FOB/battery issue?

1) The panic button might now be stuck in a depressed position. Notice how the panic stops when the FOB battery is removed. Take a small, THIN tool (maybe a razor blade/exacto knife/think plastic knife) and trace around the panic button. ALL the buttons on the FOB should always have a click feel/sound. Do you not feel and hear this for each button on the FOB?

2) The current FOB in your possession, and the key inside the FOB, most likely belongs to a different Prius. This would explain the physical key NOT working for your Prius.

3) Inquire with a dealer or vehicle locksmith about getting a physical key made w/o the key ID tag. This key ID tag came w/ new vehicles; it contained a 5 digit number that allowed a Toyota dealer to cut a physical key by entering the number into their key cutting computer. The other way is having a good copy of a physical key that functioned as a template for a duplicate key to be made.

4) Getting locked out again could be due to one or both of these:

• the 12V battery being too low/dead,
  
• the fob battery (CR2032, 3V) is dead

5) Your Prius does not have SKS (Smart Key System)? How do I tell?

• Do you see a small black, square, rubberish, button on the front door handles, and on the rear trunk next to the Toyota trunk emblem?
• Do you see this under the steering column?
• 

 

Hi emma, did you ever figure out the issue? My key fob starts the car but is not locking/unlocking the car. It's not the key fob battery, so not sure if I need to replace the 12V in the car.

 

get a free load test at an auto parts store

 

What makes you so sure it is not the fob battery?

Most of the time it is one of the buttons stuck in the 'ON' position. All the buttons on the fob should always have a click feel/sound. Do you feel and hear this for each button on the fob?

 

I've replaced the battery multiple times with brand new batteries and it still doesn't work. Also, the little red IR light turns on every time I hit a button (and always did with the original battery).

Lastly, I know the click feel/sound of the button very well as I've had this car for 11 years. The button is not stuck in either the on or the off position.

I checked the 12V battery, it's not failing (the system menu says 13.8V, actually). I have no idea what the issue is. The car turns on just fine. Also, no icons are lit up on the MFD. I'm puzzled.

 

The fob buttons can make a click sound and still not work properly. Sometimes the micro switches become dirty and can be sprayed out with contact cleaner. This situation applies more to one of the buttons not working rather than a stuck panic button, but it might be worth a try.

 

That is the CHARGING voltage, not the actual voltage of the battery itself.
That alone tells you nothing about the health of the battery.

 

A 12 volt lead acid battery can show healthy voltage, but would need a load test to show if it can withstand a draw and maintain a healthy voltage.

 

oh, so who can help me figure out if the battery is failing? Where can I get a load test done?

 

At any store or dealership that sells batteries......well, most of them.

You could also check the voltage with an external meter while the car is OFF to get a rough idea.

 

Of all places to have a load test Walmart auto centers are usually equipped with a battery tester that is around $5000 and will test it for free. I think it will just say "good" or "replace" without giving a percentage of health. Walmart probably will not sell a replacement AGM battery that fits directly though.

 

Autozone
Pepboys
Advanced Auto Parts
NAPA Auto Parts
Any of these will have a load tester