I just picked up a new 2013 Model Three and wanted to get some spare smart keys programmed to keep around just in case. I currently have the 3 button model but found some 4 button keys with the hatch release. Will these keys work with my model and open the hatch?
These keys are very expensive, do you think you want to have spare lying around? Can't say I've seen the one with the hatch button, maybe that's for the PriusV? On the Gen2 cars, these keys can only be self programmed if they are new keys, not used keys. So purchase wisely.
If anything happens to the key I am pretty much SOL in regards to starting it so I just want to cover my bases. I figure if I keep a spare one in my camera bag with the battery out I will always have access to it just in case I lose the one I carry with me. I figure $100 for a new key online and programming it myself (I have a Mongoose cable) is cheaper than paying Toyota if I lose my keys.
You should always have 2 of these keys. 1 with you as you drive, another at home when you need the spare. You can almost never lose the key. They key stays in your pocket, never has to be taken out. Get in, Get out, start the car.....all does not require the key to leave your pocket/purse. You will only require a 3rd key if you are really really absent minded. Lose 1st key, go onto spare....while your replacement key is on order, you lose the spare as well. That's the only scenario you would need 3 keys (or more)
I just had a 4 button smart key with the hatch release button (no a/c button) programmed by the dealer for my 2013 Prius Three with solar roof. The dealer had no issues programming it because the codes on the back of the key were the same as those on my original key. Sadly, the hatch release button does not work. On the bright side, I saved $250 by buying the hatch-release version of the key (brand new) off of eBay.
How did you save $250 when these keys cost about $100-$110 new from official online Toyota dealerships?
Oops...my bad. Major fail on my first post My two year-old niece jumped on my lap as I was writing my original post. Please accept my apologies for the error. I saved $165. The dealership quoted $345 for a new key with the a/c button. I said no thanks. I bought the hatch button key for $80, and the dealership ended up programming it for $100.
Thanks for the help. Yeah these keys are cheap on eBay and if you are able to program them yourself, definitely better than going to a dealer. I have no need for the A/C button, I will probably just buy the 3 button models off eBay since they are about the same price. Regarding the need for only 2, I am always one of those who would rather spend a little more to be safe than be sorry later. Living in NOLA things have a way of going missing.
Correct no a/c button to provide the 3-minutes of A/C before I get in the car. I was hoping the hatch button would either work on my prius' hatch or be modifiable to function as the A/C button. Unfortunately, neither option was possible. I didn't really care too much. I had also just bought myself an early b-day present and had a remote starter installed. I'm in St. Louis...we can have 100 plus temps with high humidity in the summer and close to zero degree temps in the winter. Cheers, Dawn
Wait a second, I can't be reading this right. You have the solar function to cool down your car, built in option on your prius. But to save a few bucks, you bought a fob on ebay which couldn't enable the solar AC to cool the car. In addressing the heat in your town, you spent a few hundred to install a remote start to cool down the car. So basically this all would have been done correctly by buying the correct fob from day 1? This exercise was really to get a remote starter for your birthday.........I know how you ladies think....
AC button and solar roof has nothing to do with remote control. AC button on remote turns/on "real" AC for 3 minutes then AC shuts off. Solar Roof turns on fan (NOT AC) while car is parked under sun, solar roof DOES NOT power AC while car is in park position but remote key with AC button does turn on AC, it does eat up your hybrid battery though.
There's a short in my Transmitter, The 3 years we've had the car I've gone through 8 batteries, Wife went through one, Some times i just use the key thats in the transmitter housing.