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Car won't open after not used awhile

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Main Forum' started by charliecrino, Jul 24, 2010.

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  1. charliecrino

    charliecrino Junior Member

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    :eek: Because of the economy and the fact that we have 2 Toyota Prius 2006 cars, we have taken one off the "on the road" insurance and have it parked. Today I went to go get something I left in the car and noticed that both the FOB and the physical key won't open the car door and I wasn't sure what to do. I can't open the hood to charge the battery if that is needed because the hatch is opened from inside the car. What do I do? :eek:
     
    #1 charliecrino, Jul 24, 2010
  2. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    there is a physical key in the fob. just slide the little tab and pull on the ring.:)
     
    #2 bisco, Jul 24, 2010
  3. Patrick Wong

    Patrick Wong DIY Enthusiast

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    I guess you should call a locksmith to come out to see whether he can open your driver's door using your physical key and/or a Slim Jim inserted past the window seal.
     
    #3 Patrick Wong, Jul 24, 2010
  4. charliecrino

    charliecrino Junior Member

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    I tried the physical key and they doesn't work either :(
     
    #4 charliecrino, Jul 24, 2010
  5. macmaster05

    macmaster05 Senor Member

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    This may sound stupid but I think you're using the wrong key. You said you have 2 Toyota Priuses. Try the other key. ;)
     
    #5 macmaster05, Jul 24, 2010
  6. charliecrino

    charliecrino Junior Member

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    Good idea, but I did use the right key and it doesn't work. I think from not using the car for about a month the battery may be so low that the electrical system may not work, yet not sure what to do.:confused:
     
    #6 charliecrino, Jul 24, 2010
  7. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    the physical key works the mechanical lock. car can be stone cold dead. try the other 3.
     
    #7 bisco, Jul 24, 2010
  8. FL_Prius_Driver

    FL_Prius_Driver Senior Member

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    Does the key turn or not turn when you attempt to open the door with the key?
     
    #8 FL_Prius_Driver, Jul 24, 2010
  9. ksstathead

    ksstathead Active Member

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    I remember a thread on this. Try to search, as they got 'er done, iirc.
     
    #9 ksstathead, Jul 24, 2010
  10. charliecrino

    charliecrino Junior Member

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    The key turns just fine, the door just doesn't open and physical key only has one door with the lock and that's the drivers door. It doesn't open.:eek:
     
    #10 charliecrino, Jul 24, 2010
  11. charliecrino

    charliecrino Junior Member

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    I actually did a search before posting this new thread and I didn't see anything. Are you aware of an answer on here somewhere maybe? :confused:
     
    #11 charliecrino, Jul 24, 2010
  12. macmaster05

    macmaster05 Senor Member

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    Did you try replacing the battery in the fob?
     
    #12 macmaster05, Jul 24, 2010
  13. charliecrino

    charliecrino Junior Member

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    I have 2 FOBs for this car. My wife's FOB for this car and mine for this car. What are that odds that both don't work? :confused:
     
    #13 charliecrino, Jul 24, 2010
  14. FL_Prius_Driver

    FL_Prius_Driver Senior Member

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    It's a mechanical linkage. Do you get a mechanical sound of any mechanism when trying BOTH directions?
     
    #14 FL_Prius_Driver, Jul 24, 2010
  15. charliecrino

    charliecrino Junior Member

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    The Key can only turn to the left and there is no sound of any kind. It does not feel stuck it just doesn't open the door. :violin:
     
    #15 charliecrino, Jul 24, 2010
  16. macmaster05

    macmaster05 Senor Member

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    Your 12v battery might be dead.
     
    #16 macmaster05, Jul 24, 2010
  17. charliecrino

    charliecrino Junior Member

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    Yes, and the Hood release is inside the car, so I can't get to the battery to charge it either. :faint2:
     
    #17 charliecrino, Jul 24, 2010
  18. ksstathead

    ksstathead Active Member

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    Can't seem to find it, though there are similar threads searching "unlock dead battery"

    It seems like someone was able to reach the jump terminals under the hood from under the car, but that may be totally wrong. The best path would be to get the manual key to work. Then open the hood.
     
    #18 ksstathead, Jul 24, 2010
    hrh likes this.
  19. charliecrino

    charliecrino Junior Member

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    I put some WD-40 into the manual lock and the physical key worked to open the door. I tried to power on the car but there is no power at all. Battery must be dead :( from not driving it for a month. The car has only 20,000 miles on it but the car is 4 years old so there is probably no warranty on the 12V battery. :yo:
     
    #19 charliecrino, Jul 24, 2010
  20. Tideland Prius

    Tideland Prius Moderator of the North
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    To open the rear hatch:


    1. Climb into the hatch area from the rear seat

    2. Lift the false floor up (just half of it is fine).

    3. Locate a plastic cover in the underfloor bin towards the hatch area. Remove it

    4. There is a small metal hatch release behind that cover. If you haven't used it before, it can be hard to find so use a torch/flashlight to locate the release

    5. You should be able to lift the hatch (or get someone from the outside to help you lift when you lift up on the release).
     
    #20 Tideland Prius, Jul 24, 2010
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