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Problem with key fob

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Technical Discussion' started by nokkvi, Jul 31, 2011.

  1. nokkvi

    nokkvi New Member

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    Three weeks ago the key fob worked fine just before I left on vacation. Came back to find that both key fobs no longer unlock/lock the doors although the little red light flashes each time I press the buttons. I tried the mechanical key and it doesn't unlock the driver side door either. I've tried turning it to the left and right to no avail. I left the car's manual inside the car so I can't find other ways to "fix" this problem. Do guys know what is the problem here? Dead batteries in both key fobs but I don't understand why the mechanical key cannot unlock the door...?
     
    #1 nokkvi, Jul 31, 2011
  2. firepa63

    firepa63 Former Prius Owner

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    It could be the button under the dash is in the IN position for the SKS. However, that would not prevent the fob buttons from unlocking the door. The next possibility is that your 12v battery is dead.

    As far as the mechanical key, you have to turn it with some force. I can't remember which way, CW or CCW.
     
    #2 firepa63, Jul 31, 2011
  3. nokkvi

    nokkvi New Member

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    i tried it again with the key, no luck. i turned the key cw and i can hear something like the sound of a lock but nothing happens. do you know how far i'm suppose to turn the key? i can't manage to turn it completely horizontally. i'm afraid i might break the key or something.
     
    #3 nokkvi, Jul 31, 2011
  4. Hal W

    Hal W New Member

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    Spray some key lube in there like silicon lube! Hal
     
    #4 Hal W, Jul 31, 2011
  5. Hal W

    Hal W New Member

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    I went out and opened mine with the key. To open turn it clock wise about 1/8 th. turn. You can hear the salinoids working as well so I am not positive what happens with a dead 12V? Hal
     
    #5 Hal W, Jul 31, 2011
  6. qbee42

    qbee42 My other car is a boat

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    The mechanical key will run the solenoids only if 12V power is still viable on the Prius. If the battery is run down the solenoids will not have power to cycle. In this case the mechanical lock still works, but you need to pull on the door handle while turning the key. In other words, the mechanical key temporarily unlocks the door, but you need to pull it open while it is unlocked.

    Tom
     
    #6 qbee42, Jul 31, 2011
    1 person likes this.
  7. nokkvi

    nokkvi New Member

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    I'll try it again with the key. Got the batteries in the key fob replaced but the car isn't still responding. Last resort I might have to call triple A.

    So I tried pulling on the handle while turning the key but the lock isn't unlocking, nor does the door open. I also tried holding the handle while it is being pulled, then I turn the key. Nothing either. Called the dealer and they said the car's battery might be drained.
     
    #7 nokkvi, Aug 1, 2011
  8. firepa63

    firepa63 Former Prius Owner

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    Did you hold the key in the unlock position and then pull the handle? You have to hold the key in the unlock position.
     
    #8 firepa63, Aug 1, 2011
  9. nokkvi

    nokkvi New Member

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    yeah, i just tried that and no luck. i just called my friend who also has a prius and see if he can open it for me. if not, i might have to get this car towed to the dealer or if the tow guy can unlock the car.
     
    #9 nokkvi, Aug 1, 2011
  10. qbee42

    qbee42 My other car is a boat

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    If that's really the case, you have a broken lock linkage. More likely, however, is that you are not properly coordinating the key turn and door pull. I read your response that said that you did do both at once, but it's not a natural way to open a car door. Almost certainly it's a matter of technique. It takes about a quarter turn with the key.

    Tom
     
    #10 qbee42, Aug 1, 2011
  11. firepa63

    firepa63 Former Prius Owner

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    Wonder if we'll hear what the outcome was from nokkvi (OP)???
     
    #11 firepa63, Aug 3, 2011
  12. driveranndrews

    driveranndrews New Member

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    I believe that if the doors are double locked ie you pressed the lock button twice on leaving the car, you cannot
    unlock with the key. If this is the case, then I really don't know how you're going to get in. Sorry to be a bringer of
    bad news, but it looks like a dealer job.
     
    #12 driveranndrews, Jun 16, 2012
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