Programming the Smart Key

I have the same question and will be watching for an answer.

 

This question has been asked many times for Gen 2 and Gen 3 and as far as I know, no one except the dealer can fully program a smart key. On Gen 2 you can program any keyfob to work in the ignition slot, but that's all. The keyfob has to be a new, never programmed fob for it to be fully programmable even by the dealer. By fully programmable, I mean the buttons work and the SKS wireless functions all work. As far as I know this programming requires Toyota specialized equipment and hasn't been done by anyone but a Toyota dealer.

 

What dealer offers a fob at a "reasonable" price?

What dealers consent to program an "Ebay" type fob?

Specifically, what is the source for a "less expensive" fob that can actually be made fully functional?

Thanks, Gary

 

The smart keys (SKS) must be programmed by the dealer, or one of a handful of commercial shops with the necessary computer tools.

Actually, the car is programmed to the fob, not the other way around.

Dumb fobs for the Gen II can be programmed by the user. Instructions can be found on this site.

Tom

 

any update on this? is it possible to program one without the dealer?

 

Update: No, it is not possible.

Okay, that's not entirely true. You can spend a few thousand dollars and buy a Techstream programming tool, but that isn't a good solution for most owners.

With the Gen II Prius, you can program a smart key to work as a dumb fob, but not as a smart fob. The car must be programmed by the dealer for smart functions to work, and then only with a -new- smart key. A used smart key requires the dealer to reseed the ECU, which is a lot more expensive. The details may differ with the Gen III, but I haven't heard otherwise.

Tom

 

Gen 3 Prius SKS fobs can only be programed at a Toyota dealer. They must be new and never programed before. The ones on the internet are usually preprogramed for another Prius.

The only other way to program a SKS fob that has already been programed on another Prius G3 is to have the dealer reflash the ECU. Basically you will have to have the dealer reflash the ECU. Which is NOT inexpensive.

 

This is not correct/accurate. I had two EBay keys programmed.

Was it easy for the dealer - no. Did it require a re-flash? No.

Evidently, keyfobs as part of security get 'locked' after xxx uses. So an Ebay key will likely be 'locked' but Toyota dealers can 'unlock' them. This is what my dealer explained, and what they did.

I have 4 keyfobs.

Keyblanks can be found around $10 on Ebay - but cost $20 at most locksmiths to program (better than the $90 my dealer wanted).

 

Please provide the locksmith that programed it for you. Is it fully functional programing? remote lock, unlock, panic working? lock and unlock with door handle working? key in pocket to start working? Which dealer charge $90 to program SKS? Please let us know. I need extra key fobs.

 

This is a difference without distinction. Yes, technically the ECU may not need to be reflashed, but it did need to be reseeded. For all I know the reseeding process may require a reflash. Either way, the Toyota dealer has to make a phone call, prove authorization, get the new seed, flash it to the ECU, and add all of the fobs. It's not a simple task.

Tom

 

Actually, you can have "Techstream" for a $400 Mongoose MFC programming interface, and a $15 2-day subscription to TIS, which gives you access to the Techstream PC software (Toyota calls this "Techstream Lite").

But you still wouldn't be able to program for the new FOB. That requires security access codes that only dealerships and approved locksmiths can obtain.

 

A few details...

My understanding is that you need a $55 TIS account for 2 day access that includes Techstream.

The $55 account allows you to add and delete keyfobs. The restricted "Security Professional" service is required to add used keyfobs or reset the ECU for all keys lost.

 

I stand corrected on the $55. Thanks.

Very interesting on the programming of new fobs - have you actually done this on a 2010 Prius? (The fob is different from previous years, with apparently higher security.)

 

This I can agree with. My dealer had to make the 'call' to some place in Los Angeles, this due to 'security' - meaning each time this happens, it is not 'simple' - but far from a re-flash. In fact, they told me it was the FOB that got flashed...

 

I only have experience with Gen2 SKS keyfobs. I've got the two original, two used ones, and a transponder liberated from a black logo keyfob. The keyfobs are fully functional.

In order to register the used keyfobs, it was necessary to do a "Smart Key Reset" for each used keyfob. The process was attempt to register a used keyfob, fail at it, select "Smart Key Reset", obtain a 6 digit answer to the six digit query from Techstream, wait 15 minutes for the reset to complete, select "Key Code Registration", register all previously registered keys plus one used keyfob, repeat "Smart Key Reset", wait another 15 minutes, select "Key Code Registration", register all keys (4). I assume that a virgin keyfob would be acceptable for "Key Code Registration" without the reset. The transponder registration is separate on the Gen2, but apparently included as part of smart key registration on the Gen3.

I've installed the transponder from a black logo keyfob into a transponder key. The transponder in a Gen1 key doesn't work in a Gen2, but transferring one from a keyfob into the Gen1 key handle does work. The key blade locks/unlocks the door, and inserting the head of the key (with the transponder) into the keyslot works just like a keyfob. There may be a transponder key that just works with the Gen2, but I haven't identified it.

 

I'd be very interested in hearing about anyone having success programming a "virgin" Gen 3 key fob themselves with Techstream Lite (and no security access).

 

I'd give it about a 99% chance that you don't need the "Security Professional" status to register virgin keyfobs. Techstream only asks for the security code for the reset functions. There's the hassle of contacting Toyota for the code, plus a 15 minute delay while the reset is done. In addition to the 15 minute delay, the driver's door must be open during that period. Close the door, and you have to restart the whole process (I didn't see it, but I have a good idea how the tech found out about that one...).

Billing a customer for the 15 minute delay while the reset takes place is a bit aggressive. Granted, the Techstream is tied up for the time, but the tech could certainly find something else to do while the computer counts its toes.

The only improved security that I'm aware of in the Gen3 over the Gen2 is the laser cut mechanical key. And that security is based on the fact that the key pattern is cut in the middle of the key instead of the edge.

 

I would like to buy use smart keys for my 2010 prius.

I called 3 dealerships to see about reprogramming them :
one said it cannot be done.

one said it fails 90% of the time.

the last one said it it is the same frequency as the original it will work.

I will cost me $117.00 to have them try.

I just found some good info on programing a smart key:
http://artsautomotive.com/hybrid-articles/154-adding-deleting-and-replacing-prius-smart-keys

 

Which site?