So I managed to run the spare keyfob for my 2008 Prius (Package 6) through the washing machine. I disassembled everything and let it dry overnight but now the keyless entry functions on the fob are no longer working (I subbed in a known good battery as well). Specifically, the fob buttons no longer lock and unlock the car and the car doesn't start with the fob unless the fob is in the dash slot. If I stick the fob into the slot in the dash the car starts, so the smaller RFID module inside the fob is still good, so what appears to be bad is just the ~2" by 0.75" circuit board inside the fob. I'm seeing a few eBay listings for non-smart (black logo) replacement fobs for ~$56. Am I correct in understanding that I can't use the guts from a non-smart fob in the rest of my OEM fob and make it work? I'll continue to dry out my fob in hopes that it will resurrect but in the meantime I'm down to one and would like to have a fully working backup. Is there a good aftermarket source for a new fob or the circuitboard (understanding that I'd have to program the replacement). Just trying to avoid the dealership's price.
You can't use a non-sks (black) fob in place of sks (silver). You can get new/virginized fobs off eBay or many online key fob retailers for less than the dealer price. Sorry, I don't have any specific recommendations.
None on eBay at the moment that are clearly silver logo, but it looks like there's at least one source at Amazon. $161 rather than $56 but I guess that's what's required.
Likely the $56 is not virgin. Go for the $161. Sometimes, you just need to spend a bit more to make your life easier. It doesn’t always have to be about money. Also, for $161, you should be able to get a genuine OEM from an online dealer. Some online dealers have a presence on amazon. Back to your original fob, try blowing the button contacts out with dry compressed air.
I haven't pulled an SKS key apart, but have done so with a normal key. In the normal key it's just a piece of carbon to function as the immobiliser chip and the circuit board for the remote locking. As nothing changes in a normal key, it can be programmed to run multiple cars. What is there in the SKS chip that gets altered or written to?
It is not just a piece of carbon (although that is what it looks like), it is an RFID chip that gets linked to the immobiliser when it is paired with the car. As it is an RFID chip, it needs no external power source because it gets its power by proximity induction, the same way as chipped credit cards or transit cards do. And yes, the SKS key has the same RFID chip, which is why you can pair either type of key to either type of car and it will work for the flat-key-fob battery/key-in-the-slot scenario. But not really a good solution, if you have SKS.
The car has a number called the "Car ID" which is written to a chip on the SKS circuit board the first time it is registered on the car. Once a SKS keyfob is registered, it can respond to the car with the proper Car ID, but not to any other. A previously registered SKS keyfob can be registered to a different car by doing a seed reset of the car, a procedure normally only available to dealers and locksmiths. There are places on the internet where you can purchase a seed reset number for about $35.
You can buy directly online from several Toyota dealers, the advantage is that you give your VIN when ordering and they will verify that you ordered the correct part. I have used McGeorge Toyota parts online several times and they currently show a 2008 key fob for $126 (plus shipping) Transmitter - Toyota (89904-47011), better than the price you are seeing. (I ordered a fob for my Gen 3, shipping was <$10)
OK, if the jar of rice hasn't done the trick I'll drop a line to McGeorge Toyota. Wife doesn't understand why I feel the need to have a backup but I'd rather not end up with no smart keys, at present I have what I need to program a replacement but if I kill the other key it's going to be more than $126++.
The replacement key fob from McGeorge Toyota arrived today (I ordered it over the holiday weekend so it took awhile for them to ship it) and I successfully executed the Chicken Dance. Thanks for the tip on where to order.
The cheapest option I've found to make up a bare minimum key was to buy a chip and casing from China via AliExpress. Chip (4D67): 4D67 Transponder Chip For Toyota and Lexus P28-in Car Key from Automobiles & Motorcycles on Aliexpress.com | Alibaba Group Casing (with key blade): KEYYOU 2 BUTTON REMOTE KEY CASE FOR TOYOTA PRIUS COROLLA VERSO TOY43 BLADE-in Car Key from Automobiles & Motorcycles on Aliexpress.com | Alibaba Group That particular casing is of lower quality than the Toyota one, but will do the job as a spare. Better quality casings can be found. I've put those chips and casings together and used them to start Priuses. However, I haven't found a solution for getting the circuit board that operates the central locking. US and Canada car remotes operate at 315MHz, whereas for the rest of the world it's 434MHz. Here in Australia Toyota charges $A312.40 for a normal key fob and $A380.60 for an SKS one. I haven't found any suitable aftermarket key fob options for Australian Priuses.
Actually, you don't even need a case. Tape the chip to the end of a pencil (not the eraser end because of the metal). Then place it on the bottom of the keyslot and press POWER. Remove the chip. To turn the car OFF, press POWER and press your finger into the keyslot to release the locking mechanism. Or get a Toyota chipkey, and replace the chip with the 4D67 one. Copy the mini-key onto the chipkey for door access. Insert the key head first into the keyslot to start. Again, you'll still have to unlock the keyslot by pressing something against the back of it after powering OFF. I've done all this with a chip liberated from a used keyfob, but if this chip actually works, it's cheaper.
I didn't feel like starting a New Thread...here is a question: I need Another complete Key Fob for my 08 Prius. I can programmed the key at my friends place. He got Tools/Scanners. I am seeing following options. 1. New complete Aftermarket Keyfob for $69.95. (eBay item number: 361970358543) OR 2. Used OEM Complete keyfob for $59. (eBay item number:143075748010) Please advise. thx in advance!
Forget the rice...it will NOT remove moisture! That trick was floated years ago during the early cellphone craze. Disassemble fully, soak in denatured alcohol, completely dry everything. Switches and carbon impregnated buttons should be wiped with denatured alcohol as well, then dried with a soft towel. LiIon battery cells (coin), are cheap, replace it. Ensure NO corrosion is on any metal surface, but you can use a pencil eraser to rub the bare metal to a shine, removing oxide components from it. Keep the fob dry, and there should be no problems for you.. Safe travels!
