1. Attachments are working again! Check out this thread for more details and to report any other bugs.

2005 Prius received need ECU replacement procedure.

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Main Forum' started by catzoduro, Sep 18, 2016.

  1. catzoduro

    catzoduro Junior Member

    Joined:
    Sep 18, 2016
    3
    0
    0
    Location:
    Santa Cruz, CA
    Vehicle:
    2005 Prius
    Model:
    Two
    Hello,

    I recently received a 2005 Prius as a gift. It was deader than a doornail replaced 12 volt battery, with the Optima replacement and the car came to life sort of. Replaced 2 cells in the traction battery, and life was good, until I lost the only key I received. Is it true that I have to replace the ECU to get the car running again? If so can someone please run down the procedure for me I am a fairly technical oriented person. Kind Regards.
     
  2. JC91006

    JC91006 Senior Member

    Joined:
    Nov 10, 2013
    16,470
    8,383
    0
    Location:
    Los Angeles, CA
    Vehicle:
    2008 Prius
    Model:
    II
    You need to get replacement fobs and reseed the car to accept the new fobs.

    Some locksmiths can do this, and some dealers should be able to do this
     
  3. catzoduro

    catzoduro Junior Member

    Joined:
    Sep 18, 2016
    3
    0
    0
    Location:
    Santa Cruz, CA
    Vehicle:
    2005 Prius
    Model:
    Two
    Is it possible for me to do this my self, with the proper software/hardware(cables)? I'm Ive seen some posts alluding to success on this site.

    Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.
     
  4. fotomoto

    fotomoto Senior Member

    Joined:
    Apr 22, 2009
    5,597
    3,771
    0
    Location:
    So. Texas
    Vehicle:
    Other Hybrid
    You can successfully do the "chicken dance" and pair a new FOB if you have an old FOB to match it too. Without original FOB's, it gets more complicated and expensive. Dealers are expensive so I would start checking with professional locksmiths. You can get new FOB's on Amazon or Ebay for around $100 to take to the locksmith. DO NOT get used ones which can be way cheaper.
     
  5. ericbecky

    ericbecky Hybrid Battery Hero

    Joined:
    Mar 12, 2004
    4,365
    3,209
    1
    Location:
    Madison, Wisconsin
    Vehicle:
    2005 Prius
    Model:
    Two
    Of course.
    Anything is possible if you have the proper software/cables and the appropriate credentials and hardware.

    First find out how much this service costs locally and post the cost:
    - Get one quote from the dealer
    - Get another quote from a locksmith
     
  6. Beachbummm

    Beachbummm Senior Member

    Joined:
    Sep 12, 2013
    1,160
    392
    0
    Location:
    Florida
    Vehicle:
    2008 Prius
    Model:
    Five
    I have the e bay version of Toyotas tech stream ($20) and theres a section for the body control module where you can add and delete fobs BUT I think you need at least one original in the dash slot to get past the security system for this to work.. without the original I think your screwed..if you look on e bay you can find the parts a lot cheaper than a dealer I just ordered an extra used fob for $25 and am going to try programing it myself .
     
  7. exstudent

    exstudent Senior Member

    Joined:
    Jul 11, 2009
    2,212
    900
    0
    Location:
    Torrance, CA
    Vehicle:
    2007 Prius
    How did you open the module(s), to replace the two cells?

    The High Voltage battery consists of 28 individual modules. Each module consists of six cells. The modules are designed NOT to be user serviceable. Anything is possible, but it would take a determined and skilled person to open the module case and reassemble the module case. Is this what you did?
     
  8. exstudent

    exstudent Senior Member

    Joined:
    Jul 11, 2009
    2,212
    900
    0
    Location:
    Torrance, CA
    Vehicle:
    2007 Prius
    Others have pointed out, the correct procedure to add key fobs, when ALL working fobs are lost, you need to "RESEED." This is a dealer level service or a lock smith with automotive security certification can perform this. You will have to call around for pricing and capability.

    RESEED will delete all previous fobs and add the new fobs you present to the dealer or lock smith. Don't cheap out and buy used fobs.

    You LOST ALL fobs. DIY is cost prohibitive.

    If you had one working fob, you could add a NEW fob.
    If your car has SKS, you have to buy a new fob to maintain SKS.

    READ: Smartkey Seed/Passcode calculation service | PriusChat
    Something tells me that the hacked techstream software and imitation Moongoose cable (mini VCI) will not work. Thus, cost prohibitive.
     
  9. catzoduro

    catzoduro Junior Member

    Joined:
    Sep 18, 2016
    3
    0
    0
    Location:
    Santa Cruz, CA
    Vehicle:
    2005 Prius
    Model:
    Two
    Thanks for your quick and helpfull responses everyone. More than one has said stay away from used fobs, are there any "clone" fobs that work.? I see some on locksmith supply websites.

    Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.
     
  10. exstudent

    exstudent Senior Member

    Joined:
    Jul 11, 2009
    2,212
    900
    0
    Location:
    Torrance, CA
    Vehicle:
    2007 Prius
    If your car has SKS and you have one fully functioning fob, you have to buy a NEW SKS fob, to retain SKS functionality. If you buy a used SKS fob, you loose SKS functionality with this used remote. ONLY way to program a used SKS fob is by REESEED. The dealer or lock smith may charge more for this than, if you just provide a NEW SKS fob.

