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Replacing Gen 2 Key and Key ECU

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Technical Discussion' started by Tom in Maine, Nov 8, 2017.

  1. Tom in Maine

    Tom in Maine Junior Member

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    2005 Prius
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    II
    Am buying a 2008 with no key. Dealer said they cannot program a new key, since they believe it needs a new ECU. Of course, their cost is ridiculous.
    I have salvage cars I can pull keys and the ecu from. Just am a bit confused as to which ECU(s) I need to swap.
    Might go and try to do the swap rather than tow the car, if it is not too hard to do on site.

    I appreciate any guidance.
    Thanks,
    Tom
     
    #1 Tom in Maine, Nov 8, 2017
  2. JC91006

    JC91006 Senior Member

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    Ask the dealer to do a reseed of the keys. Labor and key should be around $300
     
    #2 JC91006, Nov 8, 2017
  3. RobH

    RobH Senior Member

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    Or find an automotive locksmith. Generally cheaper than the dealer.
     
    #3 RobH, Nov 9, 2017
  4. valde3

    valde3 Senior Member

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    If you don’t want to get control units reprogrammed you need to replace 3 or 4 control units. All of those control units are programmed to each other. So you need to take those units and the keys from the same car. Units are: Immobilizer ECU, Smartkey ECU (if your Prius has keyless entry and start), Engine ECU, and HV ECU.
     
    #4 valde3, Nov 9, 2017
    SFO likes this.
  5. Prodigyplace

    Prodigyplace Senior Member

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    That is all the major ECUs isn't it?
     
    #5 Prodigyplace, Nov 9, 2017
  6. Tom in Maine

    Tom in Maine Junior Member

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    Location:
    Searsport, Maine
    Vehicle:
    2005 Prius
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    II

    That is what I need to know.
    Will update once I have the car. The dealer could not program a new key, they said it needs a new ECU and then it would work.
    Have Techstream but not sure how far I will get without being able to start the car. Suspect not very far.

    This is why I keep scrap cars. LOL

    Thanks,
    Tom
     
    #6 Tom in Maine, Nov 9, 2017
    Prodigyplace likes this.
  7. Tom in Maine

    Tom in Maine Junior Member

    Joined:
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    Location:
    Searsport, Maine
    Vehicle:
    2005 Prius
    Model:
    II
    Got it all converted over. Key works. Gas motor does not start. It is seized!
    It was a repo. I can see why it was let go.
    We will transplant a new motor in.
    Had to change all four ECUs but at least I have this one under my belt.

    FYI for those of you who might endeavor this. It is MHO that the Prius dashboard is pretty decent to work on.
     
    #7 Tom in Maine, Nov 25, 2017
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