Warranty & Maintenance Guide

Post a picture?

 

Ah, think I understand.

 

Not sure what is the "jokester" version of this manual, but I have never opened any of paper versions of books (manual or quick reference or warranty or whatever included with the car). I have only read and regularly use pdf versions on my computer. All the original books are still in the glove compartment totally untouched. I actually should take them out of there and make room for other useful things.

 

+1

Since the pdf versions are also on-line, I always know where I can find a copy, and I prefer .pdf copies for the ability to do key-word searches.
RARE kudos for Toyota for not monetizing those.

 

The manuals are online here.

2018 Toyota Prius Prime Owners Manual and Warranty - Toyota Owners

 

Apparently the original owner of mine didn't surrender his manuals or his second fob when he surrendered the car. I think about checking on replacing the manuals just to have them, but wouldn't use them. I agree that the pdf versions are way more convenient. I have them in my cloud drive so I can check them anywhere from any device. And Todd (the dealer) is getting me a new fob which should be in tomorrow. At his cost, which is terrific! I'll have to ask him about how to replace the also missing aluminum tag that the original owner also didn't turn over.

 

What's that?

 

From what I read in the manual about the keys, if you need a key cut, you either need that tag or another key & fob. If you lose both fobs and the key then it gets pretty ugly, although I don't know the details.

From the manual:

■ If you lose your mechanical keys
New genuine mechanical keys can be made by your Toyota dealer using another mechanical key and the key number stamped on your key number plate. Keep the plate in a safe place such as your wallet, not in the vehicle.
​

 

Did the get you a second fob Gerry?

I recall that tag; pretty sure ours is kinda twist tied to something in the manual binder in the glove box. Maybe. Have its number in a text format file, with the VIN, service log, all that stuff.

 

In post #9 I mentioned that the replacement fob is coming tomorrow. Todd will program it for me then and I can ask about that tag. It probably is in the manual binder. ... wherever the original owner left it. I hate when they do that. I think mine was in the binder when I handed over the PiP. At least I hope so.

 

I see. The key number plate for replacing the key if you lose ALL of your keys. Hummm, I can't remember where I put mine. It maybe in one of the envelop with the closing paperwork. All you need is to remember the key code?

 

Yeah I think the number is all you need.

 

Probably true. I may need to ask Toyota for it. I'll find out more tomorrow afternoon.

 

I now remember that I had an aluminum key number tag for my 2005 Sienna. I think the key number specified the actual physical key for there was no smart key on the car. I am not sure if it even had an immobilizer chip on the key. The fob for the remote open and locking door was a separate piece from the physical ignition key, and AFAIK, I did not have to have the fob with me in order to open and drive the car.

Now, this makes me wonder, for modern cars with a smart key like Prius, is the key code just for specifying physical key shape? Or does it also specify smart key?

 

On the Gen 2 at least, all the smarts are in the fob. I have a generic copy of the key for my wife's '07 and had no problems getting it made at a hardware store.

 

Yes, you can always make a copy of the physical key if you have the original one to copy from. My thinking is that key number somehow specifies this key shape in case you lose both original keys. Now as for the smart key, my understanding is that the electronic is in the fob, and it is registered to ECU. Even if you lose both fobs, isn't information stored in the ECU that can be retrieved by Techstream?