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How integrated is the Start Button/FOB Relationship?

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Technical Discussion' started by scottwg, Dec 9, 2016.

  1. scottwg

    scottwg Junior Member

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    I know this is going to get a lot of dismissal, but with all the Prius Gen II's in the junk yard now, I got the bright idea to see what it would take to remove the start button and door handle lock mechanism and try installing it on another car? How integrated into the ECU is the system, or can it be dissected, removed and reused? Since it is in a junk yard, I can whale on the thing, bend break and yank the parts out (intact of course) and reuse them on something else. Any experience with these devices? And by the way, I know I can buy a device that does the same thing, but if it can be put in, I assume it can be removed right?
     
  2. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    i could be wrong, but i think there is one ecu. you would need all the antenna's and wiring as well i think.
     
  3. scottwg

    scottwg Junior Member

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    OK true. I guess it all just depends where all that is and how accessible it is. The ECU is easy enough. But if it is all integrated, then yeah, I'm screwed.
     
  4. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    what kind of car would the power button work on?
     
  5. scottwg

    scottwg Junior Member

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    Really, I did not have any one car in mind. But I have an old Land Cruiser that I would love to get into the same way with the same key.
     
  6. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    getting in may not be a huge deal. starting the engine requires cranking?
     
  7. scottwg

    scottwg Junior Member

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    Yeah. That is where my knowledge of the mechanism comes in. Of course a normal car cranks by turning the key until it hits a contact. The button on the other hand obviously activates a relay that does the same thing I am assuming?
     
  8. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    the button just turns on the computers. relay and etc. i think it's just make or break. but there are non hybrids who copied toyota, so you push the button and hold until engine starts, i assume. not sure hou you could convert it.
     
  9. scottwg

    scottwg Junior Member

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    Probably so. Just was hoping for a possible "oh yeah just do this" but I know that was wishful thinking.
     
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  10. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    you never know, i'm just guessing.
     
  11. RobH

    RobH Senior Member

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    I think there are 3 ECUs that have to be coordinated. There is a Techstream command to "introduce" several of the computers to each other.

    I think the aftermarket units are a better bet for conventional cars. The Toyota smart key system is just too integrated into the rest of the system to be easily transferred.