Finally! How to program a non-SKS key/fob. Detailed!

A used SKS keyfob can be reprogrammed to have full function. See post #23 in the tread http://priuschat.com/forums/gen-iii-2010-prius-main-forum/76991-key-replacement-pricey.html .

Apparently there are two different procedures that a dealer can use for adding keyfobs. The standard one takes less than a half hour to add a new, never programmed, keyfob. There is another procedure called a "seed reset" that takes longer, but can reset an already programmed keyfob for use on a different car than it was originally paired with.

Several years ago I had Art's Automotive add 2 used keyfobs to my car, and they couldn't get the SKS functions to work at that time. The service cost $50, and probably costs about the same today. But they now offer a seed reset for $135 (per key?). So the total price for a used keyfob + programming is going to be about the same as the price for a new keyfob + the simpler programming.

Note that this is a different procedure than they use when all keys are lost. All keys lost requires a seed reset for the immobilizer. The SKS system is separate, and this used keyfob procedure is in addition to an immobilizer reset, if required.

Maybe they need the entire team of mechanics to flip doors open, push keyfob keys, step on the brake, all while singing Happy Birthday at the right cadence...:mmph:

 

PaulGertner:
I have not attempted to program the new SKS fob as I had read that only a new SKS fob can be fully programed and with the uncertainty of which programing instructions I should follow, I didn't want to turn a new SKS fob into a used SKS fob by following the wrong instructions. If I cannot get any confirmation from a chat member as to the correct instructions for a full function SKS fob, I probably will try basic programing. Thanks for your response.
HAS ANYONE PROGRAMED A NEW SKS FOB FOR FULL SMART KEY FUNCTION?

 

On a SKS Prius, if you attempt to add a new FOB and was not completely successful (no SKS or can't lock/unlock doors but can start engine), is it possible that the new FOB will cancel out the old working SKS FOB when there are 4 keys already being added? This might be the reason some of you experienced old FOB not working after adding a new one. What do you do at this point other than go the the dealers?

Is there a way to tell how many Fobs are already in the system?

Thanks in advance for all your help.

 

Guys , take a look over this post

IMPORTANT EXPERIENCE: KEY/FOB Programming Issues

 

Another satisfied customer - this procedure worked like a charm! 2006 Prius, non-SKS (black logo), purchased used key on ebay for $39 including shipping. Dealer sells new key and cutting for around $9 plus tax. Thanks so much for posting these instructions!:rockon::grouphug:

 

Thanks so much for posting these instructions!
I tried programming the FOB on my 2009 Prius NON-SKS, I have run into a problem and hope somebody could help.
After following all the instructions the new fob works fine(operating and locking) but the old fob lost its ability to lock the car.
How do i fix the old fob. Can i use the new fob as the old one now?
The car is under warranty, should i get the dealer fix the FOB?

Thanks

 

2007 SKS key through the laundry

Thanks to all who posted here.

My 2007 SKS key fob went through a full wash and dry cycle in the laundry and I was prepping myself to go through these steps to restore at least lock/unlock functions to the fob.

Luckily, all that was needed was a new battery and full SKS functions were restored. Hallelujah!
:cheer2:

 

I bought a used 2006 Prius w/ Smart Key System. The car only came with 1 Smart Key, but the Smart Key System does not work, and the remote lock/unlock buttons do not work. The 1 Smart Key the car came with will only start the car and I have to use the metal blade to open/close the doors. Is there a way to program my only key to make the lock/unlock buttons work? The seller gave me 2 used keys after I complained but I have only been successful in programming them to start the car.

 

Search reprogramming FOB

 

Sounds like the original fobs are long gone. You need to take all the fobs to the dealer and have them do a "seed reset" programming on them in order to have any functionality past the dash slot.

 

I recently purchased a 2009 Prius with 25,000 miles on it. It only came with one key fob, the one with the silver logo. I read this thread and bought two spares from Ebay. The Ebay fobs are ones with the black logo. I could not believe the door flapping thing would really work. I was pleasantly surprised to get both spares to start the car after the first procedure. However, I was not able to get the remote door lock and unlock to work on the two spares. I guess they had their 128 uses under a full moon or something. Thanks for sharing this info. I guess I saved myself at least a couple of hundred dollars. The spare fobs I got have blank hard keys in them so I can get those cut to open the doors.

 

OK, now I'm freaked out as I have lost one of my two FOBS. It's 2008 & have't been able to find any (yet) on e-bay to do the "programming" with. If I try the used ones I won't be able to use them for locking/in-locking, right?

 

Correct.

Tom

 

Darn! So I lost an SKS fob and my spare isn't working to unlock the doors of my 2006. I use the metal key to get in the car and then I can start the car with the fob in place. I need a new fob (maybe 2) but it does't have to be an SKS. So y'all are say that I can't program a new non-SKS fob using my current SKS one? Sounds like I'm up a creek, eh?

 

Up the creek, but you've still got a paddle...

Get another keyfob right away. If you lose the last one, you've lost the paddle.

Any Prius keyfob can be made to function like your second one. Black logo, silver logo, broken buttons, dead battery, etc. So get another one and program it yourself using the 5 instruction sequence at the start of this thread. Get another mechanical key for about $2 anywhere keys are made. Use the small metal key as the pattern, but just copy it to a standard non-transponder Toyota key blank.

You might try replacing the battery in the 2nd keyfob. They go bad just by age. Check the Key switch on the lower dash near the brake pedal - it disables the SKS function if its in the wrong position.

 

if I have a model b21tg black fob does the replacement need to be the same model or as long as it has a black emblem will it work?

 

Thanks. I couldn't find a place to open it to put in a new battery. Maybe the dealer can help with that. I assume the key switch on the lower dash is in the correct position if the SKS fob I lost worked perfectly; I had put the back-up one aside months ago because it no longer opened the doors for me.
I've made copies of both amethystjw and 05 Solar Prius' instructions: they are slightly different. Any recommendations?

 

2004-9 Prius Keyfob Battery Change

 

Thanks Scott

I (coincidentally) also bought the Remotez4less, new, non-sks, MOZB21TG, black-logo fob through ebay for ~$80, including shipping. The car is a 2004, package 3 (non sks.) As expected, the first part, getting the RFID registered, worked on the first attempt. I got the whole family into the car for the lock-unlock attempt, for moral support and giggles.

After a dozen or so tries, I found your post and its variations on the general theme. The first break-through was recognition that one lock-unlock cycle at your step 11 (amethystjw's step 9), which I had accomplished a dozen times, signifies success in entering "add mode".

The second key was trying the short-duration (~1s) simultaneous press of LOCK and UNLOCK.

My family is now laughing with me, rather than at me. My NASA co-workers are impressed. Life is good. Now, to cut the emergency key. Thanks.

 

The "seed reset" was confirmed only on a Gen III Prius. Is that applicable to Gen II as well?

Thanks!