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SMART KEY sudden behavior

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Technical Discussion' started by unit333, Apr 29, 2013.

  1. unit333

    unit333 Junior Member

    Joined:
    Dec 20, 2009
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    Location:
    NYC
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    II
    Hi
    I changed the battery on both my smart keys like 3 months ago (after close to 3 years with the original one). Yesterday all of a sudden the smart key I usually use won't work. I unlocked the car with the regular key and noticed on the display board, it said something like: Touch your smart key to the Power button, release the parking brake, then start the car.... After a few attempts to follow those instructions the car somehow started, but kept indicating that the key is not detected. Drove to my house, got my spare key which works fine, etc.
    So my guess is something in this first smart key has gone bad, even thought I managed to somehow start the car, it otherwise seems pretty dead.
    Is there a warranty on those things to get a replacement/repair it? How does one approach this situation? Can I get a backup key by just sending this old one somewhere, I really want to avoid driving to the dealer and waiting forever to get this done...

    Thanks!!!
     
    #1 unit333, Apr 29, 2013
  2. BrettS

    BrettS Active Member

    Joined:
    Jan 18, 2011
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    Location:
    Orlando
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    III
    It does sound like a dead smart key. The smart key has a fail safe that does allow you to start the car if you hold it against the power button like you did. Before you spend too much time on trying to get a replacement, though I'd try to change the battery again. I know you said you recently changed it, but it's possible that the new battery was a dud and only lasted a few months.

    If a new battery doesn't help then I'd talk to the dealer. As long as the car is still under warranty I would assume they keys would be as well... It can be several hundred dollars for a new key, so if you really do have a bad key then it's certainly worth a bit of hassle dealing with the dealer to see if they'll replace it under the warranty.
     
    #2 BrettS, Apr 29, 2013
  3. jdcollins5

    jdcollins5 Senior Member

    Joined:
    Aug 30, 2009
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    Location:
    Wilmington, NC
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    III
    The first thing that I would try is to swap batteries with the one that works and make sure it is not just a low battery, even though the battery is new. All batteries have a shelf life and you have no way of knowing how long it sat on someone's shelf.

    Another check of the battery is to press one of the keyless lock, unlock buttons and see if the red indicating light is working.

    I know the dealer can test the SKS fob for you and some locksmith's may be able to do so. I have not heard of a fob just going bad.
     
    #3 jdcollins5, Apr 29, 2013
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