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How many unique smart keys for Prius?

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Technical Discussion' started by 2009Prius, Aug 26, 2010.

  1. 2009Prius

    2009Prius A Wimpy DIYer

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    Just heard on cartalk radio that there are a limited number of mechanical car keys so there is a chance that someone may unlock and drive away a car that does not belong to him/her. Would the same happen with our Prius with smart keys or does each Prius has its own unique code?
     
    #1 2009Prius, Aug 26, 2010
  2. Patrick Wong

    Patrick Wong DIY Enthusiast

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    Each fob has a unique code and the Smart-equipped Prius can recognize up to five fobs.
     
    #2 Patrick Wong, Aug 26, 2010
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  3. cproaudio

    cproaudio Speedlock Overrider

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    This is so true. At my last job I remember we worked on a late 80's Ford F150 and a late 80's Escort. I grabbed the wrong keys but it worked. Keys from both vehicles work on each other, locks and ignition.
     
    #3 cproaudio, Aug 26, 2010
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  4. qbee42

    qbee42 My other car is a boat

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    The number of possible smart keys is finite, since it is a fixed number of digits. On the other hand, the number is so large that a code is never reused.

    Tom
     
    #4 qbee42, Aug 26, 2010
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  5. 3prongpaul

    3prongpaul Hybrid Shop Owner, worked on 100's of Prius's

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    The immobilizer on the Prius Gen2 is very sophisticated, so much that the powers that be gave Toyota an exemption on locking the steering column.

    Compare to pretty much every other car made since the 70's, you can always steer the Prius wheels, with or without the keys.

    But good luck getting a Gen2-3 out of Park and/or getting it into Ready mode unless you have a valid FOB.

    -----
    Compare to:

    Gen 1 steering column is locked unless you have key.

    Gen1 has a mechanical override to get shifter out of Park. (Remove small rectangular plastic cover under the steering column (it's about the size of your finger), press finger in hole, move shifter)
     
    #5 3prongpaul, Aug 26, 2010
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