I can't start my 2008 Prius without inserting the key into the slot, Help!

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by RichardSam, Jan 7, 2015.

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  1. RichardSam

    RichardSam Junior Member

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    I bought this second hand 2008 Prius some few months ago. I can't start my 2008 Prius without inserting the key into the slot. I want to start the car with the key in my body, how do i do it? I have changed the fob battery, the key is doing every other thing, but i must insert it into the slot before i can the start the car, help!
     
    #1 RichardSam, Jan 7, 2015
  2. ursle

    ursle Gas miser

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    On the gen2 there's a button under the dash that turns the srs on and off it must be turned off.
    Got an owners manual?
     
    #2 ursle, Jan 7, 2015
    Asdastro and glrooney like this.
  3. RichardSam

    RichardSam Junior Member

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    I have owners manual, i have read it from the 1st to the last page. I know about the button under the steering, i will turn it off. I forgot to mention that the car does not response when i press the panic button on the key fob. The Smart entry is working, but the start does no start if i don't insert the key in the slot.
     
    #3 RichardSam, Jan 7, 2015
  4. RichardSam

    RichardSam Junior Member

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    I have turn
    I have turn the sks off, but the car did not start without inserting the key into the slot
     
    #4 RichardSam, Jan 7, 2015
  5. TonyPSchaefer

    TonyPSchaefer Your Friendly Moderator
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    If the smart entry is working then it's not the button under the steering wheel. So we can throw that out.

    That the panic button doesn't work seems strange. Sounds like the fob itself is encountering problems.

    Another possibility is who you bought it second-hand from. If you know and trust the source then stop reading now.
    If the car was crashed and rebuilt, it's possible that not all the wires got reconnected correctly. If it was damaged enough, it's possible that the interior fob sensor isn't working. The Prius is a very sophisticated and technological car; there are several reports here on Priuschat of people purchasing refurbished Prii that were not put back together well.
     
    #5 TonyPSchaefer, Jan 7, 2015
  6. RichardSam

    RichardSam Junior Member

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    I have turn
    I have turn the sks off, but the car did not start without inserting the key into the slot
     
    #6 RichardSam, Jan 7, 2015
  7. jjmerp

    jjmerp Junior Member

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    On the back of the FOB is the Toyota logo Silver..
    Black logo FOBs require inserting to the dash..
     
    #7 jjmerp, Jan 7, 2015
  8. RichardSam

    RichardSam Junior Member

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    The Logo on the Back of the fob is silver, which means the sks should start the car without inserting into the slot
     
    #8 RichardSam, Jan 7, 2015
  9. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    you may need a new fob battery, or a new 12 volt battery.
     
    #9 bisco, Jan 7, 2015
  10. RichardSam

    RichardSam Junior Member

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    I have already changed my 12 volt battery and fob battery
     
    #10 RichardSam, Jan 7, 2015
  11. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    oh boy.(n) can you unlock the door with the key in your pocket by touching the door handle?
     
    #11 bisco, Jan 7, 2015
  12. RichardSam

    RichardSam Junior Member

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    Sure, i can do all that, i can unlock the door with the key in my pocket
     
    #12 RichardSam, Jan 7, 2015
  13. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    so the sks works on the doors, but not the ignition. i guess i would test the battery voltage's, simple and quick before moving onto something more complicated.
     
    #13 bisco, Jan 7, 2015
  14. RichardSam

    RichardSam Junior Member

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    I have just tested the 12v Battery, it is resting 12.78 volt
     
    #14 RichardSam, Jan 8, 2015
  15. edthefox5

    edthefox5 Senior Member

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    Does the fob show a nice bright red led when you
    Push the button.
    And you keep saying i turned the sks button under
    .The steering OFf.

    It must be on.
     
    #15 edthefox5, Jan 8, 2015
  16. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    that's a good number. did you let it sit for a few hours so the surface charge would dissipate?
     
    #16 bisco, Jan 8, 2015
  17. Eclipse1701d

    Eclipse1701d Prius Enthusiast

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    Important question... Did it ever let you start the car without the FOB in the slot?
     
    #17 Eclipse1701d, Jan 8, 2015
  18. usnavystgc

    usnavystgc Die Hard DIYer and Ebike enthusiast.

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    I think your panic button on your fob may be stuck on. I would take the fob apart and clean it with alcohol and a Qtip. Try to touch the microswitch with the fob apart and see if the panic button makes a clicking sound.
     
    #18 usnavystgc, Jan 8, 2015
  19. RichardSam

    RichardSam Junior Member

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    I bought the car second hand, so i have never started the car with the FOB in my pocket
     
    #19 RichardSam, Jan 8, 2015
  20. RichardSam

    RichardSam Junior Member

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    I have off the car for about 4 hours, before i tested the 12v battery
     
    #20 RichardSam, Jan 8, 2015
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