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smart key signal weak

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Main Forum' started by nakago12, Jul 1, 2011.

  1. nakago12

    nakago12 New Member

    Joined:
    Feb 25, 2008
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    Vehicle:
    2005 Prius
    my 2005 prius just passed 100K miles, recently i noticed the smart key signal is weaker and weaker. I.E. he car some times does not "feel" the key when it's in a thin bag, or pockets. or cup holder. while it definitely did a few years ago.

    I switched the battery, (just generic ones) from a local drug store, and it didn't seem to help.

    do i need new "OFFICIAL" battery ? or just new smart key altogether?
     
  2. V8Cobrakid

    V8Cobrakid Green Handyman

    Joined:
    Jun 6, 2004
    3,790
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    Location:
    Park View, Los Angeles, CA. U.S.A
    Vehicle:
    2004 Prius
    Model:
    N/A
    there is no official battery. the generic 2032 from the drug store is the only option.

    the only reason the prius has a special battery (12v) is because of the way everything vents. maybe something about the rate of charge but i don't remember... just going off physical things.

    i've been noticing this myself too. i wondered if it was the door static sensors but there seems to always be a difference with it near change or being too tangled in the keys in my pocket, even a credit card being too close. It was only a problem with the phone previously.

    i wondered about the static sensors since the hatch always works better than the door. the hatch errors 1 out of 60 times or so while the door will error 1 out of 10 times or so.

    with the hatch, there are tricks... it's a button under a static pad (i think)... so you can slightly touch the rubber (you'll feel it slightly indent) and it will unlock the car as you walk around. i used to only use 1 finger on the door when now i use at least 3...

    sometimes less grip and more of a swipe (thinking more sensor coverage) works better for me.

    i have all sorts of little methods for my madness... i test little things like this all the time.

    they have plastic lens cleaner... it's a polish.. i was thinking of using some on a door "sensor" (inner handle plastic). i would do test beforehand to see what changes if anything.