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Which key do I need? Doing this on the cheap.

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Main Forum' started by ericisbacchus, Oct 26, 2009.

  1. ericisbacchus

    ericisbacchus Junior Member

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    Okay, here's the deal.

    We bought an '05 with Smart Key. We got only one fob, though.

    I want to get another key fob. Both me and my wife drive the car.

    The thing is, I don't care so much about the Smart functions. I just want to get one as cheaply as possible. All I want is to be able to lock/unlock the doors via the button on the remote, and I don't mind if I have to stick the fob in the car to start it.

    Do I still need a fob with the silver logo on the back, or will a black one work? Can it have been previously programmed? I've seen the programming instructions on this site...

    Thanks
     
    #1 ericisbacchus, Oct 26, 2009
  2. MJFrog

    MJFrog Active Member

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    Reread the threads. From what I remember, it's possible to use the cheap black FOB if you don't care about the SKS functions.
     
    #2 MJFrog, Oct 26, 2009
  3. firepa63

    firepa63 Former Prius Owner

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    However, the lock and unlock buttons will not work. You will only have the function of starting the car by putting the fob in the slot. Your best option (although not cheap) is to get a silver logo fob from the dealer and have them program the car to accept the new fob. Do not buy an eBay fob. Only a new fob will work.
     
    #3 firepa63, Oct 26, 2009
  4. johnjamis

    johnjamis Junior Member

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    firepa63 is right. Only the start-in-the-slot function will work. You can find the new silver fob for 10% off at some dealers($175). And the programing is anywhere from $40 to $180 depending on how greedy the dealer is. With the new silver fob all functions work.
     
    #4 johnjamis, Oct 27, 2009
  5. ericisbacchus

    ericisbacchus Junior Member

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    bummer. Like I said, I'd be just fine if I could lock/unlock from the remote, and put the fob in the car to get it to start. It doesn't sound like that's possible.

    I found a local dealership that will program it for $50. Should I be wary of buying a new silverback fob on ebay?
    How about this one?

    http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/2004...ptZMotorsQ5fCarQ5fTruckQ5fPartsQ5fAccessories
     
    #5 ericisbacchus, Oct 27, 2009
  6. firepa63

    firepa63 Former Prius Owner

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    I would be very careful about buying a 'new' fob from eBay. Personally, I would just get it from the dealer. It could be less costly in the end.
     
    #6 firepa63, Oct 27, 2009
  7. LeviSmith

    LeviSmith Member

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    This is where I just ordered mine: $150.
    http://www.metrotpn.com/ProductDetails.aspx?CollectionID=25&ProductID=193&SortIndex=29

    I called the 10 closest dealers and most of them wanted $195. Interestingly enough, the dealer who seemed to know the most about what she was talking about charged $360 for a programmed key...

    I found one dealer who said programming was only $20. We'll see...
     
    #7 LeviSmith, Oct 27, 2009
  8. johnjamis

    johnjamis Junior Member

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    Buy the key from the dealer that will program it cheap. Find a dealer that will give 10% off and ask the cheap programer for the same 10% off.

    The key must be new/never programed if you want all functions to work. I tried two off of ebay and none could be programed excelpt to start with the key in the slot.
     
    #8 johnjamis, Oct 28, 2009
  9. cthindi

    cthindi Member

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    I have same 2005 Prius with smart key. For extra key, I got a black logo key from ebay for 35$. I also got key blank for 10 $ and 2$ for cutting the key at Home depot ( Price of toyota key blank).

    I could program to start the car with no problems at all following instructions here. However no amount of trying to program the buttons with instructions available here worked.

    Anyway I am happy with 47$ key which allows me to get in using the key and start the car.
     
    #9 cthindi, Oct 28, 2009
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