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Any success stories with used SKS FOBs?

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Audio and Electronics' started by gringostar, Oct 21, 2014.

  1. gringostar

    gringostar Junior Member

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    Hello all,

    I've purchased a used SKS FOB on ebay. I found a locksmith on Yelp who will program it for $100. (Obviously I'm not going to pay him until it's done). I've found some conflicting reports that fobs will only work a set number of times. That sounds awfully hard to believe given this is a small computer.

    Has anyone had success with used fobs?

    Is it true I can program a new SKS fob msyself?

    Is it true fobs will only work a certain number of times?
     
  2. JC91006

    JC91006 Senior Member

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    You can program the used fob you purchased to just start the car yourself. No sks functions and you would need the little key to lock/unlock the car. There's a thread here "how to program sks key". 2 parts to it, just follow the 1st part for the transponder portion, skip sks part since you have a used key
     
  3. gringostar

    gringostar Junior Member

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    Can I program a used SKS key FOB to work as an SKS key FOB? Any success stories from folks who have paid to have a used SKS fob work as an SKS key?
     
  4. JC91006

    JC91006 Senior Member

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    The used key can be programmed at the dealer or someone with locksmith credentials, it's a more complex programming. It can be done but it'll cost you more than buying a new one on Amazon for $120 and self programming, which is FREE.

    From all your other threads, the used key programming is already $100 plus the cost of the used FOB. That alone is more than what you would have spent for the NEW fob and programming it yourself with the instructions on this site. Why buy used when you can get NEW for less?
     
  5. JC91006

    JC91006 Senior Member

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    Here's how to program the transponder part of your USED KEY. This will start the car only, no sks functions

    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. 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.
    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.
    5. Remove the new fob and you're done. You should test both fobs to be sure they work properly.
     
  6. JC91006

    JC91006 Senior Member

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    If you bought NEW FOB, these would be the instructions to program it. This only works on NEW FOBS.

    This procedure (steps 1. through 10.) is for chrome logo key fobs and vehicles with SKS functionality

    Lock/unlock doors remotely + SMART KEY functionality
    --------------------
    1. Open the driver door and leave it open with no fob in slot (ensure the driver door is unlocked). Other doors can be locked or unlocked, it doesn't matter.
    Complete step 2 within 5 seconds
    2. Insert old fob into slot and remove it twice.
    Complete steps 3. and 4. within 40 seconds of completing step 2.

    3. Close and open driver door twice.
    4. Insert and remove old fob once.
    Complete steps 5., 6., 7. and 8. within 40 seconds of completing step 4.
    5. Close and open driver door twice again.
    6. Insert old fob in slot and close door.
    7. Without pressing the brake, press power button, wait a second, press it again, wait a second, press it a third time to turn car back off.
    8. Remove old fob from slot. You'll be in "add mode" at this point. Within 3 seconds, the car should lock and unlock doors to verify it is in add mode. (the precise number of times the car locks/unlocks the door is model specific - but it should do it at least once). If it does not cycle the locks, return to step 1. otherwise proceed to step 9.

    Steps 9.a. and 9.b. should be started within 40 seconds of completing step 8.
    9a: Press and hold the Lock and Unlock key (simultaneously) on the OLD/MASTER fob. (a couple of seconds should pass and the locks will cycle once. If you do not get this cycle, it is likely due to a weak CR 2032 battery in your fob. Replace the battery in your old fob and try again).
    9b: Press both the Lock and Unlock key (simultaneously) on the NEW fob. Hold for about 1.5 seconds (two users have reported it being necessary to execute this step twice, if your first go around does not indicate success, try it again and execute this step twice. Please post what worked in the comments below).
    9c: Within three seconds, press the lock key on the NEW fob. If successful the lock/unlock will cycle once indicating success (It may take a while for the lock/unlock cycle. I've seen it happen just as I was ready to say, "well, it didn't work". If you wait for a long time and get no cycle at all, complete step 10. and test to see if the SKS functions of your new fob work. If they do, pls report that on this thread).
    9d. - If you need or want to program another "new" fob, repeat steps 9. a. 9.b. and 9.c. for the next new fob. If done programming fobs, proceed to step 10.
    10. To end this programming, open then close the driver's door or put the fob in the slot.
     
  7. valde3

    valde3 Senior Member

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    Is there actually memory in a fob? Other vice how car would know that fob is now or used?
     
  8. JC91006

    JC91006 Senior Member

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    I can't remember the exact science behind it, there are many posts here that covers this technology. Once the FOB has been programmed once, it's marked permanently as "used" and the car no longer can program it as a NEW Fob. Like once you break the seal on an airtight package, people will know it's not new and unopened.

    Sorry I can't be more specific
     
  9. Scott Rizzo

    Scott Rizzo Junior Member

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    There is a difference between an "OEM" new never programmed FOB and on that has already been linked to a vehicle. That being said there is hope if you have gotten one off EBay that was used. The directions to program the ability to start the car work fine but the smart key (SKS) functions will not program with the open-close-door dance. All 4 of the Toyota dealers that I called told me there was nothing I could do and offered to sell me a new FOB and program it for prices ranging from $230-$290.
    A locksmith saved the day. There is a device called a T-Code pro that plugs into the OBDII port on the Prius (I have a 2008) and allows the locksmith to reset the immobilizer (takes 16 min) after the reset ALL FOBs have to be programmed into the system. This is as simple as holding both the lock and unlock buttons on the FOB for a second or two. The car will beep and ta-da the $60 used FOB now works for both the ignition and the SKS. I am sure prices will vary but the locksmith that I found only charged $50 for the service (I brought the car to him so no travel fee). So for about $110 I now have two FOBs with complete functionality, one original to the car and one “used” one from EBay.
    I hope this helps other owners that, like me are just trying to save a buck.
     
  10. JC91006

    JC91006 Senior Member

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    A "NEW" Fob from Amazon will be less than $120 and you can program it yourself without travel time to a locksmith. There is no value in purchasing a used Fob for $60 and paying someone $50 to program it. You end up with a $110 "USED" Fob......that may or may not work until after you program it.