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Keyless Entry not working (black key non-SKS)

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by wegortw, Nov 23, 2013.

  1. wegortw

    wegortw Junior Member

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    The lock/unlock on the original key is the problem, it stopped working even though I verified it had a good battery (these are the black keys, not silver logo).

    No buttons are stuck as they red light only lights up when we press the buttons. The original key did work up until one day it just stopped, even though the red light was still responding to our presses.
     
  2. JC91006

    JC91006 Senior Member

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    Does the "panic" button work?

    You have the instructions to program a new key, try going through the process and see if the car will pick up the transmitter while you are in programming mode.
     
  3. wegortw

    wegortw Junior Member

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    Nope the panic doesn't work either.

    I tried the reprogramming steps 7+ times and never got it to work, but I started thinking it wasn't meant for the non-sks keys.
     
  4. JC91006

    JC91006 Senior Member

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    the programming instructions are quite basic, should work for both sks and non=sks keys. You definitely need a working key to start the programming process. It has to pick up on the original key being present, that's by you clicking on the lock/unlock keys on a working remote.

    Can it have been damaged by moisture? Jumped in a swimming pool with your keys? j/k
     
  5. wegortw

    wegortw Junior Member

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    Does the remote part of the key have to be working? This I don't have, but both keys still work with the ignition (start button)
     
  6. JC91006

    JC91006 Senior Member

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    Yes the remote part has to be working. Used keys can be programmed to work in the ignition only, cannot be programmed for sks or lock/unlock functions. A used key cannot be programmed to work the lock/unlock functions. Only a brand new key can be programmed for sks or lock/unlock functions. Sounds like you had a working key before and for unknown reasons it stopped working. I joked about the moisture because another member commented he stuck it in the dryer and got it working. I thought that was the craziest idea, I would simply use some silica gel to absorb any moisture.

    The spare key you have might be a "new" key that just needed to be programmed as the metal key hasn't been cut.
     
  7. JC91006

    JC91006 Senior Member

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    It may be the transmitter in your car that is not functioning properly. I don't believe these keys will lose it's memory and not be recognized by the car. I would look into the car itself and not so much the key.
     
  8. wegortw

    wegortw Junior Member

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    Yeah it's the wife's car / keys, so no telling if she soaked/dryer'ed it or not (not that I could tell or that she told me). I bought the Prius from a Toyota master tech, but he warned me the second key was just for the ignition and not the doors.

    Is there any way to test the cars fob receiver or fuse to know if the issue is not on the car side? Just trying to avoid the dealerships at all costs (all cost is anything > $1)
     
  9. wegortw

    wegortw Junior Member

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    Yup, that is what I was just thinking (replied at the same time as you), searching the forums I haven't found the answer yet, but will update this thread when I do.
     
  10. JC91006

    JC91006 Senior Member

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    If you have another prius available, you can run the programming function on that car with their "working" key. As your key is used, it will not accept the programming when you try, it will at least register by the door locks cycling to know it's registered the attempt to program (the door locks would cycle when you press the button)
     
  11. JC91006

    JC91006 Senior Member

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    I'm sure the dealer might have something better to test that remote transmitter. Maybe next time you bring it in for an oil change, they can check the transmitter for you at n/c.
     
  12. wegortw

    wegortw Junior Member

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    My oil change guy doesn't know how to do this yet :) #me.

    Found this - IMPORTANT EXPERIENCE: KEY/FOB Programming Issues | Page 3 | PriusChat

    "You need to wipe/reset the settings of your car's security system to add a used FOB, which requires a mini-VCI cable and techstream software"

    I may try the chicken dance some more, but I think it's just laughing at me now.
     
  13. JC91006

    JC91006 Senior Member

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    I haven't messed with the techstream in resetting a used key. It might be possible and it might somehow mess up your car all together if done incorrectly.

    The chicken dance will only work with a working key...programming a brand new key. Nothing else will work.

    The master tech you bought the car from programmed a used key for the ignition for you. That's all, he didn't spend the money on a new key to make everything functional.
     
  14. wegortw

    wegortw Junior Member

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    I think this is probably the next best step, anyone in Austin Texas want a beer?
     
  15. JC91006

    JC91006 Senior Member

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    Easy test to see if the transmitter works. Nothing will get programmed because the car won't accept it.
     
  16. wegortw

    wegortw Junior Member

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    Found the solution:

    At least one of two solutions

    1. Disconnect the 12v battery, both the positive and negative. Let it sit to reset, connect it back, give it a test.

    I found this out after my 12 volt battery died and replaced it. So if option one doesn't work then option 2 may you need a new 12 volt battery, but unlikely.