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Driving with the mechanical key?

Discussion in 'Newbie Forum' started by BNucks, Feb 20, 2014.

  1. BNucks

    BNucks New Member

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    I'm totally new to this forum! We have had a 2008 Prius for six years now. Last week my husband lost his keys, and along with it the smart key. The dealership quoted him $350 for the replacement (we are in the Los Angeles/SGV area) for the smart key, but said that they can make him a mechanical key for $24. We went with the mechanical key and were surprised last night to find that it was just the little key that comes off of the side of the fob. As far as my research has shown me this morning, the only thing that key can do is open the driver side door.

    Does anyone know if there is a way that this key can drive the car? And, if not, is there such a thing as a replacement key for under $350? Ouch, Toyota!

    Thank you :)
     
    #1 BNucks, Feb 20, 2014
  2. Trollbait

    Trollbait It's a D&D thing

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    Do you still have the second fob? If so, you can get a replacement for cheaper than the dealer and program it yourself. The directions should be in the owner's manual, or on this site somewhere else.

    If both fobs are gone, you'll have to go through the dealer to get them programed. You save some cash by getting a non-SKS fob that goes into the slot on the dash. From there you then try reprogramming a non-dealer SKS fob yourself.
     
    #2 Trollbait, Feb 20, 2014
  3. xpcman

    xpcman Senior Member

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    No you can't drive the car with the mechanical key.
     
    #3 xpcman, Feb 20, 2014
  4. JC91006

    JC91006 Senior Member

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    If you have lost both original key fobs you'll be in for a shock in getting replacement keys. The entire immobilizer system has to be changed out to the tune of over $1000.

    The little mechanical key will not start your car. It's only to open the door. At $24, it's outrageous.

    If you still have 1 original key fob, you can make a duplicate by ordering a new key fob through various Toyota dealers online (best price). I was able to get my last key from camelback Toyota in AZ for $103.xx, they offer free shipping if you purchase $150 or more....so buy some other things you may need for free shipping.

    Programming is pretty easy, many threads here will show you how to do it. Toyota charging $150 to program the key is crazy. If you need help in doing the programming, I also live in the SGV, I can possibly help you with programming it for free.
     
    #4 JC91006, Feb 20, 2014
  5. BNucks

    BNucks New Member

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    Thank you for your help! We still have my key thankfully, so I will look online for a replacement fob :)
     
    #5 BNucks, Feb 21, 2014
  6. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    welcome to priuschat! check around with locksmith's, some can make a fob cheaper than the dealer. also, pm member 'ovni', he may be able to help you with programming a fob from ebay. all the best!(y)
     
    #6 bisco, Feb 21, 2014
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