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Smart Key not working - I've tried everything...

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Technical Discussion' started by diatomguru, Apr 2, 2022.

  1. diatomguru

    diatomguru Junior Member

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    2007 Model Smart Key not working to unlock the doors remotely and start the engine without being inserted. Starts car when inserted. I only have the one smart key that works. Red light blinks when I click buttons.

    Things I've tried"
    -Button under steering wheel.
    -New 12volt battery
    -New 2032 battery in fob.

    I bought a new smart key to program, but the first step of programming it is to unluck the doors from the outside with the button on the handle, which this wont do.

    What am I missing?
     
    Jules C likes this.
  2. TMR-JWAP

    TMR-JWAP Senior Member

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    There are 2 parts go a wireless system

    a Transmitter (key fob)
    and a receiver

    Have you had the fob tested to see if it's transmitting? Some autoparts stores have a display set up where you can do that test. If it's good, that leaves the other half.
     
  3. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    did it just stop working suddenly, or are there extenuating circumstances?
     
  4. vvillovv

    vvillovv Senior Member

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    Who's directions are you using for reprogramming the new fob you have.
     
  5. dolj

    dolj Senior Member

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    I offer the following in the nicest and most respectful way. :)

    Leaving out the most critical piece of information–which position is it now? It should be in the out (Off) position, as this is the SKS disable switch. Out = Off (Not disabled); In = On (Disabled).

    You leave us to assume you know this and you've tried the button in position and the out position. To continue further troubleshooting, the switch should be in the out position, otherwise, you will be chasing your tail.

    One other question, when you say remotely, you mean using the buttons on the key fob, right? Remote = using the buttons; SKS = Keyless, as in the key fob is in your pocket or briefcase/handbag.

    I hope that helps. :) :D (y)
     
  6. diatomguru

    diatomguru Junior Member

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    The button is in the out position.

    Neither the remote nor the SKS functions are working.
     
  7. diatomguru

    diatomguru Junior Member

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    The directions that came with the new fob. Bought it on ebay.
     
  8. diatomguru

    diatomguru Junior Member

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    The car had been sitting for two years, but the key had stopped working before that.
     
  9. diatomguru

    diatomguru Junior Member

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    Thanks for this advice. I will have it checked at an auto parts shop.
     
  10. vvillovv

    vvillovv Senior Member

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    You can search " program a key fob using the chicken dance " or " programming a fob using the chicken dance " as well as other variations and see how not easy it is to get the reprogramming sequence right.
     
  11. mr_guy_mann

    mr_guy_mann Senior Member

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    Are you sure that this key had been working with SKS? (does the fob have a silver toyota logo?)

    Does the little red LED on the fob light up when you push a button on it?

    You have two possibilities here:

    1st is that something has failed on the fob (or it's not a SKS fob). That means you would need to reset the security ecu with a techstream and a "seed" code in order to program new fobs to the car. A dealer or capable locksmith can do this.

    2nd is that there is a fault with the car. You would have to scan all systems with a capable scantool (such as techstream). Then follow the diagnostic procedures in the service manual.


    Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.
     
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  12. Jules C

    Jules C Junior Member

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    Hey, I’m having the same issue on a 2005. Slowly over months my key would only work sometimes and I’d have to be so close touching the car for it to work. Then it died. I’m pretty sure it’s not my 2 original key fobs as I replaced both batteries twice. I’m not aware of any codes coming up related to this.

    - Did you find a solution?
    - Do you know how or what to diagnose as to why something internal has failed?
    - Is there a better section/thread for just diagnosing why the key fobs don’t work, especially when it’s not something easy like a battery or the button.
    Thanks
    Jules