Need Help: 2002 Prius all the keys are lost

@bwilson4web do you have any suggestions? You used to own a Gen 1 Prius.

 

the dealer is not going to offer you a low cost option, they can only go with factory recommendations.
check with @ovni, not sure if he handles gen 1 or not.

 

did you try ovni?

 

pm him and ask him for advice. he may or may not have some.

 

IIRC, a couple of years ago I used my Denso Hand Held Toyoa tester to register keys on my 2005 without doing the Chicken Dance. I was surprised I could do that... I'm not sure if the Mini-VCI would let you do this same thing.

 

GIve these folks a call Luscious Garage | Hybrid Specialists

Or Ericbecky

or Chap

 

I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but losing all keys in a Gen 1 is very, very bad. And very, very expensive. $1,000? $1,500?

See this thread
Gen1 Prius Lost all Keys - dealer quoted over $1500. Don't let this happen to you! | PriusChat

Basically you need some computer hardware replaced as well as new keys made and programmed. As well as locks.

Jue Motors is in Covina. I know they work on hybrids and are honest guys.
Jue Motors
678 E San Bernardino Rd
Covina, CA 91723
(626) 967-9089
Not sure if they can do this key job, but it might be worth a call.

 

If it were me, I would contact the company recommended by Eric.Ericbecky is one of our trusted professionals here.

 

Sorry to hear about your problem.
This situation is actually described as item (3) on page BE-104 of the 2002 Prius Repair manual RM883U2.

You need to do a few things:
(a) Buy an immobilizer ECU replacement kit from Toyota. It contains the immobilizer ECU, new steering column lock cylinder, and keys; my memory says it's about $400. It may also contain instructions. Then have Toyota (or a knowledgeable mechanic) replace the immobilizer ECU (the ECU replacement is physically painful; I speak from experience)

(b) have Toyota look up the key code for your VIN (yes, they can do it) and cut (at least one) new blank for your existing locks.
(this is a labor minimization process)

(c) using the new blank (which fits, turns the ignition switch, but by itself cannot start the vehicle) PLUS one of the keys from the immobilizer kit (hold this key right where the key normally fits into the ignition switch) (you know it's right when the red Security light on the console stops blinking), allow the immobilizer ECU to "learn" the key and register the chip-key with the car main computer. This takes about half an hour; the procedure is on page BE-104 to BE-107 in my 2002 Toyota Prius Repair manual RM883U2. It is STRONGLY suggested that you have a 12v battery charger functioning and attached to the 12v battery during this process. NOTE: the procedure in the Toyota manual is translated from the Japanese, and, while technically correct, requires some degree of thinking-through in order to be correctly executed.

(d) assuming you can now get the car started, you will need two keys to operate the vehicle: one to open the locks (mechanically) and a second key to electrically/RF-wise match the ECU to start the car. It turns out that the Gen I Prius doesn't care whether the RF-chip is near the start switch during operation; it only needs the chip during the START procedure.
Yup, I had to do this myself, once; replacing the immobilizer ECU (step "a") is an agonizing procedure which requires disassembly of most of the panels around the steering column to get to the immobilizer module (which is bolted to a plate directly atop the steering column).

Given the amount of labor involved, having Toyota charge $800-$1200 for the job is not unreasonable. It's just a large chunk of money for a long, involved job.

May the gods of automotive good fortune smile upon you whichever path you choose.

 

maybe you should see, how many miles on her?

 

A couple observations:
bisco, it kinda doesn't matter how many miles. The car was fully functional until the keys were lost; now it's a repair or replace decision, and the repair branch was chosen. So we advise; and that's more data for weighing the repair v replace choice again.

Others: The non-mechanical, all-electronic keys for Gen II (and younger) Prii have a completely different procedure for replacement than the Gen I.

Cheers, all.

 

Art's Automotive put up a nice photo essay on doing that immobilizer replacement.

-Chap

 

actually, in post #15, o/p asks if she should sell.

 

Apologies; I missed the "Should I sell?" question.
Kinda gets to the "Who should (or shouldn't) own a Gen I Prius" question.
I do most of my own work, so my personal equation is different than someone who must hire out the maintenance and repair tasks.

 

agreed. i'm just thinking that if there is potential for other major repairs, mileage comes into play, along with age of course.