2003 Prius with just a valet key and 12v died

Call a locksmith...

 

By the door on the floor are two levers. One opens the gas cover and the other should pop the trunk. I've not tried it with the trunk deliberately locked by the master key.

If that doesn't work, I'll have to check the schematics in the engine compartment fuse box or take a VOM to find where the 12 V is available. If you have a VOM, you might be able to find some residual voltage on a pin. Regardless, a jumper would let you connect a charger and put 12 V in the system. I would probably look at the higher amp relays and fuses first.

A 'shade tree' mechanic approach, I'd pop the cover of the dome light and try to jumper there (careful, one side is ground!)

If you search the forum, some of our members have described how to make a duplicate of the valet key and do some extra grinding to make it a master key. I am sorry, I don't really understand the difference. Perhaps someone might have both keys and post a photo of them side-by-side?

Bob Wilson

 

Uh, yes, but we need to know a little about your background and technical knowledge. Otherwise, I might use a term like "VOM" that stands for Volt Ohm Meter and not realize it might as well be a foreign language. I had four younger brothers so this is not unusual.

Could you give us some background information about how you got the car? The reason is to find out if the original owner might still have the master key.

As for the locksmith, they are not all equally skilled. We may be able to help find a clue-full, locksmith.

Bob Wilson

 

So you have already tried to use the lever that is on the left side of the drivers floorboard nearest to the seat?

 

Sometimes mine will not open when I pull the lever initially for some unknown reason. After trying another time or two it usually will work. However once I had to have my son give some slight upward pressure as I pulled the lever to get it to work. Just a thought.

 

The master key could have been used to put the trunk in "won't open using the lever" mode. You do that by putting the master key in the trunk and turning 1/4 turn to the left, then taking the key back out. So you can tell if that was done by seeing that the key slot is horizontal at the trunk lock ... normally the slot is vertical and you can open the trunk with the floor lever.

-Chap

 

Is the 2003 a version with trunk? Just reading the Toyota Tech Info owners manual:






Oh, maybe valet key won't work for this?

 

Any Toyota Dealer can make you a Master Key with Proof of Ownership. It only takes a few minutes and costs less than $20.

I think I paid $8. My master key was worn and had to be positioned just so to unlock the door. A new Master key worked great for my problem.