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

Prius Key Ignition on 06 Basic Model. Is plugin optional?

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Main Forum' started by PriusWolf, Dec 19, 2012.

  1. PriusWolf

    PriusWolf Junior Member

    Joined:
    Dec 19, 2012
    7
    0
    0
    Vehicle:
    2006 Prius
    Model:
    Two
    Okay so I had a 2005 Loaded Prius that was totaled. I now have a 2006 Basic model.
    I anticipated the changes with the stereo and such but 1 issue I've been wondering about is the Ignition.
    In my 2005 I never had to plug my Key fob into its port to turn on the car. Now with my 2006 I have to plug it in every time
    Now i did have this issue once with my 2005 key but it was due to the key battery being almost dead.
    So I thought this was the same issue but.. after changing the battery in the key of my '06 its still only letting the car turn on
    with the Key in its socket.

    Now im wondering is this due to having a Basic model, or is there something else that I need to replace?


    Also im looking for a good Maintenance book on the Gen 2 Prius? Any Suggestions?
     
    #1 PriusWolf, Dec 19, 2012
  2. SteveLee

    SteveLee Active Member

    Joined:
    Sep 15, 2012
    645
    179
    0
    Location:
    North Carolina
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    I
    I assume you have SmartKey. Is it switched on at the dash under the wheel?
     
    #2 SteveLee, Dec 19, 2012
  3. PriusWolf

    PriusWolf Junior Member

    Joined:
    Dec 19, 2012
    7
    0
    0
    Vehicle:
    2006 Prius
    Model:
    Two
    I have no idea if i do or not.. how would i tell the difference?
    There is a switch under the dash? wher would it be located specificly?
     
    #3 PriusWolf, Dec 19, 2012
  4. SteveLee

    SteveLee Active Member

    Joined:
    Sep 15, 2012
    645
    179
    0
    Location:
    North Carolina
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    I
    If it is a SKS your button to switch it on and off is under the steering wheel on the dash.
     
    #4 SteveLee, Dec 19, 2012
  5. Britprius

    Britprius Senior Member

    Joined:
    Jun 14, 2010
    5,194
    1,912
    0
    Location:
    Herefordshire England
    Vehicle:
    2008 Prius
    If your key fob has silver writing on it you have smart key, if the writing is black you do not and the fob has to be put in the slot.
     
    #5 Britprius, Dec 19, 2012
    SteveLee likes this.
  6. PriusWolf

    PriusWolf Junior Member

    Joined:
    Dec 19, 2012
    7
    0
    0
    Vehicle:
    2006 Prius
    Model:
    Two
    I have a black emblem on the back.. so i fear its NOT a smart key like that.. oh well.. Thanks guys.. it helped alot.
     
    #6 PriusWolf, Dec 19, 2012
  7. SteveLee

    SteveLee Active Member

    Joined:
    Sep 15, 2012
    645
    179
    0
    Location:
    North Carolina
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    I
    Well, that's simple enough. Thanks for the info. I didn't know that.
     
    #7 SteveLee, Dec 19, 2012
  8. Handygeek

    Handygeek Member

    Joined:
    Jan 19, 2013
    110
    17
    0
    Vehicle:
    2006 Prius
    Model:
    N/A
    Is the only advantage of the "Smart Key" that one does not have to insert it in the slot to start the car?
     
    #8 Handygeek, Jan 23, 2013
  9. Britprius

    Britprius Senior Member

    Joined:
    Jun 14, 2010
    5,194
    1,912
    0
    Location:
    Herefordshire England
    Vehicle:
    2008 Prius
    The smart key also enables you to enter the car just by walking up to it.
     
    #9 Britprius, Jan 23, 2013
  10. Handygeek

    Handygeek Member

    Joined:
    Jan 19, 2013
    110
    17
    0
    Vehicle:
    2006 Prius
    Model:
    N/A
    Thanks! I had not done a general Search (I use ixquick.com as they honor privacy) as I trust this site.

    Can I get and use a non-Smart Key fob if the one that came with it is a Smart Key (it has the silver emblem)?

    Also, I saw this site but noted the following text:
    Toyota Prius Smart Key Keyless Entry Key Remote Uncut | eBay



    This would mean $39. at Toyota for the existing key + this one, plus maybe a fee to reset the ECU?

    Even at that the total cost would be about $160. which is 1/2 getting it all from the dealer.

    Is there a less expensive way to add a key?

    If affordable I'd really like to add two keys. (Smart Key feature is optional - unless when the switch is on for Smart Key it creates a problem for a non-Smart Key - requiring all Smart Keys or none Smart Keys.)

    WDYT?
     
    #10 Handygeek, Jan 23, 2013
  11. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

    Joined:
    May 11, 2005
    107,688
    48,943
    0
    Location:
    boston
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius Plug-in
    Model:
    Plug-in Base
    i thought only the prius I didn't have sks?
     
    #11 bisco, Jan 23, 2013
(You must log in or sign up to post here.)