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Prius won't recognize smart key

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Care, Maintenance & Troubleshooting' started by desttes, Jul 16, 2018.

  1. desttes

    desttes New Member

    Joined:
    Jul 16, 2018
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    Location:
    Boston, MA
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    N/A
    my Toyota Prius 2010 wont recognize Smartkey. The locks wont open and the car wont start. When trying to start the car the dashboard message is:

    'Depress break pedal
    touch power switch with key'

    Even after doing this, the vehicle wont start.

    I replaced the 1632 battery on the Smartkey, checked the 12V battery and its ok. Lights and horn on the vehicle are strong.

    Contacted two Locksmiths who said they could not do anything about it.

    Has anyone experience this issue before?
     
  2. JC91006

    JC91006 Senior Member

    Joined:
    Nov 10, 2013
    16,464
    8,377
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    Location:
    Los Angeles, CA
    Vehicle:
    2008 Prius
    Model:
    II
    Put the keyfob up to the start button, and then press start. See if the car starts
     
  3. schja01

    schja01 One of very few in Chicagoland

    Joined:
    Apr 22, 2005
    1,731
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    Location:
    Chicagoland
    Vehicle:
    2018 Prius
    Model:
    Prime Advanced
    You need to touch th Toyota Emblem of the FOB to the start button. After doing that you “should” be able to press the start button to start the car. I’ve been in that situation with my Camry Hybrid but only after ignoring a “low battery” warning for a week. ;)
     
  4. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

    Joined:
    May 11, 2005
    107,571
    48,862
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    Location:
    boston
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius Plug-in
    Model:
    Plug-in Base
    welcome!
    do you have a second fob?