Driver's door Smart key sometimes fails

I sometimes have this problem with the rear hatch. It does respond if I keep trying though.

 

do you have gloves on?

 

Cellphone in same pocket as key fob? Get the fob as close as possible to the door, so if the fob is in the opposite pocket from your hand that's opening the door, you might want to switch pockets you keep the fob in.

 

I carry mine in my purse and since I carry that with a shoulder strap, it could very well be that I am between the latch and my fob when I've tried to open it. I must do more testing.

 

Sounds like it might be a problem with the 12V AuxBattery, or the 3V battery in the fob. (see threads passim) did you try both fobs?

Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.

 

I'd try the 2nd FOB - and if it's different, go back to the dealer to replace the faulty one. The suggestion above to keep it in a different pocket from SmartPhone is a good idea, though.

 

If the handle on the car is moist/wet or has frost it might not work. Moreover the FOB should not be close to other transmitting devices all the time. As per user's manual.
I used it today at -11C with no issues.

 

On my 2017 Prius the rear hatch only works when the drivers door is unlocked. You have to use the FOB to unlock the doors and the hatchback will unlock. I am working on the motion method to lock the car without using the FOB. Supposedly you can unlock all the doors by waving your hand to the front left of the drivers door handle. I have the locking part down using only my hand but have not been able to unlock all the doors.

It's also how you are positioned. Make sure you have a fresh battery. The FOB takes the standard 2032 lithium coin battery, which are really cheap if you buy in bulk.

 

The batteries should last well - my last 4 cars, I've never replaced a battery - up to 4½yrs old, though it was getting a bit tired by then, and only worked from 10' away instead of double that.

With the touch lock/unlock, as long as you have the FOB in your pocket, you just put your hand inside the driver's door handle and it unlocks as you touch the inside surface (door lock sensor). To lock, there's a small raised pad (door lock sensor) marked at the front of that handle, and you touch it with the back of your hand, elbow, thumb etc.

 

Hmm. Try it again. Be patient. I do unlock my hatch when the rest of the car is locked.

 

^^^ depends on whether you have 1 or 3 door sks.^^^

 

That is because the Trim Two only has 1 door SKS (driver's). Mine is like that too.

 

It happened to me once, I just assumed I'd accidentally enabled the key battery saving function somehow.

Manual says:
■Battery-saving function
The battery-saving function will be activated in order to prevent the electronic key battery and the 12-volt battery from being discharged while the vehicle is not in operation for a long time.
●In the following situations, the smart entry & start system may take some time to unlock the doors.
• The electronic key has been left in an area of approximately 2 m (6 ft.) of the outside of the vehicle for 10 minutes or longer.
• The smart entry & start system has not been used for 5 days or longer.
●If the smart entry & start system has not been used for 14 days or longer, the doors cannot be unlocked at any doors except the driver’s door. In this case, take hold of the driver’s door handle, or use the wireless remote control or the mechanical key, to unlock the doors.

■Electronic Key Battery-Saving Function
When battery-saving mode is set, battery depletion is minimized by stopping the electronic key from receiving radio waves.
Press unlock button twice while pressing and holding lock button. Confirm that the electronic
key indicator flashes 4 times.
While the battery-saving mode is set, the smart entry & start system cannot be
used. To cancel the function, press any of the electronic key buttons.

 

In this case I believe you can just pull the door handle once to start the system. I often leave my car for 14+ days and simply have to pull the handle once to unlock it - then once again to open the door. This works on all doors, not just the driver's.

 

Are you referring to a Gen 4 Prius or some other vehicle?

 

Being that cold, we you wearing gloves by chance? I mean I'm assuming you're walking up to the car with the fob in your pocket/purse and are pulling the handle... It isn't the pulling on the door latch that unlocks the door it is the touch and if you're wearing gloves it might just not be sensing anything there. Just a thought.

I haven't had any issues like that with my '16 Prius... What I have had happen though was the door getting jammed, and I think it is me trying to open the door too quickly or the unlocking goes too slow and the door gets caught halfway...kind of a pain to get in the car as you have to fully close the door and lock and unlock again. I'm not entirely convinced there's anything wrong though....just me.

 

Actually, it is not the touch that unlocks. Placing your fingers between the handle & car body does that. It takes a second or so to unlock, though.

 

how about locking, is it the touch?

 

Yes. A particular spot on the door handle. No button like some of the older Prius.