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New Smart Key Programmed on a 2013 Plugin Prius for $115.00

Discussion in 'Gen 1 Prius Plug-in 2012-2015' started by IMkenNY, Jun 5, 2014.

  1. IMkenNY

    IMkenNY Im just being nosy

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    I just finished programming an additional smart key for my 2013 plugin base for a total cost of $115.00

    The key (pun intended) to this task was procuring a new virgin smart key that has never been programmed.
    This EBay seller linked below is offering them for $85.00 shipped via speedy first class mail which I thought was a great price even though this smart key does not have the remote AC button which isn't a necessity here in tropical buffalo N.Y.

    2010 2014 New Toyota Keyless Remote Smart Key Fob Toyota Prius HYQ14ACX | eBay

    I then used my inexpensive mini-vci cable / techstream software that I picked up off EBay last year for ~$30 to program it. (sorry I don't have a link to that EBay seller but I recall it was from China)

    After linking to the car:
    1) I selected Smart Key ECU
    2) Then I selected the Utility option
    3) I Held a programmed smart key to start button
    4) I then held the new virgin smart key up to start button (must be preformed within 30 seconds)

    The Techstream software takes you step by step with very easy to understand instructions.
     
    bwilson4web, mrlebop, 7-0-SAV and 4 others like this.
  2. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    great deal, well done!(y)
     
  3. Mike500

    Mike500 Senior Member

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    I purchased this Mongoose cable clone on Amazon.com in April just to have it.



    I ordered the new Smart Key Remote a couple of weeks, ago, form Camelback Toyota for $127. I got a couple of air filters and made the $150 "free shipping" threshold with an additional $3 surcharge.

    This is the correct part number; 8990447370

    My dealer gave me a "song and dance" on how difficult the remote was to program and how often programming a remote fails. They wanted $100 if they succeed and $50 if they failed.

    Unfortunately, the disk that came with the VCI-mini mongoose cable that I got from Amazon had bugs in it. The "Connect-to-vehicle" sequence failed. I had tried it on both Windows XP-32 bit and Windows 8.1 -64 bit.

    Finally, I got another mongoose cable with TechStream Ver 8.00.034 from another USA vendor on eBay for $38 delivered. That arrived today, and it worked perfectly on both cables. It included settings for every Toyota including all 2013's. I would like to put the extra cable and a copy of the latest workable software up for sale to a PruisChat member, but I am no longer allowed to.

    The dealer said that the programming would take an hour's labor. It took me 20 minutes even with fumbling with the menus and the software.

    My car had two remotes registered. It can take up to five. To me, the extra cost of a "brand new" OEM "virgin remote" was really worth it, even if it costs a little bit more.

    My dealer wanted $100 for a key insert. I got one on eBay for less than $2 delivered. My local locksmith charged me $25 to cut it.

    The prices that I paid were a lot better than the $550 that my dealer wanted. So, even with the $28 spent for the cable with the non-working software, I still saved over half.
     
    PriusC_Commuter and IMkenNY like this.
  4. IMkenNY

    IMkenNY Im just being nosy

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    Good job!
    The key (pun intended) is the programming of a virgin remote.
    You saved hundreds and you now own a great diagnostic tool for any future repairs on your Prius.
     
    Mike500 likes this.
  5. Mike500

    Mike500 Senior Member

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    Thank you for your original post, which provided the inspiration.

    Another thread had this "iffy" seed reset requirement from Toyota of a hacker in Lithuania.

    There have been horror stories of people acquiring Smart Key remotes on eBay with ordeals of taking them to Toyota dealers and locksmiths and failing to have them successfully programmed.

    I've heard that only Toyota can register TPMS tire sensors to a particular vehicle. It must be done with the Techstream system. I'll use the mangoose mini-vci clone cable, if I have to in the future.
     
  6. ghostwhowalks

    ghostwhowalks Junior Member

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  7. DaneH5

    DaneH5 Member

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    I just order a spare FOB from the ebay source. $85
     
  8. ggcc

    ggcc Member

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    Cool!! Thanks,
     
  9. 3prongpaul

    3prongpaul Hybrid Shop Owner, worked on 100's of Prius's

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    Door keys can be cut by code and mailed to you from Toycut - ovnisf Keys , a PC member. If you don't have the door key code it takes 2 minutes to get it off the drivers door lock cylinder, you just need a Torx 30 screwdriver to pull the cylinder (see video on his page).
     
    Okinawa likes this.
  10. Okinawa

    Okinawa Senior Member

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    Valuable information. Thanks for your post.
     
  11. DaneH5

    DaneH5 Member

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    That apply to the gen 3s too?
     
  12. 3prongpaul

    3prongpaul Hybrid Shop Owner, worked on 100's of Prius's

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    Yes, especially Gen3's.
    The silly "side laser cut" key is expensive and very few places have equipment to duplicate it. It is silly because all it can do is open the door, it cannot start the car so why have expensive security/hassle for this application?

    Easiest to order from Toycut - ovnisf Keys via key code. Arrives in the mail in a few days, way cheaper than the dealer.
    Almost all other late model Toyota's and Lexus use the same type of "easy to remove" lock cylinder to retrieve the key code.

    Note, Gen1 and Gen2 keys can be duplicated almost anywhere, if you get the appropriate blank.
     
  13. DaneH5

    DaneH5 Member

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    I was able to get a spare cut for $20 and a spare FOB for $85
     
  14. 3prongpaul

    3prongpaul Hybrid Shop Owner, worked on 100's of Prius's

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    If that included programming that is a very good deal. Who was the vendor?
     
  15. DaneH5

    DaneH5 Member

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    I programmed it myself.
     
  16. Eug

    Eug Swollen Member

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    Would this work on the 2012?
     
  17. Mike500

    Mike500 Senior Member

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  18. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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  19. Eug

    Eug Swollen Member

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    Crap, that fob in the OP's eBay link is $200 now.
     
  20. Mike500

    Mike500 Senior Member

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