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FOB immobilizer/theft deterrent blinking

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Technical Discussion' started by kemahaff, Feb 21, 2011.

  1. kemahaff

    kemahaff New Member

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    I just bought a Toyota certified '08 Prius with Smart Keys and now niether of the smart keys have functionality other than acting as an alarm remote. They do not have the smart key ability to start the car or unlock the doors/hatch. I know for sure that at least one of them was working at the dealer.

    Now, when I get in the car with one or both of the keys, the "immobilizer/theft deterrent system indicator light blinks. Again, I can stick the smart key into the slot and then power on the car. Can you help, please?

    I did check the valet switch under the steering column and it is activated for the smart key to work. Any help would be great.
     
  2. qbee42

    qbee42 My other car is a boat

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    The immobilizer always blinks when the Prius is powered down; it's just a warning to potential car thieves.

    My first guess is that the Smart Key button under the steering wheel has been set to disabled. I know you said that you checked it, but check it again. Try it in both positions just to make sure.

    Make sure that this problem is repeatable at other locations. A strong RF signal can interfere with the operation of the SKS.

    If the button is okay, try replacing the battery in one of the fobs.

    Tom
     
  3. firepa63

    firepa63 Former Prius Owner

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    The SKS button under the dash must be in the OUT position for the SKS to be enabled.
     
  4. David Beale

    David Beale Senior Member

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    And you will need a CR2032 battery if that is the problem. It's just about time for the battery to go (mine went last summer).

    1.Remove key from FOB.
    2.Press in the key remove slider and slide the FOB apart.
    3.Using a very small Phillips screwdriver take out the four screws you see in the FOB.
    4.Carefully pry out the battery cover.
    5.Replace battery and reassemble in reverse order as above.
    6.Test FOB by holding in your hand and hold brake pedal down then press "ON" to start car. If the car goes to "ready" the FOB SKS system is now working.
     
  5. Mil-town Prius

    Mil-town Prius Junior Member

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    Hey guys,

    I checked my button, its outward position under steering wheel and my light flashes while the car is running. I have reason to beleive that this isnt the master key and it was lost by the last owner. The battery is good, the back logo is silver on key, I cannot use the sks function to start the car only to open the doors?


    Any ideas? I only have 1 key.

    Thanks
    Eli


     
  6. Patrick Wong

    Patrick Wong DIY Enthusiast

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    My idea is that you'll probably have to pay your local Toyota dealer ~$300 to program the car to recognize a new Smart fob.
     
  7. qbee42

    qbee42 My other car is a boat

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    Exactly.

    Tom
     
  8. lunacyworks

    lunacyworks Member

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    it sounds like the immobilize never was taken out of initilize mode after the fob was added to the system.