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Key fob repair needed. I sheared off a diode inside while changing battery.

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Main Forum' started by MARK A SLOO sloo, Feb 4, 2021.

  1. MARK A SLOO sloo

    MARK A SLOO sloo Junior Member

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    Hello all, I managed to shear off a diode on the board of my key fob remote while changing the battery (see photo). Anyone else run into this sort of thing and how did you fix it?
     

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  2. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    Just to commiserate: I was dismayed at how exposed the electronics were, when I opened mine for battery replacement. Hope you get it sorted.
     
  3. jdenenberg

    jdenenberg EE Professor

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    Find an electronics technician that works with surface mount and ask to get it fixed. If the leads are still attached to the component, it will be an easy fix and cost about $25.

    JeffD
     
    Raytheeagle and jerrymildred like this.
  4. jerrymildred

    jerrymildred Senior Member

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    That leg on the right looks like it's broken right at the chip. It still might be fixable if there's a stub left on the chip, but it'll take soldering equipment made for tiny surface mount components as Jeff mentioned above.
     
  5. ETC(SS)

    ETC(SS) The OTHER One Percenter.....

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    As mentioned above, If you know somebody that knows how to solder surface mount components this should be an easy fix.....once you identify and source a replacement piece/part.
    The good news is that if it's a surface mount power switching diode array - nearly any one that will fit on the pads will probably work and it will be pretty easy to suss out where pin 1 goes......IF that's what the part is.

    The other good news is that whatever it is.....it will be CHEAP.
    It's probably about $0.25 for 10 of them out of the PRC, with shipping if you want to wait about 6 weeks.
    $0.50 in the US - but finding the right part might be tricky.
    I knew a guy one time whose only job was removing markings on IC chips for a medium well-known amplifier company...... ;)

    I was going to suggest that you buy a used Prius keyfob first and do a lift and lay of the part BUT a quick internet search informs me that there are no longer a bunch of inexpensive used Prius fobs out there.
    The FCC ID is HYQ14FBA, IIRC - so that might help you identifying the part.

    Beware that there are loads of inexpensive Prius HOUSINGS that have no electronics inside.
    I tried to take a picture of the part on MY remote, but I could discern no markings. I also tried to look the part up but can find no information out in the interwebs.....

    Failing all of this, you may have to just pony up for a replacement fob and have it programmed.
    The GOOD news is that the RFID inside the fob probably still works.
    That will make programming a new fob (if you go that route) MUCH easier and less expensive.

    Good Luck!!
     
  6. MARK A SLOO sloo

    MARK A SLOO sloo Junior Member

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    Thanks for the responses! I have yet to find someone who can identify the part (that I sheared off the board). I will be looking for a replacement fob on ebay etc. I'm assuming that any board with the same markings as mine (in the photo in my original post) will work even if it is in a Lexus or other model's key fob? Thanks again!!
     
  7. Georgina Rudkus

    Georgina Rudkus Senior Member

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    Keep it as a spare. You can still use it to start the car by holding the RFID chip under the Toyota emblem to the star stop button,
     
  8. Johnny Cakes

    Johnny Cakes Senior Member

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    But then you have to go through the process of linking the new key electronics with the car unless you are saying that you intend to harvest a part from the new one and transfer it.

    I have a buddy who does component-level electrical repair work for the military. Do you have another picture with a side view better showing the break?

    Also, like jerrymildred asked, does it appear that there is a stub left to solder to?
     
  9. MARK A SLOO sloo

    MARK A SLOO sloo Junior Member

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  10. ETC(SS)

    ETC(SS) The OTHER One Percenter.....

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    I tried to validate the part but I hit a log-in wall.

    Good Luck.

    FWIW, I think it's a diode array - commonly used to prevent a coin battery inserted backwards from doing mischief.
     
  11. MARK A SLOO sloo

    MARK A SLOO sloo Junior Member

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    UPDATE: I finally found an electronics repair shop that would attempt to solder the part. IT WORKED!! The key fob works flawlessly, including the A/C button which activates the cabin cooling for sunroof equipped Prii.

    The shop in Mineapolis, MN that soldered the part was Alex Audio Video and Computer at Audio, Vintage Stereo Repair, MN USA
     
  12. jdenenberg

    jdenenberg EE Professor

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    What was the charge for the repair?

    JeffD