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Transponder key as backup

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by Cadenza, Aug 26, 2014.

  1. Cadenza

    Cadenza Member

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    Hi PC'ers -

    I just bought an '05 Prius with only one SKS key fob/remote. After some researching, it looks like there is an alternative to buying a brand new key fob ($120) and program it via the Chicken Dance method. According to these videos, a Toyota transponder key ($12-$20) can be programmed to work but without the SKS features...





    Since it will be my backup key, I don't really care for the SKS features. It appears that Toyota has a part number for a transponder key for only GenI. There are also transponder keys for other Toyota models and one or more of them works with the GenII Prius... but and the fellas in the videos don't say which.

    So... can anyone in the PC collective point me in the right direction?

    Thanks!
     
  2. JC91006

    JC91006 Senior Member

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    The sks features are priceless, $120 is a small price to not lose those features when you lose your last key. Just think a dealer would charge you $300 for a backup key, it's a savings of $180.
     
  3. gringostar

    gringostar Junior Member

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    Is this true? If one loses all of one's SKS keys and only has a transponder, will it cost EXTRA to get an SKS key again?
     
  4. JC91006

    JC91006 Senior Member

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    This scenario used to be $1000 at the dealer. But recently I read another member losing all their keys and got another key programmed to their car for less than $400. So maybe the dealers are feeling a bit guilty about taking your money so easily.

    Each key at the dealer retails for about $160 at the dealer. They can be purchased online for less. However if you lose all your keys, you would have to buy the key at the dealer for $160 x 2, plus special programming to your car. This special programming is anywhere from $400-$1000 as mentioned above.