Replacement KEY Needed

Your best bet is to go through Toyota in spite of the cost. The car has to be programmed to accept the new key with the SKS system. You will also want them to delete the lost key so that it cannot be used again without your knowledge.

 

Here is the Toyota owner's site, you will have to register using your VIN. I agree with the above post, go through a Toyota dealer and pay the $300, it will save time, trouble, and maybe money as well.

Toyota Owners Online | Official Toyota Owners Website

 

I'm on my second 2010 Prius - I had kept one of the keys from my previous one, and purchased one online (Ebay). When I bought my car, as part of the deal, they programmed the others (you can have a total of four keys).

Programming keys is a major pain - they spent 1 hour+ the first time trying to figure it out. When I brought it in for the tire change (5K miles) - they were finally able to do it.

It appears (thanks to the Tech forum) used keys get 'locked' after xxx uses. To unlock, Toyota has a special secure software 'tool'.

If it were me, I would get two (or three) keys ($50/each) on Ebay, and find a dealer to program them all for the same price - it really shouldn't take the dealer any more time to do 2-3 as it would be 1.

You would then need a key blank - I didn't bother yet (figured *if* the battery dies, I'll call AAA or Toyota assist to unlock). I think the dealer wanted like $80 for each cut blank - of course, those are also available on Ebay...

EDIT: Key blanks are $10 on EBay (locksmith can cut them), and used smartkeys are $50

 

Note: A total of seven (7) keys can be registered.

 

Hrmmm - thought from a previous post in Tech that there are only 4 slots available (using Techstream) - can you verify this - I have only read Rachaelseven mention 4 keys (she has the programming tool) - and my dealer explicitly mention I had as many keys as were possible (4).

I guess from a software sense, it may make sense (3 bits instead of 2) ?????????????

 

In New Car Features/Vehicle Interior/Theft Deterrent-Keyless Entry/Smart Key System/Details:

4. FUNCTION
(a) Entry Function
(1) The entry function consists of the following functions:


(See Attached, under Key Code Registration)

Unless it's a typo when it was translated...

 

Go to ebay. people are selling keys for $50 or less. Then take it to your dealer to have it programmed.

 

This may not be directly related to this thread. But I have been wondering if I lost my key on the road (dropped it in the lake, etc.), can AAA or any emergency service help me so that I can drive it home?

 

Only way to start the car again is to use another key fob programmed to the car. Without that, you'll have to tow the car. If you have the small little silver plate with the key code still, the dealer can make a new replacement key on the spot. If you don't have the key code, a whole new set will have to be cut and programmed.

 

Cant you hold the key next to the start button and start it that way? It has a transponder built in right? I remember reading about it for those that needs to disable the SKS.

 

Yes, it's in the Owner's manual on page 542. I haven't tried it but others on here have and apparently it works OK. It should work if you have a dead key fob battery also.

 

The replacement key mentioned in this post is only the mechanical key. With it you can get inside the car, but not start it.

Tom

 

To start the car just hold your fob next to the power button.

 

The number for Toyota Headquarters is 800-331-4331.
I found my options for replacing a key to a 2011 model
were to shell out close to $400 to a local dealer or go
with one key. By the way, prices at local dealerships differed
widely, so it's helpful to get some quotes.

 

I just lost the metal door key itself and I was quoted 147 for that. I asked how much it would be to get a fob too and he said 250 for the fob and another 100 to program it for a total of 497! I was shocked! 300 seems more reasonable... Dealers are con artists!

 

Hi Rrolff....I don't know what to look for on ebay. We got one key with our used Prius at the dealer but we need another. I like your idea of buying the keys on Ebay but I don't know what number it is that people are putting on their ads on ebay. Also, will a dealer program 3 extra keys without charging a ton for each one?

 

I bought a used key fob on eBay for $77 that was unlocked so it was ready to be programmed. It was from an outfit named keylessentryremote. I took the replacement fob along with the original and the car itself to a local locksmith. They have the machine that plugs into the car and basically registers the code of the replacement fob with the car so the car can be operated by the remote. It cost $55 to program the fob and $45 to cut the key blank which came with the replacement fob. It was the least expensive way I could figure out how to do it!

Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.

 

A preemptive ploy: attach a small luggage tag to the key, with your phone number.

Good idea to tape the number on your locking lug nut socket too.