Lazy and lackadaisical key fobs...

Hi dear prius owners,

I've had a quite strange issue with my key fobs (both of them) for a while now. (with my 2006 Gen II Prius, no "hands free" ignition. I need to insert the key fob in the dashboard to start).

So, I can only lock/unlock the car remotely when it's already on or when shut down for less than 2 minutes. If the car has been turned off for more than a few minutes, the key fob doesn't work. And I need to use the physical key to open the driver door. I have already changed the battery from both key fobs and also replaced the 12V battery recently (not the official one, the Matra battery) But no change. Key fobs still work perfectly well (I can lock/unlock remotely) when the car has already been started or switched off for less than a few minutes.

Maybe of interest : once, I parked the car with the hazard warning lights on. When I came back (maybe 15 min later), I was able to unlock the car with the key fob. Is there some kind of accessory battery that switches off after 1 min, except when the hazard lights are on?

Thanks for your help
Jyje (from France)

 

Thanks for your replies.
I'll have a check with a multimeter tomorrow first thing. And maybe go for an official toyota 12V battery soon...