Having a problem with my 2007 -- whenever I try to use the keyless entry, the car throws a little fit -- "beep beep, beep beep, beep beep, beep beep, beep beep". Usually four or five times. Doesn't matter which door I use. Seems to be getting worse, and now sometimes won't let me in the driver's side door without using the manual key. Battery in the remote is not the problem. I have an appointment at the dealer on Tuesday -- hoping it's just a software problem or sensitivity adjustment. Anyone else experienced this? Did a search on the forum, but didn't see this issue come up.
1. How do you know the fob battery is not the problem? I suggest you spend < $5 to buy replacement batteries so that you can rule that out. Although the fob may light the red LED when you press a fob button, that does not constitute proof the battery has sufficient power to operate the Smart functions. 2. There is no way to adjust Smart system sensitivity or software. 3. Have you noticed any issues that would indicate a weak 12V battery, for example when you turn on the headlights while the car is IG-OFF, are the lights dim? If yes, then replace the 12V battery now. 4. If you decide not to do #1, then you'll get to pay for one hour of dealer tech labor time on Tuesday, and likely the result will either be "no trouble found" or else they'll replace the fob battery at a much higher price than $5.
Well, I'm going to stand there and demonstrate the problem, with both fobs, so we won't be doing the "no problem found" dance. I suspect they're going to tell me the door sensors need to be replaced, but that would mean that all three door sensors are bad, and that's pretty much statistically impossible. And frankly, that stuff should never break. I guess I'll see when I get there. Thanks for you reply and counsel -- if you have any other ideas, please let me know.
Good to hear that you can demonstrate the problem upon request. It still is not obvious how you determined that the fob battery is not the problem. Again, I suggest you change the batteries in both fobs to rule out a weak fob battery as the issue.
Yeah, demonstration really not an issue -- problem is pretty much chronic at this point. Good point on the batteries -- I'll pick some up today. Thanks again.
That was happened to mine. It was the #11 fuse slot under the dash. Thr power locks fuse. Its under steering wheel the panel is. My fuse was blown.
Please run the test at Weird stuff happening? MPGs dropping? Test The Battery | PriusChat after the car has sat MANY hours or overnight. Please tell us the 3 values (not just 1). Don't go changing the battery first until you tell us the values... If you have HIDs, you can avoid unnecessary cycles on the lights by toggling between off and parking light positions. Weird stuff can start happening w/a low or bad 12 volt. Don't waste $ on having a dealer "test" the 12 volt (07 Prius Dead - Any Guesses? | PriusChat). If you're on you're original 12 volt, it's likely near or at end of life now.
Mystery solved -- it was the 12-volt battery. I'm back in business. Hat tip to cwerdna for calling it.
For owners on their first 12V battery, it's important to note that a failing 12V battery can cause no end of weird symptoms. Unlike a normal car, you get no indication that the 12V battery is getting weak - it just gets weaker and weaker until odd things start happening. If your Prius appears possessed, it's one of the first things to check. Tom
