How to add an blank keyfob for 2010 prius?

You are out of luck. I talked to the tech specialist at one of the Dealers and he said there is just programing for 2 fobs. If you lose one, it can be replaced by deleteing that one on memory and activating the new FOB. I know, it is stupid, as I also wanted a spare FOB.

 

That's interesting. I had 4 for my 2006 (which I really didn't need). When I purchased the new one I asked for one extra and was told I could do it, for $450.00. I declined.

 

This would be a complete surprise if you couldn't use four fobs, as you can with the Gen II Prius. We will have to wait for one of the new 2010 owners to answer this one.

Tom

 

I just had a look in the Techstream software at the add key function (yes, I have a working Techstream service tool emulator). It does definitely say that there is a limit of 2 keys, so the above-referenced tech specialist may well be right. Nevertheless, I was able to at least start the procedure to add another key. Since I didn't have a third to add, I don't know if I could have completed the procedure or not - all I know at this point is that it said there was a maximum of 2 and it let me access at least the first couple steps of the procedure to add another key. It is possible at least that the 2 key limit is not actually right and it only says that because there are currently 2 registered keys. If anyone has a spare they want me to try (I'm not shelling out $300 for one), send it my way and I'll let you know if it can be added.

 

Per the TIS tech information for the Smart Key System Key Code Registration, a total of seven (7) keys can be registered.

 

Confirmed. I just checked TIS also and the repair manual does indeed claim 7 keys can be registered. So it seems that the Techstream software has a bit of a 'glitch' that shows whatever number of keys are currently registered as the maximum. I can see where that would have given the technician a wrong impression, but given the conflicting information in TIS and the unlikeliness of a 2 key limit, I would rely on the 7 key limit from the repair manual until proven wrong.

As for how you do it, you probably don't do it yourself. Only the dealer or someone with a Techstream unit can register the key to the car. The procedure is pretty clearly outlined in Techstream, but basically you walk through the steps of holding up each key to the ignition button and clicking next on various windows onscreen. You do need an existing key to perform the procedure, as far as I can see, but it is otherwise pretty straightforward if you have the Techstream.

 

Unless I'm reading this wrong, it looks like up to seven can be programmed...

 

Yes, that's how I read it too. I read the same 7 key number in a different part of the repair manual procedures section. But oddly enough, when you go to the add-a-key screen in the software, if you have two keys already, it says there is a maximum of 2. Like I said, probably nothing more than a software glitch - I tend to believe the repair manual.

Yes, that's my understanding. There may be some aftermarket devices for it other than the Techstream (I don't know of any though), but you definitely cannot do it without some sort of tool that links into the ECU to perform the procedure.

 

There is a chance that a Gen2 keyfob could be used on a Gen3. If so, it would be a cheap way to get an extra keyfob. As with Gen2, only the transponder (keyfob next to the Power button) function could be made to work with a used keyfob.

Another possibility is that a Gen3 keyfob may work on a Gen2. One advantage of a Gen3 keyfob is that it has about 3X the range (90 feet instead of 30). Whether the change is in the keyfob or the receiver on the car, I don't know.

The mechanical keys are different between Gen2 and Gen3. So if you mix key/car versions, it will be necessary to get a full size mechanical key, instead of the small one that fits in the keyfob.

 

Are there any smarts to the mechanical key that is in the fob or is it strictly to open the door??...I mean is there a transponder in the key that the car will recognize and allow the car to be started without the fob being in the car?

 

Yes, It IS possible to get additional Key Fobs!

I just picked up my new 2010 Prius IV on Thursday night and I received 3 Key Fobs. Two that came with the car and an additional one I ordered when I put in my original request for the car.

Yes, it was ridiculously expensive, but since I have a propensity for losing car keys, I decided it was worth the expense.

Originally I was going to have the security system added (my insurance agent pretty much talked me out of that, since the savings was not a huge difference in my premium), so I decided to use that savings for the purchase of a third FOB instead.

All three work great and the dealer re-programmed them all to my specifications for free.

 

Good to know, Jennifer, thank you. So the repair manual is right and the Techstream software is just misleading in the way it shows things on-screen. Cool!

 

I like you tend to lose keys. What did they carge for the extra key fob? Snowbell what dealer did you purchase from. I live on Putnam/dutchess line but had to buy in Bristol Ct. to get color I wanted. Will not be returning to that dealer for anything.

 

There is a transponder in the Gen2 keyfob. It's too large to fit in the head of the small mechanical key, but is exactly the same shape as the transponder in an ordinary transponder key. My guess is that there is a transponder key that would work on the Prius, but so far I've failed to identify it. If anyone has access to a Lexus 4D short blade transponder key, that would be worth testing on the Gen3. It is not necessary to cut the key in order to test the transponder programming.

 

I sent you a PM - hope info is helpful.

P.S. Let me know if you don't receive it_I don't see it in my sent message file....?

 

I was told that only a keyfob from late 2009 could be used with the 2010, the ealier ones are not compatible.