Smart Key won't start the car

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by golfclubs44, Jul 14, 2014.

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  1. golfclubs44

    golfclubs44 Junior Member

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    Both my smart keys won't start my car - they won't even lock or unlock the doors.

    I replaced the batter in each key, but still nothing.

    When put the key, depress the brake, and push the start button - nothing.

    Any thoughts/suggestions as to what is causing this?

    Thanks
     
    #1 golfclubs44, Jul 14, 2014
  2. wjtracy

    wjtracy Senior Member

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    Make sure the smart key system is ON via button under steering wheel
     
    #2 wjtracy, Jul 14, 2014
  3. JC91006

    JC91006 Senior Member

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    Have they ever worked before?
     
    #3 JC91006, Jul 14, 2014
  4. golfclubs44

    golfclubs44 Junior Member

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    THanks,

    Maybe 'smart key' is the wrong term as I don't recall every seeing or having that button under the stearing wheel
     
    #4 golfclubs44, Jul 14, 2014
  5. golfclubs44

    golfclubs44 Junior Member

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    yes, both keys always worked fine (bought the car new off the lot) - a couple of weeks ago, now that I recall, one key, when you got close to the car made the alarm go off. then just a couple of days ago, both keys just didn't work
     
    #5 golfclubs44, Jul 14, 2014
  6. JC91006

    JC91006 Senior Member

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    When you sit in the drivers seat, right above your knees, you will see 2 buttons. 1 is for SKS....that has to pushed on for smart key to work
     
    #6 JC91006, Jul 14, 2014
  7. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    have you checked the 12 volt?
     
    #7 bisco, Jul 14, 2014
  8. golfclubs44

    golfclubs44 Junior Member

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    I'll check for th SKS button - I don't recall there being one. I recall there's a button for what looks like a tire, but not for the keys.

    I've not checked the 12 volt.
     
    #8 golfclubs44, Jul 14, 2014
  9. JC91006

    JC91006 Senior Member

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    The SKS button is there for 2006-2009 models that were equipped with SKS
     
    #9 JC91006, Jul 14, 2014
  10. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    do you have sks? key in pocket, 'touch door handle to lock and unlock'?
     
    #10 bisco, Jul 14, 2014
  11. golfclubs44

    golfclubs44 Junior Member

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    No key in pocket, nor touch door handle to lock and unlock -
     
    #11 golfclubs44, Jul 14, 2014
  12. JC91006

    JC91006 Senior Member

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    Does this mean you don't have smart key functions in your car? From the above earlier post, you bought this car new and it's worked until recently.
     
    #12 JC91006, Jul 14, 2014
  13. golfclubs44

    golfclubs44 Junior Member

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    Sorry, may be the smart key term is not correct - that's the only one I am aware of.

    I don't have an automatice start (key in pocket) nor do I have touch locks.

    I insert the key, push the start button to start my car; and clock the lock and unlock on the key.

    Now, when I insert the key, depress the brake, push the start button - nothing happens. The keys have worked this way since bought the car.
     
    #13 golfclubs44, Jul 14, 2014
  14. JC91006

    JC91006 Senior Member

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    If that's the case, it's most likely your 12v battery is dead.
     
    #14 JC91006, Jul 14, 2014
  15. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    is the 12v original?
     
    #15 bisco, Jul 14, 2014
  16. golfclubs44

    golfclubs44 Junior Member

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    Yes, 12v is original.

    The hybrid battery, on the other hand, I had to replace about two years ago.
     
    #16 golfclubs44, Jul 14, 2014
  17. JC91006

    JC91006 Senior Member

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    That's a first......HV battery died before 12v
     
    #17 JC91006, Jul 14, 2014
  18. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    you need the 12v for your keyless entry system, and to start the car.
     
    #18 bisco, Jul 14, 2014
  19. wjtracy

    wjtracy Senior Member

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    I am confused...if the key fob takes a battery, then that's a Smart Key right? (or does the non-smart key have a battery?) I don't think there are too many non-smart key Gen2 Prii around in USA...being a cheap skate, I tried to get one but had to settle for Option Package 3.

    What model year Prius and what location are we talking about here?
     
    #19 wjtracy, Jul 15, 2014
  20. JC91006

    JC91006 Senior Member

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    The non smart key takes a battery the same way, it's so you can use the lock/unlock buttons on the remote. It's still considered keyless entry.
     
    #20 JC91006, Jul 15, 2014
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