Emergency key

How to Program a Toyota Smart Key | eHow.com - This suggests how to do it... Not sure how accurate it is though.

Edit - Whoops... Looks like this only works with ignition based smart key using Toyotas, not the current push button ones.

 

I searched on smart key in the Gen III forums and it sounds like you need the dealers help with the new fobs. There was some good spare "key" ideas in posts #32 & #33 from this thread : http://priuschat.com/forums/gen-iii...-how-far-can-you-drive-without-key-fob-4.html

It sounds like Toyota has the key fob security very tightly controlled in Gen III and newer Prii. Let us all know what you get to work on the Prius v (wagon).

 

This is correct for the Gen2, but the newer Prius doesn't have a separate transponder in the keyfob. You can use a Gen3 keyfob without the battery for RFID-only type function, but you'll have to register the thing as a full function SKS device first.

It's pricey, but it does make sense to buy a new keyfob, get it registered, then take the battery out and hide it somewhere inside the car. Without the battery, the car won't get all upset about leaving a key inside the car. And you'll be able to start the car by holding it near the Power button. If you actually do lose a primary keyfob, you can always put a battery back in the spare and use the full SKS function.

 

I actually tried to get my Gen2 keyfob transponder cloned. The locksmith's equipment recognized a transponder, and he actually created a clone. Unfortunately, the car didn't think much of the clone... That car now has an emergency transponder key with the transponder liberated from a real Prius keyfob.

The Gen3 doesn't have a separate transponder in it like the Gen2. I don't know what technology they're using for the "hold it next to the Power button" function, but it's not an ordinary transponder that locksmiths know how to clone.

You can get a used keyfob registered. The problem is that it requires doing a seed reset, a process that requires an extra half hour of the mechanic's time. A shop that charges $50 to register a new key would probably charge $150 to register a used key. Many shops don't even know how to do the seed reset process.

Someone succeeded in registering a new Gen2 keyfob with a chicken dance (DIY, no dealer or equipment!). Take a look near the end of http://priuschat.com/forums/knowled...lly-how-program-non-sks-key-fob-detailed.html . I don't know if the same procedure works with Gen3.

 

I jumped the gun with my first New, OEM fob. I didn't know about "the chicken dance" at the time, and just used TS to Add it. If I had it to do over, I would have tried to program the New/OEM fob via the chicken dance first, to see if it worked. Then, if it failed, used TS.

Maybe the opportunity will arise sometime in the near future...

 

Why did you have your wife's fob in your jacket if you already had yours with you?

Just curious...

 

It's better to store your fobs farther away from the cars. A fob in range will cause the SKS to chatter, carrying on a lively "I'm here, are you there?" conversation. It will lead to early battery failure for the fobs and the 12V battery in the Prius.

Tom

 

Here is someone who has programmed a Gen III Prius SKS smart key:
http://priuschat.com/forums/gen-iii...ussion/104764-can-smart-keys-reprogramed.html

I wish I was closer to Florida to chech out his setup. We could try the process out on my Prius v (wagon).

 

I still have an idea waiting in the wings to address this issue, but until I work out its feasibility, I might be willing to travel. Get enough Toyota/Lexus owners together, willing to cover my actual costs, and I will provide whatever TS service they'd like, probably wherever they like.

I'm overdue for a vacation :rockon:

 

Probably, but it depends on many variables.

Tom