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key fob failure

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Main Forum' started by southjerseycraig, Aug 2, 2012.

  1. southjerseycraig

    southjerseycraig Active Member

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    I have a 2010. For the first 25,000 miles, I have been using one of the keyfobs. Today I got into the car, put my foot on the brake as I normally do, and then pressed start button. Nothing happened and I got a message that I had to hold the key up the start button. So I pushed the button on the key fob to release the key. Nothing happened. I tried various positions on the button, but couldn't get anything to happen. Finally, I had to get someone to take me home so that I could get the other keyfob.

    I admit that I do not have good manual dexterity. I would be grateful if any of you could explain to me how to release the key from the fob. I'd also like to know what my other hand should be doing --pulling at the key handle?

    In addition, I assume that I should take the non-working fob to my friendly Toyota dealer so that a new battery can be installed?

    I apologize if this question has been asked and answered before, but this really threw me into a tizzy.

    Thanks for your help.
     
    #1 southjerseycraig, Aug 2, 2012
  2. mad-dog-one

    mad-dog-one Prius Enthusiast

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    Sounds like the battery in your FOB needs to be replaced.
     
    #2 mad-dog-one, Aug 2, 2012
  3. fuzzy1

    fuzzy1 Senior Member

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    Hold the entire key fob up to start button. The RFID unit should be in the fob body, not in that little mechanical key.

    To release the mechanical key, don't press the release button squarely, it won't work. Press in only the end away from the keychain loop. The other end of the button will rock or tilt out of the fob, releasing the key. Pull on the keychain loop, it may be stiff.
     
    #3 fuzzy1, Aug 2, 2012
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  4. mad-dog-one

    mad-dog-one Prius Enthusiast

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    To release the key from the FOB, push the button on the side of the narrow side of the FOB having a small key icon and labeled push.
     
    #4 mad-dog-one, Aug 2, 2012
  5. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    try your other fob before replacing the battery, it probably still works.
     
    #5 bisco, Aug 2, 2012
  6. southjerseycraig

    southjerseycraig Active Member

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    Fuzzy1, I held the entire fob up to the start button, but couldn't get anything to happen. That's why I then tried to get the mechanical key out,figuring maybe I had to hold the key alone up to the start button. Your instructions for getting the key out do work--thank you.
     
    #6 southjerseycraig, Aug 2, 2012
  7. southjerseycraig

    southjerseycraig Active Member

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    yes, fortunately the other fob still works. Still, I will have the battery in this fob replaced so that I always have a working backup. Thanks for your thoughts.
     
    #7 southjerseycraig, Aug 2, 2012
  8. retired4999

    retired4999 Prius driver since 2005

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    Even if your battery in the fob is dead it still should start the car. Holding the fob against the silver ring around the push button, then push the start button at the same time, car should start, if not see the dealer.
     
    #8 retired4999, Aug 2, 2012
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  9. southjerseycraig

    southjerseycraig Active Member

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    Thank you for that suggestion. It's possible that I did not push the start button, but instead thought that it was enough to hold the fob up. A question: in that case, when it is necessary to take out the mechanical key? What does the key do? thanks again!
     
    #9 southjerseycraig, Aug 3, 2012
  10. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    the key unlocks the door if your locked out due to dead fob or 12v battery. a bit of wd40 on the key will help it slide in and out of the for easier if it is tight.
     
    #10 bisco, Aug 3, 2012
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  11. southjerseycraig

    southjerseycraig Active Member

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    Thanks!
     
    #11 southjerseycraig, Aug 3, 2012
  12. southjerseycraig

    southjerseycraig Active Member

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    Thanks,that's really helpful. Does the door open just by sliding the key in, or is it necessary to turn it?
     
    #12 southjerseycraig, Aug 3, 2012
  13. Germwise

    Germwise Junior Member

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    Are you seriously asking this question?
     
    #13 Germwise, Aug 3, 2012
  14. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    you must turn it like an old fashioned key.
     
    #14 bisco, Aug 3, 2012
  15. cwerdna

    cwerdna Senior Member

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    Assuming you bought new, I'm disappointed that it sounds like your salesman didn't show any of this to you when you picked up your car.

    My salesman showed me the mechanical key and the slot (on 2nd gens, not the OP's) if the fob battery dies.
     
    #15 cwerdna, Aug 3, 2012
  16. 50324prius

    50324prius Junior Member

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    Plus, depending upon how you have the FOB set up to lock and unlock the car remotely, two motions with the key to unlock will unlock all doors, providing you can get the key out of the fob.
     
    #16 50324prius, Aug 3, 2012
  17. Alpine Hiker

    Alpine Hiker New Member

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    One of my key fobs is eating up batteries every couple of days... the key fob is getting replaced under warranty, otherwise those keys, with programming cost over $300.
     
    #17 Alpine Hiker, Apr 28, 2017
  18. TMR-JWAP

    TMR-JWAP Senior Member

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    My son had a similar problem, but they lasted about a week. We found he was carrying his FOB and cell phone in the same pocket all the time. Stopped doing that and we haven't had to replace a battery in several months.
     
    #18 TMR-JWAP, Apr 28, 2017
  19. Quattro

    Quattro Member

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    Fob to the start button explained
     
    #19 Quattro, Apr 28, 2017
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