Extra Gen III key alternative: metal key and RFID only (no SKS)?

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Accessories and Modifications' started by StevoB, Feb 23, 2015.

  1. StevoB

    StevoB New Member

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    I am a new 2013 Prius Plug-In owner, coming into the New Age from a car with manual ignition, doors, windows, transmission... Needless to say the cost of full SKS replacement fobs is a huge shock. The car came with one fob & key, and I have at least five drivers I'd like to have easy access to the car.

    I have read everything I can here that touches on this, but haven't seen anything on a solution that leaves complicated, expensive SKS out of the equation.

    The question: knowing we can all gain entry with a fairly inexpensive key, is there a way to get one or more inexpensive battery-optional fobs, chips, whatever programmed to allow starting the car when held on the power button?

    I hope the question is clear, ask away if not.

    Thanks,

    - Steve
     
    #1 StevoB, Feb 23, 2015
  2. xpcman

    xpcman Senior Member

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    One option is to hide the only key inside the car and give duplicate metal keys to the 5 drivers. Just store the key in a metal box so the car doesn't know it's inside and use the metal keys to enter the drivers side.
     
    #2 xpcman, Feb 23, 2015
    Last edited: Feb 24, 2015
  3. css28

    css28 Senior Member

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    The above idea looks like a good step but I have to suggest that you get at least one SKS replacement fob.

    If your one current one gets lost or destroyed you're going to be in serious trouble.
     
    #3 css28, Feb 23, 2015
  4. StevoB

    StevoB New Member

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    Thanks xpcman and css28!

    Having SKS-free entry and starting would solve cost and sparse-spare problems... I'm gonna guess that if this could be done somebody would have brought it up already. It would depend on the RFID starting being a separate technology and easier setup than the SKS.
     
    #4 StevoB, Feb 23, 2015
  5. StevoB

    StevoB New Member

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    Followup question: assuming we keep an SKS fob in the car, might it be possible to program an inexpensive fob for the longer range non-SKS lock/unlock buttons?
     
    #5 StevoB, Feb 23, 2015
  6. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    nope. there are a million threads here on extra fobs. can't remember anything cheap, maybe under $200.?
     
    #6 bisco, Feb 23, 2015
  7. Hidyho

    Hidyho Senior Member

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    Did you buy the car new or used?
     
    #7 Hidyho, Feb 23, 2015
  8. RobH

    RobH Senior Member

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    The 2004-2009 Prius has a traditional RFID (transponder) chip inside the keyfob. It is used when the keyfob is plugged into the dash to unlock the ignition.

    The 2010+ Prius (except maybe the low end Prius C?) doesn't use a transponder. They all use a radio link keyfob to lock/unlock the door/ignition. If the battery is dead/removed from a 2010+ keyfob, the keyfob still works, but only when held next to the Power button.
     
    #8 RobH, Feb 24, 2015
  9. css28

    css28 Senior Member

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    But isn't that a transponder at work? Granted, there's no physical mating but I suspect the function's the same.
     
    #9 css28, Feb 24, 2015
  10. StevoB

    StevoB New Member

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    Hidyho: sorry, I meant new Prius owner, used car. I will get a second fob and some metal keys. And try some Altoids! But of course coveters of newer Prii know to look for the Altoids box...

    I still have no background in this, even as a Fob User, but... doesn't the long-range door remote use a simple one-way radio signal? And if so couldn't another transmitter be taught the same signal?
     
    #10 StevoB, Feb 24, 2015
  11. Blizzard_Persona

    Blizzard_Persona Senior Member

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    ^^^What this Gentelman said...
     
    #11 Blizzard_Persona, Feb 24, 2015
  12. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    someone mentioned that you can put the fob inside your gas flap. i haven't tried it.
     
    #12 bisco, Feb 24, 2015
  13. StevoB

    StevoB New Member

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    Thanks everyone. I now see some of these details hve been covered, and now know to use a search engine instead of the forum search!

    - Steve
     
    #13 StevoB, Feb 24, 2015
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