Smart start and spare key

I got an extra keyfob off eBay and managed to program the car to accept it in the keyslot (without any visits to the dealer). This keyfob only works when plugged into the dash, but it's adequate as an emergency key. I took the battery out, keep the keyfob in the car, and use a cheap ($2) mechanical key to get into the car. The full function smart keyfob stays home when I do outdoorsy stuff.

I think the programming procedure that I used is the one described in http://priuschat.com/index.php?showtopic=23344 . It took several hours of fiddling, and I tried so many things that I'm not sure which one worked. One variable to try is to use the Smart Key disable switch under the steering wheel. I've read several times that the button press and keyslot functions can be programmed without the use of the scan tool. I've only read one claim of programming the Smart Key function without the scan tool.

So I guess the process is that you get an extra keyfob, and then try programming it yourself until you succeed or tire of the process. If this doesn't work, then you take all of the keyfobs to a dealer for a try with a scan tool. Prices to program a keyfob to your car range from free to over $100. I don't understand the variability, but the process seems to be trivial for some techs, and near impossible for others. They should be able to add a keyfob with just one that works plus your new one. Apparently sometimes a keyfob just won't program unless they reset the immobilizer computer and reprogram it for all of the keyfobs.

The procedure described references the Prius Executive and Sol. Certainly not my 2006 US package #8. The Excecutive apparently has SKS, while the Sol does not (like the US package #1).

A $60 keyfob off eBay is probably worth a try if all you want is the keyslot function. If you want a guarantee, then you'll just have to pay the $200+ that a dealer charges.

 

I got my key programmed fro free at power toyota in Tempe, Arizona . They are great.

They also explained you can tell a smart key from a non smart key that look the same by the smart key has a silver Toyota marker on it and the regular FOB is all black on the emblem.

Also you can't reprogram a smart key once it was programmed for another car. It's a program once only.

They had new keys for $200 each with free peogramming . Nice place, smart people. I'd go there for any work.

 

The keyfobs are actually never programmed. It is the car that is programmed to accept the key number of a particular keyfob. I think the one-time idea relates to the problems that sometimes occur in programming the car. It could be defective keyfobs, and there certainly is a problem trying to use a 2004 keyfob on later year cars. Note also that there are three functions to be programmed, the transponder code (plug in dash function), the conventional remote transmitter (the buttons), and the smart (keyfob in pocket) function. Plus of course the mechanical key which can lock/unlock the driver's door.

For an emergency key, only the transponder and mechanical key functions are necessary. I would expect that the transponder code in any keyfob could be successfully programmed into any keyslot equipped Prius. So the cheapest eBay keyfob should work. The exception of course would be a defective keyfob, which might well find its way onto eBay...

Now, Tempe is a 700 mile drive for me, so I guess somebody more local would be a better place to take my Prius. But there is obviously a good tech working there, and I like their price!

 

"I've only read one claim of programming the Smart Key function without the scan tool."

Hello,

Do you have the link for that one claim of programming the Smart Key function without the scan tool?
I have been unable to find any.
Thanks very much!!!

Abe

 

Good stuff, I'll pay a visit to a local dealer and see how much it is here. I would like the smart key fob programmed just like my original. I purchased my vehicle used so only one keyfob at the moment.

 

This thread is three years old. It's not likely the OP is still watching the thread.

In answer to your question, no, you can't program a Smart Fob without a Toyota tool.

Tom