Replacement keys on ebay

You do have a smart key if it has the silver on the back. I purchased a key on ebay and did not have good luck. I also had it programmed at my local Toyota dealer and the dealer was able to get it to work to start the car but not to get the keyless entry buttons to work. Make sure you buy one that has a blank "key" in it so it will work to open your car incase the battery goes out.

 

A recent post indicated that previously programmed keys won't work. The dealer can't erase the previous programming. The general impression that I got is that only new unprogrammed silver logo keys will work with all the smart key functions. Good luck.

 

I am pressing button #2 on my keyboard to answer, once again, one of the most commonly asked questions asked on PC. And no, the #1 question isn't "How do I search PC for a specific topic."

Prius key fobs:

1) The key fobs come in two varieties: smart and dumb. The smart keys, or SKS key fobs, have a silver logo. The dumb key fobs are all black.

2) The smart function is separate from the dumb function. In other words, a smart key has a dumb key inside of it. Because of this a smart key can be programmed to work as a dumb key, but not the other way around.

3) Dumb keys work by inserting the fob into the slot on the dash, or holding the fob up to the power button on the Gen III.

4) Any Prius owner can program a dumb fob to work with their Prius. This includes used dumb fobs from EBay. You don't need the dealer to do this programming. The instructions can be found on PC (search works well). A used smart key can be programmed in this way, but it will only work as a dumb key.

5) Only a dealer or a locksmith with the right electronic tools can program the Prius to accept a new smart key. Note that the car is programmed to the key, not the other way around. This only works with new smart keys: a used fob from EBay will not work.

6) Some dealers have the ability to get a new "seed" from Toyota and completely reset the key system of your Prius. These dealers can take a used smart key and make it work by reseting the seed and re-adding in all of your fobs. Note that this takes longer, so any cost savings from buying a used smart key will likely be wiped out by the higher labor charges.

7) The Gen III (2010) Prius has a new key system. The specifics of this new system may vary from what I have described.

Tom

 

I have a working smart key from when I bought the car. I bought a Dumb key over ebay and also a key blank. Programmed key myself. Got key cut at Home depot. Total cost about 40$. I have a fully usable key. Only door lock unlock does not work as compared to a standard dumb key.

Some users have been able to program buttons as well. I could not.

 

A physical key will open the driver's door. It's a standard Toyota blank, available anywhere they cut keys. The physical key in the fob has a special small head, but it's still the same blank.

The reused smart key can be used to start the car just as you would with any normal dumb fob.

Tom

 

The specific function that the dealer/locksmith has to use is a "Smart Code Reset". Many dealers don't seem to even know about it. This is similar to an "Immobilizer Code Reset" that is used when all keys have been lost. Doing a "Smart Code Reset" allows full registration of used silver logo (SKS) keyfobs, including keyfob buttons and the proximity functions.

 

To do this, the dealer or locksmith calls Toyota, supplies information proving that they are authorized to do this procedure, and then Toyota gives them a reset code. The reset code is valid for a very short period of time to help prevent theft.

Because of the additional steps, I often wonder whether the dealers don't know about this, or just don't want to do it. On the other hand, I am often shocked by what dealers don't know.

Tom

 

So it means that I need to get a NEW key from ebay and take it to the dealer/locksmith to cut and program it. What are the costs for this? They key from ebay is like $100 for new and $50-60 for used.

 

1) Used key fobs will work, but you will need a dealer willing to reset and reseed your immobilizer. This will cost more.

2) Anyone can cut the mechanical key. It's a standard Toyota blank, but with a special plastic end.

Tom

 

I want full functionality in the replacement key, so I think used will not work for keyless entry and start and probably the remote buttons will not work too. So will end up using the metal key to open the door and key fob to start the car.

So USED Key ~ Dumb Key (if you don't want to spend a lot of $$ on dealer reprogramming the ECU)
NEW Key ~ Smart Key (How much will it cost for the dealer to add the key to the ECU?)

 

Thank you so much for this, I've been searching through the forums for the last 2 hours trying to find information on this. I bought my car used and they would only give me 1 key (sks/silver key).

I just asked the dealer while I was there how much it would cost to program a key, he said $107. Then I asked him how much it was for a new key and he laughed and said $200-300. I said that I'd look online for one and he agreed that's a good idea.

I guess the bigger question should be, will they reprogram/reseed a used/refurbished smart key.

 

Tom,

I'd like to second those thanks. Just a couple clarifying questions:

1) When reprograming a used key (be it SKS or not) for my SKS car, are the door lock/unlock buttons part of the dumb key, or the smart key? I've read about plenty of people saying that they could program a replacement key to get the car to start but not those buttons to work, including someone on this thread. I wanted to see what your opinion was on that.

2) Assuming I made myself one of these dumb keys, and then lost my one remaining smart key, would I still be able to program another dumb key for myself? I know I would need to pay someone to do the Immobilizer Code Reset if I wanted a new smart key... I know that you need at least one remaining key to program an extra key yourself, but I've also read some things about "master keys" and didn't know if that would come into play (in that my dumb key could not help create more dumb keys on its own).

 

I have the smart key in my Prius, and I like it. My wife's Insight has a regular key for starting and a fob for opening the doors. The Insight starts electrically like the Prius, but uses a regular key for startup. Perhaps a simpler system not as prone to malfunction. You always have a key for entry and for startup.

Can my Prius be started up with the key? I've never had to, so I'll have to look it up.

How do you know when the battery in your smart key needs changing? Any early warnings?

 

The thing I noticed was that the automatic door unlocking started intermittently not working. And once the car need to have the fob inserted to start. All problems went away when I replaced the battery.

One possible check would be to leave your fob in a cold place overnight, either outside or in the refrigerator. Like all battery powered devices, there will be less power. If the fob does not work while cold, but does once it warms up, it may be time to change the battery.