Key Not Detected, assuming short

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Care, Maintenance & Troubleshooting' started by amtx, May 4, 2026 at 12:40 PM.

  1. amtx

    amtx New Member

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    2010 w/ 117k miles. Light comes on while car is running, not moving, in D or P, and a door closes from someone getting in/out. Have checked to ensure gate fully closed, replaced FOB battery. The 12V adapter in cig outlet is unchanged/unmoved for cell charging with same phone, only a cord was replaced. Assuming there is a short or loose wire because it happens with door closing. 12V battery is about a year old and no other electrical issues. Keys stay on flat part of accessory/storage area while driving.

    Is there any way to narrow this down to FOB vs car better before hitting the dealership?
     
  2. Tombukt2

    Tombukt2 Senior Member

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    Car ever been in a wreck or damaged there are antenna . That detect fobs. Fob's can go bad. You could have a locksmith scan you're immo system . Some of these newer scanners will pinpoint breaks antenna issues etc . Might be cheaper than the dealer you're going to drive it to the locksmith so no service call he just walks out his backdoor with the scanner
     
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  3. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    maybe the door switch
     
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  4. amtx

    amtx New Member

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    Thanks! Will look into this.
    Def no major damage. I'm the 2nd owner - I did check the carfax at dealer. Might have been minor accident + repairs....
     
  5. Tombukt2

    Tombukt2 Senior Member

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    Then I would try the passenger front door it has sensor too. I know both my front doors will unlock when I extend my hand to handle on all my SKS cars .
     
  6. Tombukt2

    Tombukt2 Senior Member

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  7. amtx

    amtx New Member

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    It happens with front and rear doors after it starts. I wasn't clear on the initial description.
    Today it was fine at first and then started doing it again. Maybe the FOB was sitting slightly closer at first. Planning to go to a locksmith tomorrow to see if they can help troubleshoot.
     
  8. AzusaPrius

    AzusaPrius Senior Member

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    Lol mine does this and did it today.

    I would say its a low battery in the FOB.

    If you just changed it, it can be a cheap no name brand and is losing its power quick.

    Non issue and you can keep driving.
     
  9. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk MMX GEN III

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    What light?
     
  10. AzusaPrius

    AzusaPrius Senior Member

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    Key Not Detected message "light"
     
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  11. amtx

    amtx New Member

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    Additional info after I stopped by locksmith...FOB battery voltage is good. The key not detected did not come on while I was there. He checked the FOB for what they typically can and said it is fine.
    The only thought he had was that the physical location of the FOB might be making a difference:
    Further forward on the flat area next to accessory panel, the signal may be getting blocked by the center line arm just enough to trigger the light/alarm.
    For now, I am trying to relocate the FOB and see how that goes. Today, it seems to have worked by moving the FOB to the rear of the flat area.
     
  12. Tombukt2

    Tombukt2 Senior Member

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    This is a gen 3 so not sure the area have you modded inside of car some way .living in etc. in our persona the key had to be in the vehicle frontal area to start car . Getting in was never an issue. without manual key . idea is it stays in pocket all time or purse. You not sposed to ever have to see it the fob.this way is never lost .hello . only mom will loose in her purse
     
  13. amtx

    amtx New Member

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    No mods. What i mean is the flat deck under the console with the gear shift - that is where I keep the keys (stock photo).

    upload_2026-5-9_11-29-57.png
     
  14. Tombukt2

    Tombukt2 Senior Member

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    Yeah mine never had a problem there at all I used to. Lay it they're be side of no slot doh! The idea is that the key was never supposed to come out of your pocket so it could never get lost only go through the wash.
     
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