Key / Key Fob Protection

The metal key only unlocks the driver's door. They cannot be used to drive the vehicle. You can get extras made by Toyota relatively cheaply.

 

Unfortunately, those days are fast disappearing with the cars that have these electronic keys. Basically, you cannot run the Prius without one of these. I think that most cars will eventually go to this technology. It's basically going to be like the demise of the rotary dial phone (anyone remember those? Ever wonder where the term "dial the phone" comes from??).

On the G2 Prii, even the package 1 models without the "SKS" (Smart Key System) still needed the fob to drive them.

I don't know if Generation 3 still carries this differentiation (non-SKS vs. SKS fobs; someone else can clarify). With the SKS G2s, you could get a non-SKS fob and program to run your SKS equiped car. But the fob would have to be put into the fob slot (as far as I can remember). So this was a slightly cheaper route to go.

The benefit of the SKS system is that the fob never needs to leave your pocket. On the model IV and higher G3s, the two front doors and the hatch respond to the SKS. On your model III, only the driver's door responds, as far as I know.

 

LOL That is all I had growing up as a kid. My folks stubbornly still use it today even tho I have offered to replace it for them. I think it the reason is they can't hear as well as they used to and the phone will wake the dead when it rings. Seriously you can hear it three houses down. But I'm worried it is going to give them a heart attack when it rings. Heck it almost gives me a heart attack.

G

 

I grew up with rotary phones too. One advantage to them is that they always worked, no excuses. Simplicity has a quality all of its' own.

Keith :focus:

 

Sorry if this has been answered but I thought I could get a quick answer on this thread.

If your battery dies in the remote, how do you start the car?

 

from the manual:

Apply the brakes and touch the Toyota emblem side of the electronic key to the "POWER" switch.
An alarm will sound to indicate that the start function cannot detect the electronic key that is touched to the "POWER" switch if any of the doors is opened and closed while the key is touched to the switch.
To change "POWER" switch modes: Within 10 seconds of the buzzer sounding, release the brake pedal and press the "POWER" switch. Modes can be changed each time the switch is pressed. (→P. 162) To start the hybrid system: Press the "POWER" switch within 10 seconds after the buzzer sounds, keeping the brake pedal depressed.
In the event that the "POWER" switch still cannot be operated, con-tact your Toyota dealer.

 

The battery in my fob is going dead about every six weeks. Fortunately, I signed up for free replacement batteries at Batteries+Bulbs, but I think they may get suspicious after awhile. Plus going there every couple of months is a pain. I always carry my keys in my right pants pocket and my cell phone in my left pants pocket. This started about a year ago. Any ideas/suggestions/comments would be appreciated.

 

The Gen III fob is pretty much water resistant. I had mine go through the washing machine without issue. It functioned perfectly.


If you have the key code, there is one guy who frequents PriusChat, who will delivered a perfectly working cut key insert to you for $17.

Toycut - ovnisf Keys

I've ordered twice from him, and they work perfectly.

 

Wow. I have had my 2010 III since late 2009 and I have not replaced the keyfob battery yet.

 

Yeah, something is wrong, MDT. I had a brief period where I had to touch the fob to the start button. Happened twice in a short period, but then it stopped, and the fob has been behaving correctly since. I couldn't believe that the battery was dead, and it wasn't. I think the car just got confused about the identity of the fob, or maybe the car wasn't searching for the fob correctly. Somehow it fixed itself.

 

Harbormaster, you might be able to find a small plastic food container that would work. I have some pretty small containers by Lock & Lock that are quite waterproof and wouldn't be ridiculously big in my purse. You, however, might not carry a purse.

 

I found a silicone protective sleeve on amazon for just a few dollars. They have various colors. I put "2011 toyota prius key fob protector" in the amazon search tool to find them. They are not waterproof but do protect during everyday wear and tear.

 

take the key out and take a screwdriver to the little slot on the side of the fob and buy a $3 round battery and put it all back together. Mine works fine doing this twice in 4 years

 

Can you please tell me how to get the key code?

Cheryl

 

Good question! My "certified" used Prius came without it, and the salesman couldn't or wouldn't tell me how to retrieve it. I did get two working fobs, unlike some buyers of used Prii.