    How/where will you get the one time authorization code, unique to VIN, to add fobs? Will the hack Techstream copy even work with legitimate codes?
     
  11. Beachbummm

    Beachbummm Senior Member

    Joined:
    Sep 12, 2013
    1,160
    392
    0
    Location:
    Florida
    Vehicle:
    2008 Prius
    Model:
    Five
    im not worried about the SKS function on the used remote as long as the car runs with it.
    if theres an option for the SKS on the tech stream Ill try it, sure not worth paying the dealer or locksmith over $100 to get it programmed when I got the fob,program and cable for around $50.
    maybe Ill get lucky, will post end result when everything comes in.
     
  12. exstudent

    exstudent Senior Member

    Joined:
    Jul 11, 2009
    2,212
    900
    0
    Location:
    Torrance, CA
    Vehicle:
    2007 Prius
    Penny wise, pound foolish. Caveat emptor (buyer beware). Buy a "clone" and learn the hard way.

    Did you not read this: Toyota Smart Key System Description
    Used Keys / Ebay Keys / Customer Supplied Keys

    Any key that has EVER been registered to any vehicle has that vehicle’s specific identification burned to it, and the key cannot be registered to another vehicle. We often see others shops try to perform this procedure and fail. The most common problem is that the shop can register a used key in the Immobilizer ECU, but not register in the Smart Key ECU. This means the “clicker” won’t work, the smart functionalities won’t work, but it will plug into the dash and function.

    Once a vehicle ID has been burned into a key, it can NEVER be erased. However, there is a trick to REPLACE the vehicle ID on the key, but it is time consuming, and must be repeated for every used key. Each used key will take 1.25hr labor to register. So if you have one used key, it will be 1.25 hour labor at today’s hourly rate (our hourly rate may change). If you have two used keys, it will be 2.5 hours. Three, 3.75, and so on. There will also be a Security charge for the reset code from Toyota. This is currently $38 regardless of the number of keys to be registered.​

    This is why you want to avoid used FOBS: you are paying a lot for labor! A new FOB is more expensive than used, but will be cheaper in long run b/c less time to reSEED the car with the NEW fobs. As an added bonus, a new FOB will likely last longer than a used FOB.

    SKS fob part number: 89904-47061; $101.92 @ Camelback Toyota (Phoenix, AZ)
    non-SKS fob part number: 89070-47180; $98.39 @ Camelback Toyota (Phoenix, AZ)
    2007 Toyota Prius Parts - Camelback Toyota Parts - Genuine OEM Parts - Free Shipping

    You paid ZERO dollars for the car. Consider the purchase price of two NEW fobs and the pricey reseed, as the purchase price of the car.
     
    #12 exstudent, Sep 18, 2016
    Last edited: Sep 18, 2016
  13. Beachbummm

    Beachbummm Senior Member

    Joined:
    Sep 12, 2013
    1,160
    392
    0
    Location:
    Florida
    Vehicle:
    2008 Prius
    Model:
    Five
    as it says, when plugged into the dash it will work and that's all im looking for..a spare fob that makes the car drivable..SKS is nice but im fully capable of using the blade key if needed.
    we are getting off topic so ill end this here..
     
  14. exstudent

    exstudent Senior Member

    Joined:
    Jul 11, 2009
    2,212
    900
    0
    Location:
    Torrance, CA
    Vehicle:
    2007 Prius
    This is good. You know and are content with just a starter key. Too many people think they will retain SKS functionality and remote functionality (unlock/lock/panic) by pressing the buttons on the remote, when buying a used SKS fob. Only way to retain SKS functionality with a used SKS fob is by a pricey reseed.
     
  15. Beachbummm

    Beachbummm Senior Member

    Joined:
    Sep 12, 2013
    1,160
    392
    0
    Location:
    Florida
    Vehicle:
    2008 Prius
    Model:
    Five
    you had me confused with the OP and Im not into arguing.... I didn't get my car for free...but its all good ;)
     
  16. exstudent

    exstudent Senior Member

    Joined:
    Jul 11, 2009
    2,212
    900
    0
    Location:
    Torrance, CA
    Vehicle:
    2007 Prius
    Was not arguing. I was happy that you came to understand a used SKS fob will not retain SKS functionality and remote (lock/unlock/panic) convenience w/o going through a pricey reseed. Furthermore, you stated you will be OK using the physical key to lock/unlock. Unfortunately, many people think a used SKS fob will work seamlessly.

    Original Poster, Catzoduro, made it clear he got the car for free. I was encouraging him not to cheap out by buying used fobs. This would only save him money on the part side; Penny Wise. But will ultimately cost him far more, due to the greater amount of labor hours he will pay with used SKS fobs; Pound Foolish.
     
  17. ericbecky

    ericbecky Hybrid Battery Hero

    Joined:
    Mar 12, 2004
    4,365
    3,209
    1
    Location:
    Madison, Wisconsin
    Vehicle:
    2005 Prius
    Model:
    Two
    It will definitely cost more than $100 to get it programmed.
    You cannot program the new key without a reseed code.

    If you got the fob, program and cable for $50, you should have a good amount of savings so you can have get it reseeded/prgrammed.