Smart Key Repair or Replacement Options

Hi Michael,

If one fob works but the other doesn't, then my guess is that the fob has failed and will need to be replaced, for around $300 or so which includes the fob cost plus programming.

The Prius is programmed to recognize a given fob. The fob is not programmed.

 

and you've stuck the "dead" fob into the dash to help it get re aquanted?

i'm only down to 1 fob.. since my mom lost the other one two years ago... grumble grumble...

i would assume any of the major dealers around the bay can help.. there's many...start calling.

 

The tag, by the way, is just for cutting the emergency metal key that's included in the fob.

 

I would buy a new keyfob online from a dealer, such as Champion ToyotaWorld

The keyfob part number is 89994-47061

Then take the new keyfob to Art's Automotive in Berkeley. They are an independent shop that has the knowledge and specialized equipment to work on the Prius. Cost will be about $140+ shipping for the keyfob, and $50 to program the car to accept the new keyfob.

The value of both purchasing the keyfob and having the programming done at a dealership is that they can just keep getting keyfobs from the parts department until they get one that works. You might also want to check what Art's would charge you for a keyfob (probably list price, as they just get it from a dealer and do normal markup).

The old keyfob will work when plugged into the dash, so it's worth keeping around as an emergency spare. You could also switch the old keyfob mechanical key to the new keyfob, and skip getting the new mechanical key cut.

Programming the SKS functions on a used keyfob just doesn't work. So sources other than a dealer are not likely to be successful.

 

if you want to do some homework, and call around, and research this matter. you should be able to get a locksmith to program your fobs. california state law says that toyota MUST share its security codes with them. when calling around, ask them specifically if they can reprogram the prius. you will probably save a couple hundred bucks.

ask your dealer if they are willing to come to your work or home to program your car. they won't but a properly licensed locksmith in the state of california with the right equipment will. a lock smith will probably only charge you $200-$300 if they need to come to your house at 3 in the morning....

 

I lost my smartkey fob for 2008 prius, so I was wondering what is the best option that I should consider?

If i get a new fob and programming goes well, who can "cut" that mechanical key that is attached to side of fob?

dealer wants $230 for the fob and $ 110 to program the fob.
is this what it usually costs?

I really do not like spending more than i have to.

 

Yes. I new fob comes with a blank mechanical key that can be cut to match. Those prices sound fairly typical, from what has been posted before.

Tom

 

harpsax,
If I were you, I would e-mail (or get on Toyota dealers' website in Bay Area) service departments of local Toyota dealers' service depart. and ask for a quote on replacing (not re-programming) a new SKS fob (parts+labor). Usually, it costs about $250-300. You would be surprised. Sometimes, a specific dealer charges much lower. Find a coupon (usually also on their website for parts or labor) if all possible - usually it is.
Going to eBay and reprogramming at non-dealers places has its risk for saving $100. Your call.
From your description, it sounds like the fob is bad. No point in re-programming the ECU to recognize it. Money could be wasted.

Personally, I found Fremont Toyota charges lower than Piercey in terms of cost of service. I have not been to other dealers yet. (Though, I bought mine from Piercey).

 

You need to get a new key fob. The ebay fobs will only operate the ignition-the other functions will not work. You can find a dealer that will give 10% off for the fob. I got mine for $175. The same dealer programed it for $40 while others wanted up to $170. You really need to shop around to get the best price for fob replacement.

 

What did you find out about the costs of smart key replacement in the Bay Area? I am looking to do the same, and the few dealers that I called, were in $290-300 range for parts plus labor. If I got a new key from online stores for $140-150, then these dealers quoted $150 for labor. Please let me know if you found someone who would do it for less.

Thanks,
AJM

 

I'm in the same situation as you, can you share what's the best option?

 

I think we should be greatful that we can at least buy the fobs from ebay. We should also be thankful that the dealer can do the programming for just $50 and you are on your way. Here is what my uncle is having to go through with his Renault Espace.

1) Order the new fob from the Renault dealer.
2) Dealer places order from Renault with the cars VIN #.
3) Renault then programs the new fob with the cars VIN#
4) Renault sends fob to the dealer
5) Dealer request the unique software programming code from Renault.
6) Once the unique software code is sent to the dealership, the technician has one hour to use the code.
7) The cars computer is update with the keys information and job is done.

***If the key is not use on the car that it was encoded for, IT BECOMES USELESS!!!! Remember, the VIN # is encoded with the key and no other car will accept it.

 

I lost my 2010 prius key fob - found one on ebay and am on my way to the dealers to get programmed - do i need to say something to get the best deal?

 

In a word, "DIY". You can get the keyfob to work in the dash by yourself. Nobody, including the dealer, can make a used keyfob work with the smart system on a different car than it was originally set up for. Check out http://priuschat.com/forums/knowled...lly-how-program-non-sks-key-fob-detailed.html

Edit: Oops... Just noticed that you have a 2010. The instructions are for Gen2. As for the 2010 keyfob, pray for mercy.

 

Ebay fob did not work --- eeeeekkkkk this sure is an unknown cost for new Prius owners-

 

Well I fell in the same eBay hole as you did. Paid close to 100 bucks and unable to get a refund. Still looking for a dealer in the Dallas area who can do it, so far no luck at all. I am close to tossing this in the can :mad2:

Good Luck and let me know how it goes for you.

 

The dealer needs to do a "Smart Code Reset" in order to register a used keyfob. Costs more than adding a new keyfob, but it does work. Without the reset, only the transponder (keyfob in dash) function can be registered (and you can do that yourself).

Edit: Just noticed the 2010 again... This is uncharted territory. But the reset has been available since the 2004 came out, and we only learned of it in the past few months.

 

Yep, MY2010, the push button ignition start type. Something tells me it will cost more to reprogram this eBay POS :Cry:

 

The eBay fob is a 2010, isn't it? The 2010 uses a new type of fob.

Tom