius to work on mine. I took my insurance card with me to the dealer and he cut a new key from the vin for $4. It only took me about 5 minutes to program the key. The key does not work other than being inserted to start the car. No remote and definitely NO sensor. It is exactly what I want. I have it in a locked safe in the car.

 

Don't mean to alarm you, but, from what I have heard and read, you can ruin your car if you are driving with some low battery cells, and that might be what is happening here. BUT, don't take it to a stealership, take it to another certified mechanic because dealers want to replace the whole battery pack and will charge thousands for it. Or, you can check it out yourself on youtube, or take it to someone who does this and they can replace the cells for a resonable price.. I wouldn't do it, but I know people who have replaced cells from youtube instructions. BUT follow the directions very carefully. Prius's can easily short out if you don't unplug the battery before you do anything on them. The cells run about 38 to 50 bucks, labor is not bad, and there are individuals that just replace cells in hybrids.