Can a locksmith program a FOB?

Please note that the fob is not programmed. Rather, the Prius security system ECU is programmed to recognize the fob in question. This programming requires access to either the Toyota proprietary laptop or hand held tester, and it is unlikely that a locksmith would have invested in one or the other tool.

It is not possible to shift the car from P to any other gear until the car is either IG-ON or READY. Neither condition can be reached until the car recognizes the fob being used for access.

Since you bought the car at auction without a working fob, I suppose this means you did not drive the car prior to buying it. Good luck with your purchase...

 

there are third party solutions availalble to locksmiths for toyota vehicles. its one of the things toyota is pretty much forced to share. this would require access to toyota's computers (for the password). but the cost of towing around a prius to different lock smits might cost more then just taking it to the dealer.

ideas:

call AAA and have them unlock the doors that way the locksmith can't charge you $120 for opening the car

ask the lock smith if he does mobile service ???

is the service free if he cannot do it?

what is the brand name and model number of the device you will be using to set the keys?

ive seen pictures of non toyota non mastertech 3rd party key programmers that claim to work with these cars

its just like the tpms thing, toyota has to share this stuff.. wasn't there some locksmith law that was either passed or not
that forced car makers to do this?

the major hurdle the locksmith will have to cross about making prius keys, is not the equipment, he is going to have to contact
toyota and provide the seed numbers to them, in order to retrieve the password....

reccomendation : i hear you have to make sure you have the correct key for the same model year. stock up on keys. if you have to go to the dealer, bring 4, i am betting that if you have the keys, the charge for 4 keys will be the same as 1 key this way you get your moneys worth..

if the car isn't a smart key car, then you just need 1 key and you can add the keys later

 

in addition to the dealer scantool, you also need access to toyota's proprietary information system to get an access code if you have no working keys.

 

here's what they will do at the dealership:
http://priuschat.com/forums/care-ma...21501-end-don-t-lose-your-keys-else-myth.html

 

that law is just caliifornia...

California last year passed a law requiring most car manufacturers to provide their key codes to licensed locksmiths. The law takes effect Jan. 1, 2008. It was sponsored by the American Automobile Association and opposed by many luxury car makers, who said it could compromise vehicle security. The law exempts a handful of manufacturers, including Mercedes-Benz, BMW, and Jaguar, until 2013.

Officials at Toyota Motor Corp. said their key codes are available to most locksmiths. The officials said the high cost of replacement keys is largely a function of the technology contained in them. They noted the average cost of a replacement key for a Prius is about $300.

Replacing car keys is no longer quick or cheap - The Boston Globe

 

http://www.michaelhyde.com/product_p/tcode-pro-midway.htm

says it can do toyota & lexus basic! but you could get like 5 scantools for the cost of that beast!

szhtech's tcode 300 claims it can do the prius too (2004)

 

With proper software, Yes, a locksmith can program a FOB. :rockon:

 

hey i m having this same problem as you. If you happen to know anyone that can program please let me know thanks im located in hayward california

 

Please post again with the results.