I have a RHD 2006 Prius. My Smart switch stopped working suddenly - I could no longer use it to lock/unlock the doors. I replaced the battery, and the status light on the fob does light red with every press. I checked the switch under the steering column, but I when I press the button, it doesn't stay clicked in (if that makes sense). I removed the switch, and connected it to a multimeter. It reads 0ohms when I am actually pressing the switch, but reads open as soon as I stop pressing. Is this the expected behavior? We bought the car used, and it only came with a single fob, so I don't have another fob to test. Any thoughts on what else there is to test? Cheers, Pete
Hi Pete. Welcome to PC. The UK key fob is somewhat different to the US SKS system smart fob. When you say you removed the switch I assume this is the one in the fob can you confirm this? If that is the case the operation shown by the meter is correct. You could try the chicken dance method of re programming your fob, but I doubt this is the problem. (Search this in the box at the top of the page.) I suggest you buy a "Mini VCI" from Ebay (about £15) and use it with an old laptop to look at the car programming for the fob. The car is programmed to recognize the fob "not the other way round". The VCI is basically the same level diagnostics tool that the dealer uses for all sorts of tasks including fault code reading for which they will happily charge you £100. You do need to buy another fob. If you loose the one you have it will be very expensive to get the car to be re coded to accept a new fob. With an existing fob a new fob can be made to be recognized with the VCI. There is a "door fuse 25 amp" under the dash above your right foot. "Worth checking." If I can help more just ask. John (Britprius)
Thanks for the replies thus far. I am referring to the smart key disable switch located under the steering column. I find it strange that I cannot tell the difference between on and off on the switch. I am wondering if the switch is in fact defective. I did read about the chicken dance, but I believe that I need a working remote to do that. I will look into the MiniVCI and will definitely add a replacement key fob. Thanks, I did replace the 12V battery about 5 months ago after I had some trouble starting the car.
pete, are you saying that the car won't power up? or you can't unlock the doors? or you have to put your fob in the slot to power up?
All UK gen2's you have to put the fob in the slot. We did not get SKS this side of the pond. Something I would add to my car if I could get the parts here, but they are not available. John.
Car powers up fine - I just have to remove the physical key from the fob to lock and unlock the doors. I have replaced the battery in the fob, but I still cannot use it to lock or unlock. Apologies if I wasn't clear in the beginning.
did you check other doors for sks function? Also check if there are any stuck buttons on your fob, make sure ALL the buttons "click" when you press them......
All this information is applicable to the SKS function, which it has been established the UK Gen II models DO NOT have. If people could read threads before jumping in, it would help ensure you don't waste people's time with information that is not applicable. I say this in the nicest possible way.
but it was ukpetes first post, saying his smart switch stopped working suddenly, that led to the incorrect replies.
True, but Britprius corrected the error in post #5: and to be more precise the switch disables the interior movement sensor. It's purpose is so you can leave e. g. a dog in the car and lock it and not have the dog set off the alarm when it moves around the cabin.
