1. Attachments are working again! Check out this thread for more details and to report any other bugs.

Lost Prius key fob - can I ping it?

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Main Forum' started by Sangye Menla, May 29, 2015.

  1. qdllc

    qdllc Senior Member

    Joined:
    Aug 25, 2013
    1,358
    396
    0
    Vehicle:
    2013 Prius
    Model:
    Two
    We keep our keys in a bowl.

    You should get a bowl.

    If you're locked out, where's your key.

    In the bowl.

    :LOL:

    I've not "lost" keys in a long, long time. Accidentally locked myself out, yes, but not lost keys. Of course, I'm paranoid about such things.

    The real problem with the Prius and other "fob activated" cars, is that spare keys are expensive. I leave one fob at home all the time. Should something happen, I can call and someone would bring me the other fob. If two people have a fob each, you don't have spares to lock in a safe place. My dad used to always get a spare key or two made with any vehicle so a key ring with spares could be found for such a situation.
     
  2. David T

    David T Junior Member

    Joined:
    Nov 22, 2012
    4
    2
    0
    Vehicle:
    2005 Prius
    Model:
    Two
    :LOL:

    I always have mine on the hook by the door, but this time i did not apparently. normally I could wait for it turn up, but lost my spare car wash a few weeks ago. Anyway back to the topic. Anyone know how to ping these things?
     
  3. retired4999

    retired4999 Prius driver since 2005

    Joined:
    Aug 11, 2011
    2,652
    625
    15
    Location:
    Eau Claire, Wi.
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius Plug-in
    Model:
    Plug-in Base
    As far as I know you can not ping the fob. Sorry. :cry:
     
  4. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

    Joined:
    Oct 17, 2010
    54,703
    38,243
    80
    Location:
    Greater Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    Touring
    There's that gizmo you can clip to the fob, then you can find it with a smart phone. Cold comfort when it's already missing. They're pricey too. One thing I did was put attach a cheap shipping label to mine, with my email and phone number on it. Just incase it were to get lost somewhere like the dealership, or a mall.
     
  5. JStrenk

    JStrenk Active Member

    Joined:
    Nov 29, 2011
    203
    101
    0
    Location:
    Ravenna
    Vehicle:
    2016 Prius
    Model:
    Two
    Seems like a lot of the replacement batteries I have bought for the fob are older than the Prius and die in a couple of months.
     
  6. qdllc

    qdllc Senior Member

    Joined:
    Aug 25, 2013
    1,358
    396
    0
    Vehicle:
    2013 Prius
    Model:
    Two
    Here's a million dollar idea for those of you who are electrical whiz kids....

    Make a device that will "mate" with your key fob(s), and if you lose them, can trace their signal...or at least let you know if you are close.

    If "mating" isn't possible (or too difficult), something that will detect "pings" in the frequency range that key fobs use. Just put all your known fobs in one place and use the device to search elsewhere to see if it finds a ping.
     
  7. mmmodem

    mmmodem Senior Taste Tester

    Joined:
    Nov 17, 2011
    2,732
    1,703
    0
    Location:
    Bay Area, CA
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius Plug-in
    Model:
    Plug-in Base
    There is a metal key contained within your fob. Yup, the good old fashion key and key slot still exist. Remember that if you ever run out of battery. You can still get in and drive the car.
     
  8. RobH

    RobH Senior Member

    Joined:
    Sep 18, 2006
    2,369
    978
    70
    Location:
    Sunnyvale, California
    Vehicle:
    2006 Prius
    No, you can only get in with the metal key. Actually starting the car requires a fob...
     
  9. mmmodem

    mmmodem Senior Taste Tester

    Joined:
    Nov 17, 2011
    2,732
    1,703
    0
    Location:
    Bay Area, CA
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius Plug-in
    Model:
    Plug-in Base
    I'm not sure you understood what I wrote. :whistle:
     
  10. qdllc

    qdllc Senior Member

    Joined:
    Aug 25, 2013
    1,358
    396
    0
    Vehicle:
    2013 Prius
    Model:
    Two
    Bluetooth Key Fob

    Saw it today on the web. Nice option if you keep losing your keys.