Power door locks gone wiggy.

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Care, Maintenance & Troubleshooting' started by Eric Freeman, Dec 18, 2013.

  1. Eric Freeman

    Eric Freeman Junior Member

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    Have a feeling it may be the actuator or the motors in the door. One by one, the power locks on my prius are not responding to the remote or the lock button on the door. The headlights no longer respond to the remote as well. Pressing the remote just causes the car alarm to chirp 4-5 times. Is it the door motors or something bigger?

    Thanks for any advice!
     
    #1 Eric Freeman, Dec 18, 2013
  2. Eric Freeman

    Eric Freeman Junior Member

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    Found this thread:

    priuschat_threads_sks-and-wireless-key-malfunction

    Sounds awfully similar.

    Sorry, still new here and it's not letting me post the full URL.
     
    #2 Eric Freeman, Dec 18, 2013
    lizardskin likes this.
  3. Feri

    Feri Active Member

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    My thought is check your SKS battery.
     
    #3 Feri, Dec 18, 2013
  4. mrbigh

    mrbigh Prius Absolutum Dominium

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    First things first and by process of elimination, replace the FOB battery.
    By your problem explanation, does the vehicle have an installed alarm?
     
    #4 mrbigh, Dec 18, 2013
  5. Eric Freeman

    Eric Freeman Junior Member

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    I tried both FOBs and the get the same results. Though, I guess it's possible that both FOB batteries can be weak.

    Also, since the locks are not responding to the lock/unlock button on the door, I kinda ruled out the FOB. Will replace the battery though and see if that helps. I guess I should add, that by "not responding", I mean that I hear the door trying to do something, it's just the lock itself is not moving. It's NOT completely dead.

    There's no aftermarket alarm, it's just whatever came from the factory.
     
    #5 Eric Freeman, Dec 18, 2013
  6. mrbigh

    mrbigh Prius Absolutum Dominium

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    If the power locks on your Prius are not responding, the cause can be pointed to a power distribution related problem. Check the fuse that it is belong that circuit.
    The fuse block is located under and tucked in the drivers side, behind the steering wheel and above in the foot dwell.
    It has a plastic cover.
    If you are a contortionist, will help you out a lot.
     
    #6 mrbigh, Dec 18, 2013
  7. Feri

    Feri Active Member

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    I like mrbigh's advice. Another thought, how good is your 12 volt battery?
     
    #7 Feri, Dec 18, 2013
  8. Eric Freeman

    Eric Freeman Junior Member

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    Will check the fuse box. Thanks.

    How do I check the status of the 12 v? I'd have to get into service mode for that, right?
     
    #8 Eric Freeman, Dec 18, 2013
  9. mrbigh

    mrbigh Prius Absolutum Dominium

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    You will have to use a voltmeter, digital with preference, and measure the Aux battery with some load, meaning with the vehicle in off position, all the doors open including the hatch and the courtesy lights on; it shouldn't measure less than 12.5 VDC. The nominal battery voltage should be -/+ 13.8 at rest
     
    #9 mrbigh, Dec 19, 2013
  10. Feri

    Feri Active Member

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    I checked the thread Eric Freeman mentioned, SKS and Wireless Key Malfunction | PriusChat and I think he might be right, it does sound like the same actuator problem.
     
    #10 Feri, Dec 19, 2013
  11. Eric Freeman

    Eric Freeman Junior Member

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    I'm taking my car to a local, trustworthy place. I explained the sitch to him and he seems to think it's the Master Switch. Sound possible?
     
    #11 Eric Freeman, Dec 23, 2013
  12. Feri

    Feri Active Member

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    I'm don't have enough knowledge of the system to give an expert answer but I'm wondering where the " Master Switch " would be since at least part of the circuit is reliant on a wireless receiver/actuator. Maybe that's what he means? Yes on the face of it, it could sound plausible. Sorry I'm not more positive!:(
     
    #12 Feri, Dec 24, 2013
  13. Eric Freeman

    Eric Freeman Junior Member

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    Looks like it may be part of the main door unit, on the driver's side that has all the window/door controls. Doing a quick search, it looks to be a pretty cheap part. Let's hope. :)
     
    #13 Eric Freeman, Dec 24, 2013
  14. Feri

    Feri Active Member

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    Good luck and merry xmas! It's xmas day here already.:D
     
    #14 Feri, Dec 24, 2013
  15. Eric Freeman

    Eric Freeman Junior Member

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    So, it was the actuator. Got a couple estimates (including local toyota dealer) and they were around the same price, give or take a few $$$. Ended up going with Toyota.
     
    #15 Eric Freeman, Jan 6, 2014
  16. Feri

    Feri Active Member

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    Glad the problem is solved. Hope it wasn't too expensive!:)
     
    #16 Feri, Jan 6, 2014
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