1. Attachments are working again! Check out this thread for more details and to report any other bugs.

Smart Key Issues

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Technical Discussion' started by Lexi, Feb 19, 2019.

  1. Lexi

    Lexi New Member

    Joined:
    Feb 19, 2019
    2
    0
    0
    Location:
    Knoxville, TN
    Vehicle:
    2006 Prius
    Model:
    Base
    I have a 2006 Prius that has been giving me issues. The key fob will only work 50% of the time. The other 50%, touching the door handle will not unlock the car, and the car will not start. It will flash the yellow & red no key lights. If I continue pressing the start button for 5-10 mins it will eventually randomly start.

    I have tried:
    - Replacing key fob batteries
    -Testing 12V (it is fine)
    - SKS bytton turning on/off under steering wheel

    This morning, I tried to have a new key fob made as I thought that might be the culprit. The locksmith told me that it would not allow him to program the new key in to the proximity sensor. He also told me the car does not show that it registers or recognizes the old key. When put in the ignition slot, the old key is not registered. When put in the ignition slot, the new key is registered and will start the car.

    He suggested the proximity sensor may need to be replaced. Does anyone have any experience with this or know how to replace it?

    Thanks.
     
  2. JC91006

    JC91006 Senior Member

    Joined:
    Nov 10, 2013
    16,464
    8,377
    0
    Location:
    Los Angeles, CA
    Vehicle:
    2008 Prius
    Model:
    II
    Does this problem only happen in the driver's door? There are sensors on both driver's and passenger door. As well as rear hatch and center console.

    If the problem is happening in all areas of the car, it's probably not a sensor problem. It would be related to a keyfob.

    Try changing the battery from the NEW fob to the OLD fob. See if that changes anything. If your old keyfob works after the battery swap, then you know your problem.
     
  3. Lexi

    Lexi New Member

    Joined:
    Feb 19, 2019
    2
    0
    0
    Location:
    Knoxville, TN
    Vehicle:
    2006 Prius
    Model:
    Base
    I’m a little confused how to respond to this. It seems like you didn’t read my post correctly. It’s 100% not a key fob battery issue.
     
  4. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

    Joined:
    May 11, 2005
    107,571
    48,862
    0
    Location:
    boston
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius Plug-in
    Model:
    Plug-in Base
    welcome!
    i think it is under the center console, iirc. you might also have an eco issue. could be a wild goose chase.

    might be worth hooking up tech stream and looking for codes, or having a dealer take a look
     
  5. dolj

    dolj Senior Member

    Joined:
    May 14, 2012
    7,447
    3,751
    0
    Location:
    Wellington, New Zealand
    Vehicle:
    2007 Prius
    Model:
    N/A
    You're assuming the battery you used to replace the one in the key fob was good. JC is not making that assumption, and doing what he suggested will prove/disprove that assumption.

    It would be helpful to just answer the other questions posed as well, as they are reasonable questions and once having the answers, he/we can go to the next steps.
     
    Skibob likes this.