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Key Fob not working

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by jimsajdak, Sep 6, 2015.

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  1. jimsajdak

    jimsajdak Junior Member

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    I have a Toyota Prius 2008 and my key fob has stopped opening and closing the doors. It's one where I can open and close the door using the buttons on the key fob but does not open or start the car from a distance.
    Anyway, it stopped working. My wife's works fine. I tried changing the battery and tested both batteries on a battery tester and that showed full charge on both. When I place the battery into the fob, the red light on the remote flashes for some time then stops. It doesn't flash when I press any of the three keys. And the car will start and run fine with the fob.
    Not sure what's happening here but any suggestions/information would be appreciated. Thanks!
     
  2. HGS

    HGS Member

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    It sounds like you need a new key fob. I wish I could help, but I have a 2013 and it has a different SKS. I programmed a new key fob for my car. I needed to buy an OBDII cable on Amazon from China and download software that works with Toyotas
     
    #2 HGS, Sep 6, 2015
    Last edited: Sep 6, 2015
  3. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    check your 12 volt health, and also, make sure none of the buttons are stuck.
     
  4. Em_Adams91

    Em_Adams91 New Member

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    The same thing happen to me! My key got washed, it was left in my roommates pants pocket as you didn't need to have it plugged into the car to use it, however now I do. I changed the battery and it lights up when I press the buttons. I think I need to program the fob or something. Not sure :/ it is so frustrating having to use that little hidden key. If you've received anymore information please pass it on!!
     
  5. jimsajdak

    jimsajdak Junior Member

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    Actually, my key fob started working occasionally and then all the time. Though I don't use it that often since it is to my wife's car, it has been working now for several months without fault. So what happened, why, no idea, but apparently righted itself in some way and now seems to be working. Only thing I can figure out is dropped it or got it wet? ....but restored and thankful for that for now.
     
  6. Jack Rabbit

    Jack Rabbit Junior Member

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    My situation is this. Drove car to work as usual using FOB in pocket to unlock doors and start the car. No problem. Came out of work and nothing would open - used mechanical key to open door. Car would not start even after placing fob in slot in dash. No signs of life. Thought of 12v problem. Called for roadside assistance. They jump started car - except the only way car would start was with fob inserted into the dash slot. Had 12v battery checked and all is ok according to battery specialist. Replaced battery in fob. Doors will only unlock by pushing unlock button on fob. Doors will only lock by pushing lock button (interior lock and unlock button on the doors works). No response from the by walking up to the car or by pushing the little black buttons on the outside of the car. Car will not start with fob in pocket (missing key sign lights up on dash when depressing start button). Car starts and operates normally wth fob inserted into dash. Essentially the car no longer responds to the fob, even with new fob battery and 12v battery checked. Thoughts? Some need to reset computer system? Something else??
     
  7. ericbecky

    ericbecky Hybrid Battery Hero

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    Did you check the "key" button that is by the driver's knee?
    It is a pushbutton that must be in the "out" position.
    If it is on the "in" position, it disables the keyless entry and keyless ignition feature.
     
  8. Bev1111

    Bev1111 New Member

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    Im very confused. I just read 'pushing the little black buttons on the outside of the car.' I thought the black buttons were covers for the actual key lock. Why have the actual key inside the fob if there is no place to use it? I just bought this 2006 2 days ago and am VERY new at this. I've been reading the PDF manual to figure out how to lock my car, am reading this blog sight. I posted a question about inability to open the FOB to replace the battery.
     
  9. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    congrats and welcome!
    there is a lock on the driver door for emergency use in case the 12v dies. otherwise, you should be able to unlock the doors by pressing the unlock button on the fob, or if you have the sks system, simply by placing your hand on the door handle.
     
  10. SFO

    SFO Senior Member

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    Make sure the vehicle is turned off and all doors are shut, then press and hold the black button on any one of the doors until you hear the locks actuate and or the car beep (might take a couple of seconds).
     
    Raytheeagle likes this.
  11. Likeawind

    Likeawind Member

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    sorry for reviving the old thread.
    I have the same problem, I don’t know what happened to the fob, it wouldn’t lock or unlock the car anymore. I have the base model and have to insert the fob to start the car. Light just keep flashing for nothing. Can I buy a new remote and program it myself? Heard something about chicken dance but I wanna check with the experts here before I dish out $150. Btw I already put a new battery and 12v is good. Please advise. Thanks