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2008 Key Fob locks/unlock but must be in slot to start ignition

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Technical Discussion' started by wlai, Jan 5, 2019.

  1. wlai

    wlai Junior Member

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    Hi all:

    The battery was wearing out on my 2008 Touring keyfob, as I had to get real close to the car before it recognizes it, and so last week I replaced the battery on the FOB, and remote lock/unlock is working well. But since then, when I get inside the car and close the door, the car no longer recognizes the key as inside the passenger compartment (e.g. in my jacket pocket) and must be inserted into the designated slot in the lower dash before the Start button will start the ignition.

    It's a bit of a head scratcher and I didn't find any previous thread here. Given that we can assume the key fob is working fine and has a good battery, is there an internal SKS antenna that picks up the key? One that is different than the external antenna that picks up the lock/unlock signal when I'm outside the car?

    Thanks,


    William
     
  2. MichaelKnight

    MichaelKnight Junior Member

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    SKS issue hope this helps
    look at post 4 from tumbleweed
     
  3. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    check the 12v health

    how many miles on her?
     
  4. ChapmanF

    ChapmanF Senior Member

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    By this, do you mean (1) locking and unlocking works well by pressing the buttons on the fob, or (2) locking and unlocking works well by having the fob in your pocket and touching the door handle?

    If (1), what position is the "SKS KEY" switch under the dash in?
     
    Skibob likes this.
  5. wlai

    wlai Junior Member

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    Thanks Michael that was what I suspected. Does anyone know the location of the inside antennae for the SKS?

    Bisco: 175K and the 12v should be fine as I swapped out a new one last year, but I’d probably check it again.

    Chapman: I meant (1) unlocking from far away works well. I don’t usually try (2) so unsure but will check.

    Thanks to everyone in the most useful forum ever :)
     
  6. JC91006

    JC91006 Senior Member

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    Sks antennae is in the back of the center console, where the backseat cupholders are located. Just pop out the cup holders and you'll see it

    Does the sks button work on the door handle to lock your car?
     
  7. Skibob

    Skibob Senior Member

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    There are 5 SKS antennas in a gen 2 Prius. The owners manual has the location of them.

    Did you check the SKS button on the bottom of the dash? You might have accidentally turned it off.