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Key Not Detected

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Care, Maintenance & Troubleshooting' started by B_in_WeHo, Mar 8, 2014.

  1. B_in_WeHo

    B_in_WeHo Junior Member

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    Over the past month or so, my 2012 Prius Three is being strange. I always keep my key fob inside my purse. Sometimes I have to pull the door handle a few times before it will unlock. Other times it will say key not detected when I try to start the car. I will have to try a few times before it will start. Or the strangest thing is, sometimes when I pull over before my husband and I get home, so he can walk the dogs (who are always with us) and when he gets out of the car (I have NOT turned it off) it will display the message, key not detected. The thing is, he does not carry a fob with him, the only key is in my purse, which is inside the car with me. I thought maybe it maybe it was the key fob so I swapped out the fob I was using with the 2nd one we have and it is still happening.
     
    #1 B_in_WeHo, Mar 8, 2014
  2. ursle

    ursle Gas miser

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    Might be something magnetic in your purse effecting the key, might be a weak battery in your key fob might be a 12v battery on it's way out.
     
    #2 ursle, Mar 8, 2014
  3. retired4999

    retired4999 Prius driver since 2005

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    If the key fob is in your purse with your cell phone or any other electroinc devices they can block the signal.
    If not that, if your fob is 2-3 years old change the battery in the fob.
    There may be other things but maybe start there first.

    Got me! good job!
     
    #3 retired4999, Mar 8, 2014
  4. jdcollins5

    jdcollins5 Senior Member

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    You will get that message if a door is not completely closed.
     
    #4 jdcollins5, Mar 8, 2014
  5. retired4999

    retired4999 Prius driver since 2005

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    Correct! that to, Check your rear hatch make sure it or other doors are shut tight.
     
    #5 retired4999, Mar 8, 2014
  6. B_in_WeHo

    B_in_WeHo Junior Member

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    The rear hatch is closed for sure. It only just started telling me key not detected when I let my husband out of the car before I park. I have had my car for 2 years and it only just started doing it a few months ago.
     
    #6 B_in_WeHo, Mar 8, 2014
  7. Okinawa

    Okinawa Senior Member

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    I have a hunch it is because the FOB is inside your purse. Try taking it out of your purse and put it in your pocket.
     
    #7 Okinawa, Mar 8, 2014
  8. JimN

    JimN Let the games begin!

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    This sounds like a weak fob battery or interference. A dead fob battery will cause a specific message to be displayed and the start button will need to be pushed with the fob.
     
    #8 JimN, Mar 8, 2014
  9. BZzap!

    BZzap! Senior Member

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    I can 't put my cell phone in the same pocket as the key fob. The cell phone blocks the transmitter signal. Also, if the fob battery is weak, the transmitter just doesn't transmit.
     
    #9 BZzap!, Mar 8, 2014
  10. Ka8apf

    Ka8apf New Member

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    My Prius just started yesterday, sounding the alert when I try to lock the door (keyless entry, supposed to lock and unlock with touch)
    but now it will sound the alert saying that the key is in the car when it is not. I have to use the FOB to unlock or lock the doors.
    Up to this point, no problems--my key, I leave in my right front pocket, and my cell is kept in my left rear pocket
    I've tried to look the issue up on the net and in the owners manual... either I'm as dumb as a box of rocks... or I'm overlooking the fix

    Appreciate any help
     
    #10 Ka8apf, Mar 8, 2018
  11. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    how are the fob battery and 12v health? have you tried the second fob?
     
    #11 bisco, Mar 8, 2018
  12. Ka8apf

    Ka8apf New Member

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    just changed the fob battery about a week ago, the 12v, I'm not sure
     
    #12 Ka8apf, Mar 8, 2018
    bisco likes this.
  13. Ka8apf

    Ka8apf New Member

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    and, no, I haven't tried the second fob... didn't think of it, because the fob works, the senson on the hadle is what is giving me the issue, won't let me lock with my hand
     
    #13 Ka8apf, Mar 8, 2018
  14. Ka8apf

    Ka8apf New Member

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    Huh! Turns out it was related to Occam's Razor! I live in West Central Ohio, and it had gotten relatively warm, got cold again, so I threw my heavy coat in the passenger seat for the couple days I had the 'key in car' issue... you would never guess what was in the pocket of my heavy coat!!!

    Thanks bisco for your help!
     
    #14 Ka8apf, Mar 10, 2018
    Raytheeagle likes this.
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