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Wierdness when attempting the chicken dance

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Main Forum' started by Peter Vawter, Aug 30, 2020.

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  1. Peter Vawter

    Peter Vawter Junior Member

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    Ok Prius Geniuses'

    Got something unusual.

    I recently acquired a used Prius key fob (silver back) and I am attempting to program it to my car (black back keys)

    I followed the steps below and received some weird results (see after steps)


    Step 1
    Insert the current fob into the dashboard slot, then remove it. Repeat this sequence three more times for a total of four "in/out" sequences. Insert the fob a fifth time and leave it inserted.

    Step 2
    Open and close the driver's door a total of six times.

    Step 3
    Remove the old fob from the slot. The Prius is now in fob programming mode.

    Step 4
    Insert the new fob and let it remain in the slot. Watch the blinking red light on the dashboard. When the light stops blinking and goes out, the new fob is programmed.

    Remove the new fob. Test both fobs to ensure they work properly.

    RESULTS
    I attempted the above steps 3 times and let the key stay in the ignition for about 3-8 minutes each time.

    1. My car ALWAYS has a blinking red key light on the dash (single blink only) (unless it is being driven)
    I dont know if this means there is something wrong with the system but could be.
    2. After step one above I believe the key light went off.
    3. After step three above I recall the light being solidly lit until I plugged in the new fob.
    4. Upon plugging in the new fob the key light blinked with this code for roughly a minute (blink, blink, pause, blink, blink, blink)
    5. After that it returned to its normal slow one blink only
     
    #1 Peter Vawter, Aug 30, 2020
  2. fotomoto

    fotomoto Senior Member

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    The chicken-dance is for pairing a NEW fob. Also, silver back is for SKS while black back is non-SKS so may have issues mixing those too.

    GOOD LUCK!
     
    #2 fotomoto, Aug 30, 2020
  3. Peter Vawter

    Peter Vawter Junior Member

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    thanks thanks for the heads up

    So to clarify, the chicken dance will not allow an old fob to be reprogrammed to my car is that correct? ( it was my understanding that I could do that using the chicken dance)

    luckily my car is not SKS.
    my intent was that I could unlock the door using the new keys buttons and start the car after inserting the key.

    I know there's a second step for activating the buttons but I wanted to get the new key working in the ignition first

    Is this a feasibility with with this new key and my car?

    thanks again for your help and wisdom

    Peter
     
    #3 Peter Vawter, Aug 30, 2020
  4. fotomoto

    fotomoto Senior Member

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    Yes. Also, the vehicle will only allow 5 FOBS to pair so unless you know how many previous, you could also be attempting to pair #6 which is impossible.

    I needed a second transponder key for a Mazda. Called around to local locksmiths and got a wide range of pricing and ended up with: new key (with transponder)+ key blank cut + installation= $135.

    GOOD LUCK!
     
    #4 fotomoto, Aug 30, 2020
  5. Peter Vawter

    Peter Vawter Junior Member

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    Thanks

    I do have a working copy of tech stream. Does that help my cause with the new key install at all?

    Thanks again for your fast replies.

    P.s. could be the 6 key issue. The previous owners were " eccentric"
     
    #5 Peter Vawter, Aug 30, 2020
  6. fotomoto

    fotomoto Senior Member

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    Sorry my experience with this is only with the chicken-dance. Back then, I bought a (third) new FOB of amazon for about $90. I was second owner and had both originals.

    AFAIK, techstream won't do this. I believe dealers use another device/method.

    GOOD LUCK!
     
    #6 fotomoto, Aug 30, 2020
  7. Raytheeagle

    Raytheeagle Senior Member

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    If you have Techstream, you can see how many keys are paired to the car;).

    Techstream is the right tool for this job:).

    Good luck and keep us posted(y).
     
    #7 Raytheeagle, Aug 30, 2020
  8. hill

    hill High Fiber Member

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    From experience - used fob CAN be reprogrammed - sometimes. It turns on how many times the fob has been cycled, IIRC. We've had one used fob that took the new program, and one that would not. Ergo - it's a crap shoot. Prepare for snake-eyes.
    ;)
    .
     
    #8 hill, Aug 30, 2020
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  9. Raytheeagle

    Raytheeagle Senior Member

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    I've done gen3 key pairings with Techstream ;).

    You can see how many spots have been used with keys:).

    But not sure on a Gen2:whistle:.

    But there's one way to find out if you got the tool (y).
     
    #9 Raytheeagle, Aug 30, 2020
  10. Peter Vawter

    Peter Vawter Junior Member

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    thanks all for your fast thanks all for your fast and informative replies

    Could you point me to the right Forum area for the tech stream key modifications?

    having having trouble finding the correct walkthrough for my situation

    Thanks
     
    #10 Peter Vawter, Aug 30, 2020
  11. strawbrad

    strawbrad http://minnesotahybridbatteries.com

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    The chicken dance will reprogram your CAR to accept the USED fob for starting. It's not the fob that gets programed to start your car. The Prius will accept at most five fobs. For starting with the fob in the dash slot the black and silver logo fobs are interchangeable. I have had one fob with up to four cars programed to accept it. I used it for a backup key for friends that took the risk of having just one working fob.

    Another favorite trick is to program both my Prius and my wifes Prius to accept the same fob. Then have a plain door key cut for the car not paired to fob for door control. Then my keys can open and start either Prius.

    Programing for SKS and door lock controls makes semi permanent changes to the fob to tie it to your car. The chicken dance will not undo these changes in a used fob. There are some key gurus that claim to be able to clear the programing from a used fob.

    There is another dance that can clear lost fobs from the cars memory. I have been too chicken to ever try it.
     
    #11 strawbrad, Aug 31, 2020
    burrito, fotomoto and Raytheeagle like this.
  12. Peter Vawter

    Peter Vawter Junior Member

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    Love the idea of syncing both cars to one key :) Pretty cool

    Will try to figure out the other steps with Techstream in the next few days.
     
    #12 Peter Vawter, Sep 1, 2020
  13. Peter Vawter

    Peter Vawter Junior Member

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    Ok here is an update on this thread.

    I kind of started it again in another place because I could not find this again.
    Here is the link to the new thread.
    How to remove Keys from system memory | PriusChat


    And here is a video I took showing what I am experiencing when trying to code a used and new key to my car

     
    #13 Peter Vawter, Oct 29, 2021
  14. AlanMcR

    AlanMcR New Member

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    2005 Prius II with the SKS key (original and new replacement)

    I got the start/stop to work on the new key. However, it only starts with the key in the slot. It won't work if it is in my lap. Way better than not having a spare key though.

    Also can't get the lock/unlock to work. When I get to the end of the procedure (pressing the lock button), it gives me three door lock/unlock cycles instead of the one cycle that is expected.

    I presume this is an error message of some sort, but I don't know what it is trying to tell me. Any help appreciated!
     
    #14 AlanMcR, Jan 14, 2022
    Last edited: Jan 14, 2022
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