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mechanical key does not work

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by simplifying, Aug 14, 2016.

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  1. simplifying

    simplifying Junior Member

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    2006 Prius, I changed the batteries in both fobs and smart keys do not work. I tried both mechanical keys and both do not work.

    I am puzzled since the mechanical keys do fit into the slots, but neither will open the car.
     
    #1 simplifying, Aug 14, 2016
  2. JC91006

    JC91006 Senior Member

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    Either the key fob is not original to the car or the door is not original to the car. I would say it's more likely the key fobs are not original.
     
    #2 JC91006, Aug 14, 2016
    Last edited: Aug 14, 2016
  3. simplifying

    simplifying Junior Member

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    The fob and mechanical keys both worked but just stopped working last night. Any other thoughts appreciated.
     
    #3 simplifying, Aug 14, 2016
  4. JC91006

    JC91006 Senior Member

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    can you start the car by using the key slot?
     
    #4 JC91006, Aug 14, 2016
  5. WilDavis

    WilDavis Senior Member

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    Earlier this year, both my FOBs started getting flakey, and eventually I had to use the mechanical key, and it turned out to be the 12V Aux-Battery about to die. You might want to check yours just in case. The one in my 2009 Gen II had never been changed, and it was ~6 years old (which for a 12V battery is v. old!) - hope this helps - Wil
    BTW: Welcome to PriusChat! ;)
     
    #5 WilDavis, Aug 14, 2016
  6. Eastside

    Eastside Member

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    Try some powdered graphite on the door locks. $ 3.00 at any auto parts place, Lowes, or maybe Walmart.
     
    #6 Eastside, Aug 14, 2016
  7. simplifying

    simplifying Junior Member

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    I cannot get inside the car at all.e arewt
     
    #7 simplifying, Aug 14, 2016
  8. JC91006

    JC91006 Senior Member

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    put the weak old batteries back in
     
    #8 JC91006, Aug 14, 2016
  9. Eastside

    Eastside Member

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    Will your car insurance pay for a lock smith to open the door ?
     
    #9 Eastside, Aug 14, 2016
  10. simplifying

    simplifying Junior Member

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    1. I tried the fobs and keys with the old batteries in to start with, I thought if I changed the batteries, it might open, but it did not.
    2. I will check with my car insurance. Good suggestion.

    Thankyou.

    co

    fr thatold b
     
    #10 simplifying, Aug 14, 2016
  11. Patrick Wong

    Patrick Wong DIY Enthusiast

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    How much rotational force are you exerting on the mechanical key to turn it in the slot? It may take substantial effort to unlock.
     
    #11 Patrick Wong, Aug 14, 2016
  12. simplifying

    simplifying Junior Member

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    I gave it my best. I think I might gtry again with a hammer.....
     
    #12 simplifying, Aug 14, 2016
  13. JC91006

    JC91006 Senior Member

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    I would probably just try some wd-40 in the key slot first......then call AAA
     
    #13 JC91006, Aug 14, 2016
  14. simplifying

    simplifying Junior Member

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    Well, the hammer trriick did not work. I tried to turn the key with pliers and now my key has a lovedly little twist in iut.
     
    #14 simplifying, Aug 14, 2016
  15. Patrick Wong

    Patrick Wong DIY Enthusiast

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    Time to call a locksmith for help, then - before damage is caused to the mechanical lock. The locksmith can use a slim Jim tool to open the door.
     
    #15 Patrick Wong, Aug 14, 2016
  16. simplifying

    simplifying Junior Member

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    Wd40 did not work.....
     
    #16 simplifying, Aug 14, 2016
  17. JC91006

    JC91006 Senior Member

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    do you have more than 1 prius in the family? are you sure you have the right key? I'm quite puzzled how everything stopped working
     
    #17 JC91006, Aug 14, 2016
  18. simplifying

    simplifying Junior Member

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    Will a slim jki
    No, just 1 Prius. The fob worked to open the door last night. Neither the fob nor the mechanical keys work this morning.Everything worked lastnight and yesterday.

    Will a slim jim work in this car if I tried it myselrf?


    mtsekf4
     
    #18 simplifying, Aug 14, 2016
  19. JC91006

    JC91006 Senior Member

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    Try to buy new batteries from a different location than where you purchased the last ones. That would be the easiest way to get back into the car, without damaging it.
     
    #19 JC91006, Aug 14, 2016
  20. Patrick Wong

    Patrick Wong DIY Enthusiast

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    Yes, if you know how to use that tool. You are trying to reach the horizontal rod that runs from the door lock at the door's edge to the door lock/unlock mechanical control near the front of the inner door panel.
     
    #20 Patrick Wong, Aug 14, 2016
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