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Brand new key worked WITHOUT programming

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Main Forum' started by apadua, Jul 29, 2015.

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  1. apadua

    apadua Junior Member

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    Here is the situation

    I completely lost my 2005 prius key two days ago. After searching my cars, bags, house and trash I was unable to find they key.

    After a days research and pricing out different options I ended up by a New key replacement off of amazon. I had it shipped via same day delivery.

    It arrived at my house last night and the lock smith was going to show up in the morning to program the key. On whim I wanted to make sure that the key that was sent actually fit into the slot (rectangular slot which is located right of the steering wheel)

    I put it in and the CAR STARTED... Drove it around the block and took into work this morning...

    Although I saved some $$ in programming fees... It is kind of scary... What could cause this? Is there a mode on my Prius will just accept any key?? Remember the original key is completely lost not in the vehicle. But even if it was wouldn't you still need to program the new key?
     
    #1 apadua, Jul 29, 2015
    prius_nerd likes this.
  2. valde3

    valde3 Senior Member

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    Try to turn the SKS (keyless) system off with the button near driver’s knee. If it then doesn’t work you still have the old key I the car.
     
    #2 valde3, Jul 29, 2015
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  3. Beachbummm

    Beachbummm Senior Member

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    your missing key is inside the car or close to where the car was parked and the SKS is picking up that signal...only way to explain it, start pulling the seats out you will find it and looking around the area....try to start it without the new key parked in the same spot
     
    #3 Beachbummm, Jul 29, 2015
  4. JC91006

    JC91006 Senior Member

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    I just tried putting the wrong key in the slot and having the correct key in the car. The car won't start with the wrong key in the slot, even if the right key is present
     
    #4 JC91006, Jul 29, 2015
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  5. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    you hit the lottery!(y)
     
    #5 bisco, Jul 29, 2015
  6. The Electric Me

    The Electric Me Go Speed Go!

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    I'm at a loss to explain this without supernatural involvement.
     
    #6 The Electric Me, Jul 29, 2015
  7. JC91006

    JC91006 Senior Member

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    Just for fun. Try to press the button and start the car with no key present and see what happens.
     
    #7 JC91006, Jul 29, 2015
    prius_nerd and valde3 like this.
  8. apadua

    apadua Junior Member

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    It still worked.. That was the first the the service guy at the dealer tried

    An icon of a yellow key (broken or has a line through it) appears on the dashbaord..
     
    #8 apadua, Jul 29, 2015
    Last edited by a moderator: Jul 29, 2015
  9. JC91006

    JC91006 Senior Member

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    do the buttons on your new key fob work? unlock/lock?
     
    #9 JC91006, Jul 29, 2015
  10. apadua

    apadua Junior Member

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    I ended up taking it to the dealer.

    They are going to program the lock and unlock functions.

    I asked if they were going to using the "chicken dance" method and they told me that since I did not have the original key that I was unable to program the remote by myself (using the chicken dance method)

    Is that true???

    No
     
    #10 apadua, Jul 29, 2015
    Last edited by a moderator: Jul 29, 2015
  11. JC91006

    JC91006 Senior Member

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    What's the quote from the dealer to program this key? You cannot do the chicken dance without an original key
     
    #11 JC91006, Jul 29, 2015
  12. apadua

    apadua Junior Member

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    $115 USD
     
    #12 apadua, Jul 29, 2015
  13. JC91006

    JC91006 Senior Member

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    That's very reasonable for someone that's lost all his keys........Make sure the dealer cuts the small metal key in the fob, they have the equipment to do it there.
     
    #13 JC91006, Jul 29, 2015
  14. apadua

    apadua Junior Member

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    ^^ Yes they will be cutting the key free of charge.
     
    #14 apadua, Jul 29, 2015
  15. JC91006

    JC91006 Senior Member

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    Excellent!

    Not too long ago, what you are asking the dealer to do would cost you over $1000
     
    #15 JC91006, Jul 29, 2015
  16. geekwithoutacause

    geekwithoutacause Junior Member

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    im guessing the keys aren't as safe as they seem.
    Anyone here successfully added a 2nd key (sks) that was used before on another car ?
     
    #16 geekwithoutacause, Aug 4, 2015
  17. JC91006

    JC91006 Senior Member

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    you can add a used key if you reseed the car, erase everything and add
     
    #17 JC91006, Aug 4, 2015
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  18. geekwithoutacause

    geekwithoutacause Junior Member

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    Dealer only ?
     
    #18 geekwithoutacause, Aug 4, 2015
  19. JC91006

    JC91006 Senior Member

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    Dealer, locksmith, or if you have MiniVCI with techstream and buy a special reseed code online.

    Not all dealers know how to do this either, so if you attempt it, best to ask questions first.

    If you only need 1 key, it's best to buy new and do the chicken dance routine. A used key plus all the programming fees will exceed the cost of the new key
     
    #19 JC91006, Aug 4, 2015
  20. geekwithoutacause

    geekwithoutacause Junior Member

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    I have mini vci , latest version, working.
    Who sells the seeds?
     
    #20 geekwithoutacause, Aug 4, 2015
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