[Info Summary] Lexus Credit Card Smart Key

Hi everyone,
I recently joined the PriusChat family after purchasing a 2011 Prius Two. I'd just like to share a summary of information that I've gathered from past threads on PriusChat as well as add my own findings about adding the Lexus Credit Card Smart Key.

Credit to Ken Blake, RobH, h00ktern, and RRG who contributed to many of the prior discussions on PriusChat regarding the key.

The Lexus Credit Card Smart Key
What is it? It's a credit card shaped key designed for various Lexus vehicles. It's roughly the thickness of three standard credit cards, and is designed to fit in your wallet. There are no buttons, and the spare key shank does not fit the Prius. It is possible to pair this key with the Gen 3 Prius successfully, though there are a few caveats.



There is a Toyota branded version - see bottom of this post.

Caveats:

1. There are no buttons - with this key you must rely solely on the SKS sensors on your door handle(s) to unlock/lock the car. Users with the AC or solar sunroof options on their Prius will not be able to operate those options with this key. Also, there is no panic button. The optimal candidate for this key would have a Prius with the upgraded SKS system with sensors at the rear hatch and passenger doors. I have the base model with the sensor only on the driver door handle, so to open the hatch I would first have to walk to the driver door to unlock the car.
2. The mechanical key blade is not compatible with the Prius. This means that if your Lexus key battery dies there is no way to unlock the car. My solution is to store a spare battery (CR2412) in a magnetic hide-a-key.
3. There are different variations of Prius key and different variations of Lexus Credit Card key. This means that you must rely on the communal knowledge of PriusChat and other internet sources to determine which Lexus key to get.
4. The pairing process is the same as a regular replacement Prius key, which carries these caveats:
   1. Pairing keys requires either dealer assistance or access to Toyota TIS Techstream software and a Mongoose cable. Note that your dealer may not be willing to help you since you're adding a key that is not officially approved for your vehicle. They may also charge you for labor.
   2. The process of pairing a NEW (never previously paired) key and a USED key is different. NEW key pairing is much easier, and is possible with either dealer assistance or Techstream software. An OLD key requires dealer assistance, OR Techstream software PLUS seed reset codes. These seed reset codes are attainable through a valid Techstream subscription or various sources online (for additional money). It IS possible to pair a USED key, it just requires additional resources and effort. Note that your dealer may not be willing to help you since you're asking them to pair a used key.

Still want one?
If you're okay with not having buttons and still want to have one of these, read on.

Purchasing a Compatible Lexus Credit Card Key
This is my key addition to the credit card key hunt - which one to get. There are several variations of Prius key and Lexus CC key. The difference centers around the FCC ID of the key. You need to look at your existing key and check the FCC ID, and then select a Lexus key with a compatible FCC ID. I purchased mine on eBay by searching for the FCC ID followed by "Lexus Card". As a suggestion I would not order by part number, and only order if you can confirm the FCC ID on the card.

There are two known compatibilities:
- Prius HYQ14AAB compatible with Lexus HYQ14ABB (confirmed by myself, eBay auction link)
- Prius HYQ14ACX compatible with Lexus HYQ14AEB (confirmed by Ken Blake, la9ers, WolfpackBill)
There are other Prius fobs with different FCC IDs but I have not encountered information about them.

There is at least one known incompatibility:
- Prius HYQ14AAB NOT COMPATIBLE WITH Lexus HYQ14AEB (found this out myself)

I originally purchased a new HYQ114AEB key and tried to pair it with my car (my key's FCC ID is HYQ14AAB). I noticed immediately that the behavior of the key was strange. Before even taking it out of the box, it was interfering with my original key. With the two keys in close proximity outside my car, I could not unlock or lock my car. I had to set the Lexus key far away. With both keys in the car, I could not start the car without holding my original key next to the power button. The Prius complained with "Key Not Detected". The pairing process failed in the "Place key on passenger seat" step - it would recognize it in the first step of holding the new key to the power button, but would not recognize it on the passenger seat. I did a seed reset (purchased codes off of weboctopus.nl) and was able to re-add my original key, but not the Lexus AEB key. I also changed the batteries and tried the process again unsuccessfully.

Hypothetical Compatibilities for Prius C:
There's a thread on ToyotaNation with a 2015 Highlander using the Lexus card key. The Highlander's FCC ID is HYQ14FBA, which seems to be also used in the Prius C.

- Highlander HYQ14FBA compatible with Lexus HYQ14CBB (ToyotaNation.com thread)

Used Key vs New Key
Again please note that the process is MORE DIFFICULT with a used key. It involves a potentially unsafe/sketchy transaction to acquire seed reset codes and going through the seed reset process, which takes additional time and effort. I advise just purchasing a new key.

Pairing Process
I believe there is sufficient information on PriusChat that already exists about adding keys, and will simply provide links to prior discussion. Adding this Lexus key is the same process as adding a regular Prius key. Note the distinction between process of adding a new key and adding a used key.

1. Techstream usage instructions to add a new key: Just added another Smart Card key to the car (DIY instructions included) [clublexus.com]
2. My experience in getting a replacement FOB
3. Successful SKS Reset using Mangoose cable and used Keyfob registration
4. Techstream on a 64-bit Windows machine.
5. Additional Techsteam on 64-bit Windows machine link (found by la9ers)

I would also search for "techstream" on priuschat for where to get a Techstream cable and how to set it up on your computer. I will say that the process is not that simple - especially if you are not tech savvy.
You can also search youtube for videos walking through the pairing process on techstream - videos for similar year Toyotas and Lexus vehicles are likely the same or similar process.

Available in Japan - the Toyota Credit Card Key:


Apparently this type of key is available for the Prius and Prado in Japan. I made a full imgur album link with original source links here. It comes in three glossy colors - black, white, and pinkish/fuchsia! I searched for "トヨタカードキー" ("toyota card key" from Google Translate) on Google Images and found some results. I would bet that one of these would work on the Prius but it would be very difficult to find the right key since you can no longer match by FCC ID (FCC = USA only).

 

Here's a relevant thread on toyota-4runner.org.

 

It would be neat, but they might not work. I suspect that the Japanese Prius may be outfitted with a keyless entry system that functions on a different frequency range because of differences between Japanese and US regulations.

 

Nice! For the unlock all doors automatically, I believe it's under "Door Lock" or "Smart Key / Access" in the customization options (link here)

 

There isn't a version of the credit card key with any buttons, so you're pretty much stuck using the stock remote with the AC button.

 

Myself, and the three others I listed in the "Known compatibilities" section of the original post have gotten it working. I've been using mine for over a year now and haven't had any issues!