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Having a mechanical key for SMART Key System?

Discussion in 'Prius c Accessories and Modifications' started by Runswithdog, Aug 28, 2014.

  1. Runswithdog

    Runswithdog Junior Member

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    I am interested in the having a regular key for my Smart Key system. This would be a key where you would use the mechanical blade in the door of the car to open the car, then to turn the car to READY, you would hold the head of they key up to the POWER switch so the car could read the transponder value and turn on. Similar the older car keys with a transponder in the plastic head, but using the metal blade to turn the mechanical lock.
    Lexus-transponder-key-ID4D68-4D60-TOY48_s.jpg

    For instance I have taken the battery out of my SMART Key and have opened the car with the emergency key, then held the remote up to the POWER switch and then car would come on and operate. Yes, I realize this would cut down on convenience, but would allow a key to be carried in harsh environments with little risk of damage.

    To make this work, a key would have to have the same transponder in the head of the key as in our smart remote. Does anyone know what type of immobilizer system is in the Prius C3?
    Looking at the chips on the Smart Key didn't tell me much.
    IMG_9617.JPG
    IMG_9616.JPG
     
  2. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    i also would like two of these.(y)
     
  3. SwhitePC

    SwhitePC Active Member

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    no thank you, I'm too spoiled by the SKS as it is, that's like a many steps backwards

    and I still don't get what you want?

    the SKS already has a mechanical key in it, and from my experience with the rain and it getting soaked up wet, it didn't go dead on me (so it seems to be sealed pretty good for the rugged rain), other than rain and dirt/dust what are you going to expect to take your C on? A off-road mud expedition? good luck with that.

    You can always role-play, by taking out the mechanical key and opening the driver door, then putting the key fob to the car start button?

    Also, one of my friend was touting how his 2012 audi A4 had such a great SKS system, and I'm just like, but dude, why do you still have to take out your key fob and insert it into the dash to start the car? lol, that really beats the purpose of luxery
     
    #3 SwhitePC, Aug 29, 2014
    Last edited: Aug 29, 2014
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  4. daddyd302

    daddyd302 Junior Member

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    Wow I just got my Prius C 2 weeks ago and had no idea there was a key!! I am spoiled by the SKS! I love being able to open and lock the doors by touching the door handle. I love the start button, no more putting in a key!!!
     
  5. Locksmithy

    Locksmithy Junior Member

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    Just visit a good locksmith that is an Automotive Specialist... slam dunk!
     
  6. Runswithdog

    Runswithdog Junior Member

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    The visit to the locksmith did not work. He could not find a key that would have a compatible transponder in it. He did manage to program a new key fob for my car, but it is just like the original SMART key fob. LOCKSMITHY if you know of a mechanical key with a transponder that the Prius C would accept, let me know.
     
  7. Easy Rider 2

    Easy Rider 2 Senior Member

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    Something is afoul here.
    I do not believe that the mechanical key HAS a "transponder" in it.
    That resides in the SMART key fob.

    All the mechanical key will do is get you in the door.
    You still must have a key fob, dead or alive, to make the car run.
     
  8. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    you can get a lexus credit card key and skip the mechanical key altogether.
     
  9. Easy Rider 2

    Easy Rider 2 Senior Member

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    Please explain that in a bit more detail.

    (Had to hit the post button twice for this reply.)
     
  10. usnavystgc

    usnavystgc Die Hard DIYer and Ebike enthusiast.

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    If you really want to do this, I suggest you contact PC user ovni. He is an expert on this and has been doing this for the gen II. I'm fairly certain he can do it for the Gen III.
     
  11. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    there is a thread here, where a guy bought a lexus credit card style fob, programmed it for his prius sks and hid the mechanical key in a hide a key box.
     
  12. ftl

    ftl Explicator

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  13. Easy Rider 2

    Easy Rider 2 Senior Member

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    I am impressed that you managed to use the quote function when replying..........:)

    but that is an entirely different situation that "skipping the mechanical key altogether".

    How do you figure that hiding the key outside the car is somehow tied to having a different kind of FOB ????

    And.....I would be a bit concerned that his Lexus FOB might not be recognized if the battery in the FOB ever goes dead.
     
  14. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    i was just mentioning it as a proven alternative to the o/p's next to impossible goal.
     
  15. Easy Rider 2

    Easy Rider 2 Senior Member

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    SIGH.
    No it is NOT.....because you still must have a mechanical key to get INTO the car if the battery in the FOB or the car goes dead.

    But I do agree that the OPs goal is probably impossible, as stated, and unwise to boot.

    You NEED to carry some kind of transponder with you AND a mechanical key.
    The one provided with the C is about as compact as you can get.
     
  16. 3prongpaul

    3prongpaul Hybrid Shop Owner, worked on 100's of Prius's

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    I second the idea to contact OVNI on PriusChat. He does emergency keys for Gen2's, maybe he has them for Prius C.
     
  17. ovni

    ovni Member

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    Im working with an engineer to make a simple chip key that will start car.

    All smart keys from all car makes have a backup RFID chip built into the key. This is the chip that needs to be copied.

    I have the blank chips in my shop...the problem is I haven't been able to crack the encryption on 80bit+ for 2010+ prius. Once encryption cracked..I will be able to transfer data onto a regular key like OP posted.
     
    #17 ovni, Oct 14, 2015
    Last edited: Oct 14, 2015
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  18. ovni

    ovni Member

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    I think the OP wants something like this. Have been doing these keys for many years. Only works on the much older Toyota/Lexus smart equipped cars.

     
  19. InPriusLove

    InPriusLove Member

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    I like my fob. The key is inside it so there is no jagged pinching and it is light. As for the RFID issue, you have that with the transmission. I had a cover work to block the signals until it tore. I feel that Toyota needs to design an "off" switch so we can control when it "talks" to the car.

    I have thought of purchasing the material and creating key fob pouches that are better than the one I had. I don't know if anyone here would be interested.
     
  20. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    i'm in! an off switch is a great idea.(y)