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prius wont start without key in ignition

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by turbo1, Jul 14, 2016.

  1. turbo1

    turbo1 Junior Member

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    hello guys i need your help, i cant start my car without keys in ignition anymore. everything else works fine, i can lock and unlock the car with smart system. 12V battery and battery in fob is fine as well. when i am trying to start by pushing the start button it beeps and shows key symbol. if i insert the key in slot the car starts without any problems. i have checked smart system knob under the wheel. it's in on position. the trouble starts when i removed 12V battery and cleaned it. i have also removed the central console arm rest. are there any kind of smart system cables? under the central console? as i said everything works except keyless start.
     
  2. JC91006

    JC91006 Senior Member

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    Yes the center console is where your SKS sensor is located. That's used to start the car
     
  3. turbo1

    turbo1 Junior Member

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    thanks a lot i appreciate i will check that out. will there be any other problems what do you think?
     
  4. JC91006

    JC91006 Senior Member

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    The only problem is you disconnected the SKS sensor in the center console.
     
  5. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    check your 12v connexions, especially ground to body.
     
  6. JC91006

    JC91006 Senior Member

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    there's nothing wrong with his 12v or the ground, it starts when you insert the fob into the keyslot
     
  7. timmyjane

    timmyjane Junior Member

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    I feel your pain. mine is not working either and I havent been able to find a solution anywhere. I have a feeling that we have to somehow make the car relearn the key. No idea though.
     
  8. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    did you disconnect your sks sensor as well?
     
  9. JC91006

    JC91006 Senior Member

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    You can test if your sensor in the car is working by leaving 1 fob in the car and try to lock the car from outside with the other fob. If it locks, then the sensor is not working, because it shouldn'tt let you lock the car with a fob inside
     
  10. timmyjane

    timmyjane Junior Member

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    Couldnt SKS also be tested by trying to unlock the car by grabbing the door handle with a fob in your pocket? Unlocks SKS working?
     
  11. JC91006

    JC91006 Senior Member

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    No, that would only prove the door sensor is working. The one that starts the car is in the center console

    There are multiple sensors in the car.
     
  12. timmyjane

    timmyjane Junior Member

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    Interesting. What else could you do if you only own one fob?
     
  13. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    check your fob and 12v batteries.
     
  14. JC91006

    JC91006 Senior Member

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    Roll the Windows down and put the fob in your driver's seat, shut the door and press the lock button on the door. Make sure window is rolled down or you won't be able to get in.

    You should get another fob, they cost about $100 on Amazon. Having 1 fob is just asking for trouble
     
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  15. timmyjane

    timmyjane Junior Member

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    Done and done. Second fob ordered. I have updated my thread with info stating that my SKS sensor is confirmed working via the test.
     
  16. JC91006

    JC91006 Senior Member

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    Wait for the 2nd fob and program it. See if it'll start the car. I'm not sure why it's not starting with sks since it's picking up the fob
     
  17. timmyjane

    timmyjane Junior Member

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    My issue has got to have something to do with the fact that my immobilizer light continues to flash even when the car is running.
     
  18. turbo1

    turbo1 Junior Member

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    thanks all guys, i figured it, it was sks sensor under the central console. i have connected it and it works perfectly
     
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  19. dolj

    dolj Senior Member

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    Do you know how it became disconnected?
     
  20. turbo1

    turbo1 Junior Member

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    yes i do, few days ago before the problem, i removed central console and cleaned it. it seems i forget to connect the wires