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LED on electronic key

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Technical Discussion' started by Maj, Oct 29, 2013.

  1. Maj

    Maj Junior Member

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    Newbie here with a 2010 Prius IV. The LED on the electronic key blinks at seemingly random times. Whats the scoop?
     
  2. gliderman

    gliderman Active Member

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    What LED? Where on the electronic key? Do you mean the key FOB?
     
  3. ReDave

    ReDave Junior Member

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    does it blink more when in the car?
     
  4. Maj

    Maj Junior Member

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    Yes, the rectangular plastic fob with the lock/unlock buttons. The LED is just above and to the left of the lock button.
     
  5. Maj

    Maj Junior Member

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    I first noticed it when I was showing the car to some friends while walking around the outside. Then I noticed it again today when I pulled in the garage while inside the vehicle in park.
     
  6. gliderman

    gliderman Active Member

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    I had never noticed. 75k miles and 4 yrs and I never saw it til you pointed it out.
     
  7. rdgrimes

    rdgrimes Senior Member

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    It should blink every few seconds when its in communication with the car. I think it may also blink when you push any buttons on it.
     
  8. RobH

    RobH Senior Member

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    And it stops blinking at all when the battery is about to die...
     
  9. spiderman

    spiderman wretched

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    Communicating with the mother-ship...
     
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  10. longshot

    longshot Junior Member

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    Wonder if it keeps blinking if u leave your keys in the car overnight. I leave mine in my car because it is parked inside. Notice it blinking also.

    SPH-L710 ?
     
  11. David Beale

    David Beale Senior Member

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    From the writings of the Prophets (the owners manual) -
    "●As the electronic key always receives radio waves, the battery will
    become depleted even if the electronic key is not used. The following
    symptoms indicate that the electronic key battery may be depleted.
    Replace the battery when necessary. (→P. 454)
    • The smart key system or the wireless remote control does not operate.
    • The detection area becomes smaller.
    • The LED indicator on the key surface does not turn on."

    RTFM? ;)
     
  12. El Dobro

    El Dobro A Member

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    The transmitter LED blinks when it's around the car to let you know it's in range.