1. Attachments are working again! Check out this thread for more details and to report any other bugs.

Stolen key fob (burglary) ... what to do?

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Main Forum' started by Leeyum, Jun 29, 2015.

  1. Leeyum

    Leeyum Junior Member

    Joined:
    Sep 20, 2012
    3
    0
    0
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius Plug-in
    Model:
    Plug-in Advanced
    Someone broke into my house and got the main key fob I've been using on my 2012 Plug In Prius.

    I'm 98% sure it was a spur of the moment burglary by non-professional, but I really don't like the feeling. Someone else has a key, which with they can open my car any time, or even conceivably drive it off.

    What are my options?

    Can Toyota deactivate any fob not in in my possession, and sell me another (backup) fob?

    Are there any other options here? I suspect that will be a costly fix for a remote possibility ....

    Thanks!

    Liam
     
  2. Roland1555

    Roland1555 Senior Member

    Joined:
    Aug 17, 2010
    282
    68
    0
    Location:
    Vancouver BC
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Pretty sure that your 2012 is similar to my 2010, in that the car can only store a limited number of fob profiles.

    In other words, if you buy a new fob and have it programmed you can 'bump' out the one that was stolen.

    Roland
     
    Leeyum likes this.
  3. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

    Joined:
    Oct 17, 2010
    54,661
    38,205
    80
    Location:
    Greater Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    Touring
    As far as $, do you have home insurance? It might be worthwhile to claim for it. Other items stolen too?
     
    Leeyum likes this.
  4. ETC(SS)

    ETC(SS) The OTHER One Percenter.....

    Joined:
    Oct 28, 2010
    7,673
    6,492
    0
    Location:
    Redneck Riviera (Gulf South)
    Vehicle:
    Other Non-Hybrid
    Model:
    N/A
    If the thieves stole enough to warrant a homeowner's insurance claim, then I'd be tempted to add the fob replacement.

    IIRC, a competent locksmith can reseed the car for a new fob in about 30-minutes, and this will allow them to remove the stolen fob and add the replacement. Since you live in a place that sells Pips - I'm guessing that there's a locksmith nearby that can assist you.

    You've already been ripped off once.
    I'd avoid a dealership - but if you're one of those people who still uses a dealership for car maintenance, here's a good chance to test their honesty.
    If they mention replacing anything but the stolen key fob, or they try to overcharge for this service (l'm thinking anything above $250) then they will have failed that test----especially if hey use the "we have to replace the computer" scam.

    Good Luck!

     
    Leeyum likes this.
  5. David Beale

    David Beale Senior Member

    Joined:
    Jul 24, 2006
    5,963
    1,981
    0
    Location:
    Edmonton Alberta
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius
    When they reprogram the car they can remove all programmed FOBs, then add back the ones you take in when you have this service done. It -should- cost you about $150 to have the reprogramming done, and, from the dealer, about $250 for the FOB. If it's a good dealer they may wave the programming cost (they make so much off the FOB sale, and they may take pity on your for the theft).
     
    Leeyum likes this.
  6. Leeyum

    Leeyum Junior Member

    Joined:
    Sep 20, 2012
    3
    0
    0
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius Plug-in
    Model:
    Plug-in Advanced
    I live near Sacramento, but work in the East Bay 3-4 days a week (Martinez and San Pablo). Yes, I have been going to dealers for service, but feeling more and more like I'm getting ripped off. Any suggestions on how to get out of the dealer racket but still have confidence in the people working on your car?
     
  7. DumbMike

    DumbMike Active Member

    Joined:
    Aug 21, 2010
    560
    119
    0
    Location:
    Los Angeles
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    II
    You might want to purchase the below form Amazon. Though I didn't remove a FOB from the car's computer, I used it to add a new FOB. It's a way to avoid the dealership prices. You might want to ask others about their experience with the program.

    Mike