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Smart Key Troubles with 08 Prius

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Technical Discussion' started by Terror404, Mar 21, 2018.

  1. Terror404

    Terror404 Junior Member

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    Four
    Hello,

    I bought a car recently, 2008 Prius with smart key. Initially, key fob was not working as I bought it with dead battery. I replaced the battery and as I was at home and car was at the parking lot I did not bother to check the key fob straight after, although I have noticed that after replacing battery key fob led was blinking for some time without me pushing any button. I should mention that I have bought another used smart key beforehand and was planning to program it afterwards. Next morning I opened the car remotely with its original key and started programming the new one. I successfully programmed it as a "dumb" key with door,brake and push button sequence, but when I moved to programming as a smart key door locks were locking/unlocking constantly, therefore smart function was not acquired. What is even more frustrating is that during this programming car "has lost" its original smart key and does not respond to any push on any button, more than that if key is not in the keyhole car alarm goes on and I cannot start the car if the key is not inserted. Also, the led is blinking constantly for some time on the key if I take it out and does not light up if I push the button.

    New key does light up when I push it, but does not lock/unlock the doors. Although it starts the car without inserting. For the time being I have left original key in the keyhole and close /open the car with mechanical keys.

    Do you guys have any idea what should I do or what I did wrong?

    P.S. I was using a thread from here as an instruction for programming
     
  2. PAUL SCHULTZ

    PAUL SCHULTZ Member

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    Maybe one of the buttons is stuck on the old key fob. I have read about this on PC. Some folks have used a pin to poke into the rubber button and pull up. If this works it may be dirt/grime over the years on the old fob is causing a button to stick. If this is the case there are replacement cases so you can swap the inner circuitry into the new case. ebay has them, probably Amazon too.

    If your "new" fob is actually a used one then you won't be able to program the SKS function using the "chicken dance" method. I believe it can be programmed to your vehicle by a locksmith with the right tools and knowledge. To do the "chicken dance" method you need a new fob that has never been programmed to get the SKS functionality.

    Hope you work this out.

    Paul.
     
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  3. Terror404

    Terror404 Junior Member

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    Thanks Paul,

    The prologue to the whole story is that original key is somewhat in a bad shape, most of the rubber is hanging out and no panic key is in place. I bought the replacement cover from ebay, but original casing seems to be glued together and I did not want to break it apart and that is why I bought second key. Some guys say that used key is programmable as a smart one.I even saw the youtube video, will link it if I find ite
     
  4. Terror404

    Terror404 Junior Member

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    one more question, should the smart key button underneath the steering wheel be depressed or released for SKS to work
    ?
     
  5. TMR-JWAP

    TMR-JWAP Senior Member

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    De pressed = De activated

    Push the button and it deactivates the SKS function. Push again to release the button to its fully extended position and SKS is back to being functional

    And if your original key is missing rubber covers and the led is blinking, you have a stuck button, most likely from dirt/dust/pocket funk that has gotten inside. Just take it apart and clean it to get it unstuck and put the circuit board into a new case. Don't forget to transfer the RFID chip that is located at the bottom of the cover half that doesn't have the circuit board.

    To disassemble, remove the manual key, I also usually remove the battery. It may take some effort, but pry the two halves apart. Who cares if something cracks....you have a new case
     
    #5 TMR-JWAP, Mar 21, 2018
    Last edited: Mar 21, 2018
  6. RobH

    RobH Senior Member

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    The old case can be opened by spreading needle nose pliers in the mechanical key slot. Be sure to transfer the transponder chip as well as the circuit board to the new case. Replace the battery (again!) with the new case - the old one was holding at least one of the buttons and drained the battery.
     
  7. Terror404

    Terror404 Junior Member

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    ok,I will try that tomorrow and let you all know about the progress.
     
  8. Terror404

    Terror404 Junior Member

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    Ok, little update here.I have changed the key cover and everything works fine now, although could not get chance to program second key as a smart key
     
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  9. PAUL SCHULTZ

    PAUL SCHULTZ Member

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    I'd be interested in the link to the youtube video that shows how to reprogram a used SKS fob for a new vehicle. I thought the only way was to have a locksmith use their fancy computer to reset the immobilizer and then add all the fobs at that time... including any original fobs that may have worked. Basically, they wipe everything out of the immobilizer system and "rebuild" from scratch.

    Paul.
     
  10. Terror404

    Terror404 Junior Member

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  11. Terror404

    Terror404 Junior Member

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    I checked the video and it says new key, maybe I was too far in illusions and heard like "any key", sorry for that :( but that is why we all are here, to find out what is truth and what is not.
    I also found a good link for troubleshooting

    Art's Automotive
     
  12. Terror404

    Terror404 Junior Member

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    Quick update,after some time problem still persisted and it seemed that panic button was being stuck in depressed position even with the slightest movement, I decided to get rid of it and removed whole button unit which is soldered on the board. now key works fine