programming spare key

The keyslot has been replaced by a sensor in the Power button. So you might be able to replace a "insert keyfob" instruction with "hold keyfob next to Power button".

I keep suggesting trying a Gen2 keyfob as a spare for the Gen3, but no replies so far. Nobody's going to know until somebody actually tries it...

 

The key service at keysfast.info offers duplicate laser keys produced from a picture of the original key. Compare prices at your dealer/locksmith and I think you'll go with keysfast.

The term "laser cut" identifies a particular type of key, but the duplication machines that I've seen advertised don't use a laser to do the cutting. They just use a small drill bit that can make an inside cut on a key groove. The extra security is all based on the fact that the machinery is new. As the machinery gets more popular, the security will end up about the same as the old style edge cut keys.

As for trying a $50 Gen2 key on a Gen3, it's just a theory at this point. I'd hate for you to waste $50 on my unproven theory, but then I'd also like to know if it works. Your call.

 

If you do try the Gen II key and it fails by the DIY methods, I would be happy to try to register it with my Techstream laptop if you want to send it up here. I can't get to SC, so it wouldn't do you much good, but at least we'd know if it could or could not be done.

 

No dice on the Gen II keys, I'm afraid. mlfix sent me one of his Gen II keys and I attempted to register it using the Techstream service device. This was a key with a silver logo on the back. Unfortunately, the car would not seem to recognize the key at all. I don't know what the difference is, frequency or whatever, but I could not make it register.

 

Bummer. Thanks for checking it out.

 

it dont work...i have the gen 2 and i have 4 keys for it....(i loose the keys in my room all the time) and i was wanting to have extra keys for my gen 3 iv im getting and tried it on my neighbors and sadly the gen 2 key fob does not work...so i baught 3 more gen 3 keys that i will get when i pick up my prius.

 

How much does a Gen 3 key cost?

 

the dealer charded me $200.00 for 2 and game me the third one free..

Thank You

 

That's a remarkably good deal. Would you happen to know the part number?

 

No. Um I look for it though. I got my car the somebody hit whip I was parked so yea. I soppised to get the car back this weekend. Dummy me left all five keys in the car so I hope there still in there. Come to think of it I left everything in there cause I just got in that morning and went to school where I volenteer and got hit so everything went with it.

I'll send you a personal message when I get the car back.

 

I too have been floored by the price quoted from the dealership to get a new, fully programmed fob and cut emergency key (we should all be complaining non-stop to Toyota about this - it's the only real complaint I have with my Prius....)

I've looked around a lot and especially at the keys available off Ebay. There seems to be a lot of conflicting stories about whether these "used" keys can be made to work (and by work I mean doors, ignition, proximity - a fully functioning smart key). I've contacted several dealerships and they either can't or won't program these.

I did find an article from artsautomotive that says, yes, they can be programmed, but it is a more difficult and expensive task. They seem to know what they are talking about... but unless you are in their area, you are still stuck with finding a local garage/dealership that can/will. Since most of these Ebay keys for a 2010 prius are $100-$150, I came to the conclusion that, for me at least, in the end they are too expensive/risky...

Go to the Artsautomotive website "artsautomotive.com"
(sorry couldn't post an actual link due to newby restrinctions...)

 

Precut (the key won't physically work - you need to get a new blank cut) - can be found on Ebay at $50. I had them programmed for my last 2010, and tomorrow, they will program them for my new 2010 (had them agree to programing before purchase).

 

I've been debating opening a separate thread on the topic.

I don't like carrying key remotes. I'd like a plain old mechanical key cut to match the original mechanical key that has RFID in the handle programmed to match the original fob's RFID signal, that can be used in the same way as the fob when its battery is dead.

Does such a thing exist? Am I the the only person that prefers small and simple like this?

 

It's been my idea for some time to build an ordinary transponder key out of a transponder liberated from a keyfob and an ordinary key blank. The Gen2 keyfob has a transponder chip inside it. You could drill a transponder size hole in a rubber/plastic key head, and glue the transponder in. On the Gen2, you would then insert the key backwards into the keyslot to unlock the ignition. I haven't seen the inside of a 2010 keyfob, but I assume it also has a separate transponder chip.

 

People: You have been warned. If you want a Gen III key, don't try Keysfast. Right now I'm going through my credit card company to get a back charge against this guy.

Yep, he found a Toyota key. Yep, he "laser cut" the key as advertised. But the key he found is not an electronic one that's usable with a U.S. Prius. So, one can get into the car with the thing but can't start said car.

The key fob is vaguely the right size and shape, but is silver, not black, and, instead of the "honk the horn" button on the thing, it's got a "trunk open" button. Not exactly useful for a Pruis, what?

Mind you, if you look at the pretty pictures on his web site, there's what looks like a Pruis Gen III key. And, yes, I corresponded with him first, thoroughly, to make sure that the key he was going to make worked with a Gen III Prius.

Even took the fob he sent me to a Toyota dealer. They were nice and didn't charge me for trying, but they have no clue (to the point of not being able to look up the part number) what this key is for, and were unable to program it.

Contacted the man. He refuses to do anything about it, including a refund. So much for that.

KBeck.

 

The mechanical key gets you in the door. A Gen2 mechanical key can be purchased anywhere duplicate keys are made, frequently for about $2.

The laser cut key that the Gen3 uses is a very different story. The equipment used to cut the key is a much newer design, and not available at the $2 key type places. The equipment I've seen uses a bit that grinds away metal from the slot, instead of from the edge like on the Gen2.

Like the Gen2 $2 key, ordinary style laser keys are available for the Gen3. It doesn't have to be the shorty that fits inside a keyfob.

A spare mechanical key is useful to have, even though it doesn't start the car. Theoretically, a mechanical key with the same transponder in it as the keyfob uses would be able to start the car.

I've liberated a transponder from a Gen2 keyfob, programmed the car for it, and used the transponder to start my Gen2. But I don't know which, if any, standard transponder key uses the same type. If someone wants to buy me a Gen3, I'd be happy to experiment with the Gen3 key system.