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"Smart" technology not working

Discussion in 'Newbie Forum' started by Spcalan1, Jul 3, 2011.

  1. Spcalan1

    Spcalan1 New Member

    Joined:
    May 16, 2011
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    Location:
    Flowery Branch, GA
    Vehicle:
    2006 Prius
    Model:
    III
    I have a 2006 Prius and all of a sudden the 'smart' technology stopped working.

    1. The smart button is NOT pushed in.
    2. Can only crank car with FOB in dash. Usually keep the keys in cup holder.
    3. FOB will not unlock or lock door, via smart or push button on FOB
    4. FOB will not set off panic alarm.
    5. We have 2 FOB's, and both quit working at the exact same time.

    What gives? Seems like the car no longer recognizes either fob.
     
    #1 Spcalan1, Jul 3, 2011
  2. cwerdna

    cwerdna Senior Member

    Joined:
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    Location:
    SF Bay Area, CA
    Vehicle:
    2006 Prius
    Have you changed the key fob batteries? Mine needed to be changed within the last year or so.

    They're just cheap CR2032s that can be bought for <$2/each, at the right place.
     
    #2 cwerdna, Jul 3, 2011
  3. Spcalan1

    Spcalan1 New Member

    Joined:
    May 16, 2011
    104
    7
    1
    Location:
    Flowery Branch, GA
    Vehicle:
    2006 Prius
    Model:
    III
    No I have not, but why would both quit working at the exact same time?
     
    #3 Spcalan1, Jul 3, 2011
  4. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

    Joined:
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    Location:
    boston
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius Plug-in
    Model:
    Plug-in Base
    perhaps the spare was already dead and when the one you normally use finally quit? or your 12v may be retiring.
     
    #4 bisco, Jul 3, 2011
  5. Spcalan1

    Spcalan1 New Member

    Joined:
    May 16, 2011
    104
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    Location:
    Flowery Branch, GA
    Vehicle:
    2006 Prius
    Model:
    III
    Nope, 12v is new.. and the spare worked as well.
    very strange...

    Is there a way to 'reconnect' the fobs?
     
    #5 Spcalan1, Jul 3, 2011
  6. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

    Joined:
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    Plug-in Base
    maybe disconnect the 12v for a few minutes? you're sure the button under the dash is in the correct position?
     
    #6 bisco, Jul 3, 2011
  7. cwerdna

    cwerdna Senior Member

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    Location:
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    Vehicle:
    2006 Prius
    Yep. When I replaced the CR2032 in my main fob, I believe I checked my spare at that same time or within a few weeks and found it was also dead and in new of a new CR2032.

    I almost never use the spare.

    OP: If you bought your 06 new and you've never changed the fob batteries, it's very likely its batteries are dead. I bought mine new in January 06.

    If you've ever driven 20+ minutes and then heard the car emit a beep upon powering down, that's the warning that the fob batteries are low. I heard that warning numerous times before finally needing to change the fob batteries.
     
    #7 cwerdna, Jul 3, 2011
  8. Spcalan1

    Spcalan1 New Member

    Joined:
    May 16, 2011
    104
    7
    1
    Location:
    Flowery Branch, GA
    Vehicle:
    2006 Prius
    Model:
    III
    Just changed the batteries... works perfect now.. sheesh.. glad it was an easy fix..
    Now, I can remember the warning beep ( probably telling me the fob battery was dying ).
     
    #8 Spcalan1, Jul 3, 2011
  9. Corwyn

    Corwyn Energy Curmudgeon

    Joined:
    Mar 6, 2011
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    Location:
    Maine
    Vehicle:
    2007 Prius
    Model:
    II
    Despite what most people seem to think, there is such a thing as a coincidence (literally a 'happens at the same time'). Say the chances are 1-in-2,000, with 2 Million Prii sold, that means it should have happened to a thousand people already. You just happen to be one of them.

    [5 years = around 2000 days. You aren't going to notice in a finer resolution than 1 day. Plus the battery life is not evenly distributed, more likely a normal distribution centered somewhere around 5 years, making it even more common.]
     
    #9 Corwyn, Jul 3, 2011
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