1. Attachments are working again! Check out this thread for more details and to report any other bugs.

SKS fob battery dead, now what?

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by Fibb222, Nov 21, 2008.

  1. Fibb222

    Fibb222 New Member

    Joined:
    Apr 25, 2006
    1,499
    99
    0
    Location:
    Canada
    Vehicle:
    2004 Prius
    I search for 15 minutes and couldn't find anything about what to do if your fob dies.

    Do I have to go to a dealer to get the fob battery replaced and the thing reprogrammed?
     
  2. efusco

    efusco Moderator Emeritus
    Staff Member

    Joined:
    Nov 26, 2003
    19,891
    1,192
    9
    Location:
    Nixa, MO
    Vehicle:
    2004 Prius
    Model:
    N/A
  3. patsparks

    patsparks An Aussie perspective

    Joined:
    Jul 12, 2007
    10,664
    567
    0
    Location:
    Adelaide South Australia
    Vehicle:
    2004 Prius
    Model:
    N/A
    In the mean time use the key to open the door and insert the fob to start the car.
     
  4. Fibb222

    Fibb222 New Member

    Joined:
    Apr 25, 2006
    1,499
    99
    0
    Location:
    Canada
    Vehicle:
    2004 Prius
    Yes, that's what I did. A handy procedure.
     
  5. patsparks

    patsparks An Aussie perspective

    Joined:
    Jul 12, 2007
    10,664
    567
    0
    Location:
    Adelaide South Australia
    Vehicle:
    2004 Prius
    Model:
    N/A
    Funny things keys once you have not had to touch one for a while.
     
  6. jayman

    jayman Senior Member

    Joined:
    Oct 21, 2004
    13,439
    640
    0
    Location:
    Winnipeg Manitoba
    Vehicle:
    2004 Prius
    Which brings up a very important maintenance point: lubricate the lock cylinder on the driver door.

    In the average Prius, the metal emergency key never gets used. At least around here, you drive the car in conditions ranging from -40 C in winter, to +38 C in summer. Salt is used in winter to deice the roads

    Around a year ago, I noticed my Fob was getting weak. Drove to the mall, got a replacement battery, and everything was fine again. However, back at my house, I decided to try the emergency key

    My lock cylinder was so stiff/corroded it barely turned. As I was parked in my comfortable heated garage, no problem. Rummaged around for appropriate penetrating lubricant (Please, no snickers, I'm being serious here), and gently worked the cylinder until it was free again

    I'm now in the habit of lubricating the lock cylinder every 3-4 months, and using the emergency key to ensure it works smoothly.
     
  7. dogfriend

    dogfriend Human - Animal Hybrid

    Joined:
    Feb 26, 2007
    7,512
    1,185
    0
    Location:
    Carmichael, CA
    Vehicle:
    2007 Prius
    Hobbit has a neat writeup on servicing the mechanical lock on the drivers door:

    Prius door lock