What is the point of the key included with the Keyfob?

The key is to open the driver door if your FOB battery dies, so that you can get inside.

EDIT: And if your fob is dead, you should be able to start your car once inside by holding it near the start button. Then replace the battery asap so you don't have to keep doing that.

 

Not quite, the Fob can start the vehicle even when the battery fails, but only VERY close.

 

Yep, if you place the silver colored Toyota symbol on the button.

 

There's an alternative to the $375 key, but it has a limitation. It doesn't don't do keyless entry.

prius - ovnisf Keys
But it's ideal for an emergency key. And it's only $32 plus the cutting charge (~$2 at the hardware store for me).

 

Yeah.....sorry...missed that fact.

Send Santiago (OVNI) a private message. He's a pretty innovative guy. He may be working on a solution.

 

Yes.........

 

It is also needed if/when your 12 volt battery goes completely dead........so that you can get inside to open the hood and connect to the "jump points" or to access the battery under the back seat.

Be sure to test the mechanical key in your new FOB. The dealer may have forgotten to do that part.

 

I'm a little confused by some of the posts here. Lets be sure we're all on the same page.

The Prius has a rectangular FOB with the key -inside-, correct? I have a Prius "Hatchback", the original version and both the 2007 and 2012 had the above. You remove the key to unlock the door if the SKS doesn't work or the FOB unlock button doesn't work, and if the FOB battery is dead you hold the FOB very close to the "START" button, where it gets enough power to respond to the query from the system about its' serial number, and the car will go to "ready" when you press the start button with your foot on the brake.

I'm aware Toyota has used slightly different FOBs on different models, but as I haven't seen them I'm assuming some of the posts above may be referring to a different FOB - with protruding key?

I see Easy Rider 2 has a C, with the battery under the rear seat (I've seen that), but I didn't think it had the boost point in the fuse box?

 

All these posts are correct.
But really what it boils down to is that IF your fob should fail or be "failing" there is ample reason to want a key to be able to get in the vehicle.

Once in, closer proximity to sensors should in most cases allow you to start the vehicle. But "getting in" with the key is the first step.

 

The 2012 C did not have a jump point up front, but it was made standard with the 2013s, I believe.

 

The OP bclinton should have said where he is. There are a few places around the country like my shop in Boulder that supply keys/fob/programming for less than 1/2 the price of the dealer. When you ask for help, please list your general location, you might get lucky.

 

The whole procedure, including that detail, is explained in your owner's manual.

 

In the interest of a full accounting, there is one other function the metal key provides. It can be used as a flat-blade screw driver to pry open the fob to replace an ailing fob battery. This procedure is also documented in your owner's manual.

 

Some of the models had a "switchblade" key.
The underhood boost point is not "IN" the fuse box but nearby.