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Key fob with car purchase unable to unlock car

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Main Forum' started by Peter1, Oct 1, 2023.

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  1. Peter1

    Peter1 Junior Member

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    I got two key fobs with my 2010 Prius - both of which start the car, unlock the doors, etc. Battery died after car's been sitting for over a year. Took out the metal key from the fobs - and neither of them work. The just go into the lock half way and hit against a solid something. I called Toyota, got transferred a few times - because nobody there seems to have any idea about this. Any ideas?
     
  2. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    have you owned the car since new?
     
  3. ASRDogman

    ASRDogman Senior Member

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    Maybe some bugs made their home in there. Or someone stuck something inside
    trying to break into the car.
    Try to shine a light into the key hole while pressing the cover out of the way and see if anything
    is blocking the key. Spray wd40 or other similar into the whole. It could just be rusted

     
  4. Johnny Cakes

    Johnny Cakes Senior Member

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    My guess is a jammed wafer lock or possible incursion of foreign object.

    If the former, you might try WD-40 as a penetrating oil.

    UPDATE -- Dang, Dogman replied while I was writing.
     
  5. rjparker

    rjparker Tu Humilde Sirviente

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    It’s possible the key is just a blank. A locksmith can jimmy the door open and inspect the cylinder after removing the door panel.
     
  6. Georgina Rudkus

    Georgina Rudkus Senior Member

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    If they go in halfway, the keys are uncut. I have blank keys. the lones in the channel are straight. I tried them in my door lock, and they went in halfway.

    If you or a locksmith removes the lock cylinder, the factory key code is on it. A locksmith with the proper software or a dealer can cut the keys to the code to match the lock. The industry uses a small CNC router mill to "trace" the so called "laser cut" key, which has nothing to do with lasers.
     
    Grit likes this.
  7. ChapmanF

    ChapmanF Senior Member

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    "Laser" was the trade name of one of the early cutting tool brands. :)
     
  8. Johnny Cakes

    Johnny Cakes Senior Member

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    Wouldn't the OP know by looking at it if the key were uncut?
     
  9. rjparker

    rjparker Tu Humilde Sirviente

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    Obviously not. Which one is uncut? IMG_3052.jpeg IMG_3051.jpeg
     
  10. Johnny Cakes

    Johnny Cakes Senior Member

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    The second one.
     
  11. ASRDogman

    ASRDogman Senior Member

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    Any update???????