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Driver's Door Won't Lock or Unlock

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by Taran, Jan 9, 2010.

  1. Taran

    Taran New Member

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    Hello all, I'm a new Prius owner, just got a used 2006 (with package #7).

    I've only owned the vehicle for about 3 days now, however, I have yet to get the key fob to lock or unlock the driver's door. It will lock or unlock every other door perfectly fine, and I can physically lock it using the mechanical lock on the inside of the door (and this is the only way for me to unlock it as well, meaning I have to unlock the driver's side rear door and reach to the front to unlock my door).

    I have no idea what's going on, the key fob seems to work fine with all the other doors, why is the driver's door giving me so much trouble?

    Also, When it's locked and I have my fob on me, is it not just suppose to unlock automatically for me when I touch the handle? Does it work through a glove (it is winter after all!)

    Thanks!
     
    #1 Taran, Jan 9, 2010
  2. kevinpm

    kevinpm Junior Member

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    I have an '05 and my driver's side door is kinda fickle as to whether it will lock or unlock for me just using the SKS fob. I'm going to put a new battery in my fob and see if that fixes it. It may just be that something is wearing out in our driver's side doors because its the one used more than any other.
     
    #2 kevinpm, Jan 9, 2010
  3. okiebutnotfrommuskogee

    okiebutnotfrommuskogee Senior Member

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    I have an 07 and the smart key unlock works with my gloves on.
     
    #3 okiebutnotfrommuskogee, Jan 9, 2010
  4. dogfriend

    dogfriend Human - Animal Hybrid

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    Can you unlock the driver door using the mechanical key that is part of the key fob? From your description, I think that you either have something mechanical wrong with the door lock/unlock mechanism or something electrical wrong with the SKS system.
     
    #4 dogfriend, Jan 9, 2010
  5. Taran

    Taran New Member

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    The mechanical key works fine. It's really my own only good way of locking or unlocking the car. I tried the hatchback door's black lock button, and that also seems to lock every door but the driver's door.

    Think I'll need to get ahold of the dealership on Monday...
     
    #5 Taran, Jan 9, 2010
  6. dogfriend

    dogfriend Human - Animal Hybrid

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    I think it is a failed door lock solenoid. I have had this happen on my Ford.
     
    #6 dogfriend, Jan 9, 2010
  7. Patrick Wong

    Patrick Wong DIY Enthusiast

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    When you are sitting in the driver's seat, use the push button on the inside door panel that locks and unlocks the four doors electrically. Does the driver's door lock and unlock?

    If no, then the problem is that the electric lock solenoid in that door needs to be replaced. That's an easy fix.

    If yes, then the Smart system is not communicating with the driver's door lock solenoid, and that might be more difficult to troubleshoot.
     
    #7 Patrick Wong, Jan 9, 2010
    1 person likes this.
  8. Taran

    Taran New Member

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    I tired this and the driver's door lock does not lock. So it looks as though it may indeed be the solenoid.

    I was able to contact my sales rep a bit ago and he promised me that this would indeed be covered, so I'm bringing it in on Monday.

    Thank you everyone for your help! :D
     
    #8 Taran, Jan 9, 2010
  9. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    you're welcome!
     
    #9 bisco, May 26, 2023
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