Key Fob SKS still way more headache than help.

I have a humorous story to share. After driving my Prius for several months and becoming used to the SKS, I had taken my wife's 2004 Accord to the store. Upon returning, I stood dumbfounded at the car door for a few seconds wondering how to unlock it. Once I unlocked the door, I double-dumbfoundedly put the keys back in my pocket! :blush:

Not sure about tangible advantages, but it definitely changes certain ways we think about interacting with automobiles.

 

That is exactly how I feel. I wish all the doors in my life had the feature.

 

Don't feel bad. I've done that with our work truck ('88 Ford F-350) and even my house door. I just stood there staring at the door knob cursing at it for not being Smart.

 

I have become really spoiled using the SKS.

I have had SKS for about 5-1/2 years, 5 years in my 2004 Prius and 6 months in my 2010 Prius.

I really appreciate not having to fumble in my pocket for a key (or key fob) to unlock the car doors, especially when it is raining or just cold out. It is especially difficult for me to get my keys out of my pocket when I am wearing ski gloves (i.e. when it is really cold outside). It probably only saves me 10 to 15 seconds, but, I would hate to go back to the old manual key system (or even using the key fob).

I have never experienced the problem of the door alternatively locking and unlocking either in the rain or in a car wash.

The only problem I have with the SKS system (actually with the key fob) is that occasionally I accidentally press the panic alarm button when lying on the coach watching TV and hear the car start honking in the garage.

 

Why are you locking the door then closing it?

Get out
Close door
Touch sensor on handle.

 

There IS an aftermarket SKS built into a watch ... I'm too lazy to find the thread & picture I posed years ago. I hope some day the company builds the SKS into the smart phones ... one less doo-dad to cary. Back in '04 I never used the SKS feature ... it took me about a year to finally turn it on. Never looked back. One of my fob's 'smart' feature died. Now, it makes a GREAT spare, because I can hide that bob in the car w/o turning off the car's SKS function. Lemons into lemonade

 

Found it.

http://priuschat.com/forums/gen-ii-prius-audio-electronics/11091-sks-watch.html

 

No flaming, just letting you know WHY I like it so much.
It isn't a matter of cutting down on 'fatiuge'. It is strictly a matter of convenience.
Anytime I am carrying groceries or other items in both hands, or have a lot of stuff to load in the back, I don't have to juggle items in order to dig out my keys.
Late at night, the ability to walk up to the car and get in without needing to fumble with keys is a nice little added security.
In winter when I am 'layered' in lots of clothes, the key doesn't have to be in a, typically, large, easy to access outside pocket in order to fish it out (making it easier for anyone else to fish out or for me to drop it when removing my coat).
And yes, there is an additional expense if something goes wrong. However, it causes no immediate issue as you can simply use the mechanical key which is stored in the fob.
I rate it as more useful than automatic windows. Very nice, and no, definately not needed for the car to function, but something I prefer in my cars

 

I think if we took an SKS poll the results would indicate 99% like it and 1% undecided. It's the first thing I miss when I drive a different vehicle.

 

The going price for FOBs on Ebay is $49. I bought one a few weeks back... They look brand new, except the keys are already "cut" - so you need to replace the blank...

 

Why did you lock the door before you got out of the car? And then on the retry you said you tried to lock it with the door open. The Prius was probably telling you you did things in the wrong order or that you're trying to lock it using the wrong mechanism.

Once you're out of the car and have closed the door, you just lock it by sliding your finger over the top of the door handle on the end closest to the front of the car.

There are drugs that can help you with the doors of your mind.

 

While searching for information about the SKS Fob found this thread, thought I'd add my 2 cents worth.
I have noticed when washing my 2010 Prius, when I run water over the driver and passenger door handles the car beeps. Not sure if it is just the sensitivity of the water pressure on the handle or some other reason, it will beep if the hose spray is only close and not directly on the handles. Anyone elses experience this?

Regarding the fob, I have found this product at my dealers parts department and also on line at the below link. I bought one for my 2005 Prius Fob and now have it for my 2010. A silicone rubber fob cover. The toyotag54 fits the 2010 Prius fob. If you guys are like me, the fob lives in my change pocket and takes a beating from loose change I accumualte. The Jacket keeps the fob looking like new. Check it out..

Results for * Toyota, Scion

 

Yes, I think most of us see that when washing the car. In fact I usually put the FOB in the house so it won't keep doing it.

I went two years without a Prius between my Gen2 and my Gen3, the thing I missed most was the SKS.

 

I wrap a rubber band around my fob, it keeps it from falling out of my pocket when I wear sweatpants or shorts!!! One day I spent an hour looking for it was under my recliner it slipped out of my pocket!

 

I love the SKS. After I locked my keys in my Ford while at a busy gas station in Manhatten while my friends were across the street at a party have fun and the guy who unlocked it charged me $220 to unlock it because it was Saturday Nite, I knew.

I knew I was dumb and my keep key needed to be smart.

Heck, I almost upgraded to the IV just to get it on the hatch and passenger side door even though I hate leather seats.

 

Just did a search on ebay and the going rate for 2010 Prius fobs is about $125. Not sure where these $49 fobs are...unless the 2010 Prii can use a fob from earlier years?

 

I believe the manual says this happens while washing the car if water is sprayed on the handle.