Unlock, Lock Doors Question

Has it always done this or did it just start? Just checked mine and it unlockes when I touch the handle. I had locked it with the fob. Something must be wrong.

 

First, just for clarification, the SKS entry system on a Prius III only works on the driver's door, so make sure that you're trying this on the driver's door. Next, the SKS entry system will automatically disable itself if it detects a keyfob in the car. So if you have a spare fob that you've been leaving in the car then that might cause a problem too. Finally, to unlock the door with SKS you need to touch the back of the driver's side handle (like you were going to open the door) with your skin (if you're wearing gloves or touch any other part of the handle then it won't work).

Now, try this... unlock the car with the fob and walk up to the driver's side door with the fob in your pocket and touch the top or bottom of the handle where there are little marks in the plastic. That should lock the doors... you should hear the doors lock and the car beep. If the doors don't lock and it emits a long beep look inside at the screen to see why it's not locking. If it does nothing then try to get the fob closer to the door handle (that's where the antenna is) and try again (although it should work with the fob within about 3 feet of the door). If it still does nothing, then you might need to talk to the dealer.

If it does lock, then give it 10 or 15 seconds (it won't let you unlock the doors with SKS immediately after locking them), then grab the door handle as though you were going to open it... it should beep again and unlock the driver's door. In fact, if you pull the handle to open the door the door should be unlocked in time for the door to open.

There is one more thing you can check to see if the car is detecting the fob, but this is easier done at night. As you approach the car and it detects the fob the car will automatically turn on the dome lights inside the car. So, take the fob about 10 feet away from the car and wait about 30 seconds for the dome lights to go off. Once they're off walk up to the driver's door with the fob and watch the dome lights. Once the fob gets within about 3 feet of the driver's door the car should see it and turn on the dome lights. If you can get all the way up to the car without the lights going on then there's definitely a problem that the dealer will need to check out.

I believe there is a way to disable the SKS entry system (and unlike the Gen II where they had a little switch I believe the dealer needs to enable or disable it, but I don't have my manual in front of me to check). The car should come with it enabled, but if you got the car used then it's possible that the previous owner disabled it.

 

Hmm... are you absolutely certain that you have a model III? There is a model I that was sold exclusively as a fleet car. The model I excludes a lot of features that the other models have including cruise control and SKS entry.

Here's a list of what's missing from the model I cars... see if yours has any of this stuff...

· Cruise Control
· Touch Tracer display
· Smart Key
· EV mode
· Rear wiper
· Rear tonneau cover
· Heated side mirrors
· Satellite radio antenna and satellite capable radio
· Rear armrest with two cup holders
· Two rear-door speakers
· Rear heater duct
· Passenger-seatback pocket
· Foldable rear headrests
· Underbody spoilers and spats

(and to give credit where it's due, that list came from this thread... http://priuschat.com/forums/gen-iii-2010-prius-main-forum/69521-prius-i-other-news.html)

Additionally, you can tell if your door handle is an SKS enabled handle by looking at the back of the handle. If the back of the handle is flat black then it is SKS enabled. If it's the same color as the rest of the car then it is not SKS enabled. There are also little indentations in the plastic on the top and the bottom of the SKS enabled handles.

 

Check with your dealer if you have had it only 3 months. Also "fleet" cars may be different. Could be it can be re-programed.

 

You have to press the lock button on the outside of the car. The SKS handles have two "buttons": one on the inside of the handle and one on the outside. The inside button unlocks the door when you touch it. The outside one locks the doors.

If you don't press the lock button, the car stays unlocked. If you lock it with the fob, then you have to unlock with the fob.

Tom

 

I'm not sure how it works on the gen II, but this is not the case on the gen III. On the gen III you can lock it with the fob and unlock it by touching the handle.

 

You can see the handle buttons: there's two little grooves on the top of handle, near the front end (and two more similar ones on the underside of the handle). Those are the lock buttons. On the inside of the handle there's a rectangular zone that will depress. That's the unlock button.

The buttons will work to unlock the car regardless of how you locked it, ie: via fob or with the door buttons. At least that's the case with our Canadian Touring model, roughly analogous to US V.

 

This didn't sound right for my 2008 so I just tried it. Starting with the car unlocked I walked 10 feet away (out of SKS range as the interior lights were off) and locked it with the fob lock button. I then walked up to the car with the fob in my pocket and put my hand in the handle and the car unlocked as always.

 

I'd do my best to talk them into giving you a second fob, as the car came with two from the factory, or at least a substantial discount on one as these are very pricey. Even more so if you lose the one you have and don't have a spare. If you call and ask the price you'll be convinced. I think you're entitled to two fobs, Good Luck!

 

Guess that had to be part of the deal up front. It still would be worth asking for a discount on programming a new fob if you decide to buy one. I assume you have the mechanical key in place in the fob you have. If you do then a duplicate can be made without the numeric plate. The plate has the number code that you give to Toyota if you order a duplicate key. I'm pretty sure some locksmiths can duplicate from your key. The earlier keys 2009 and before can be duplicated most anywhere that copies keys since they used a standard Toyota blank. I got mine made for $2 at the local Ace hardware.

 

I could swear that my Gen III is the same luck anyway you want and open anyway you want.

 

The dealer owes you another FOB. Make sure they get you one as it's expensive if you have to buy one.

 

If it was a new car I'd agree with you, but with a used car I think you get what you're given as used cars are typically sold as is.

I suppose you could try to work a second key into the contract as you were purchasing it, but once it's been purchased I think it's too late.

Like someone suggested, the dealer could be nice and cut you a deal on the labor for programming a second key, but I don't think they're really under any obligation to.

 

Actually, for what it's worth, that rectangular zone doesn't depress... it's just a touch sensor like the lock button. All you need to do is brush your finger against it for the doors to unlock.

 

My mistake. If you manually lock the door with the metal key it won't open with the SKS.

Tom