Getting Replacement Keys...Yikes!!

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by George Clint, Jan 16, 2019.

  1. George Clint

    George Clint New Member

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    I'm new to this forum...what took me so long? I'm the original owner of a 2004 Prius. I had two keys.
    One has part of the top missing and is pretty thrashed from dropping it over the years and it's protected
    by some electrical tape, but it still works. The other even after replacing the battery still doesn't work.
    All I wanted to do was get a replacement key for that one using the thrashed one as a backup, but the dealer
    told me the car would have to be re-programmed for about $150 and each new key would cost $250 of course making my thrashed one useless because of the re-programming. in other words, for two new keys
    and the rest: about $650! Is there any other way around this without having to be a master tech guy?
    George
     
    #1 George Clint, Jan 16, 2019
  2. JC91006

    JC91006 Senior Member

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    If the thrashed one is fully functional (the lock button works), then you can self program a new key with it.

    Just buy a new key online and DIY
     
    #2 JC91006, Jan 16, 2019
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  3. oldtechaa

    oldtechaa Active Member

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    #3 oldtechaa, Jan 16, 2019
    Skibob and srellim234 like this.
  4. srellim234

    srellim234 Senior Member

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    In addition to the tips regarding a new key you can also replace the case of the working key very cheaply and it's easy to do. I recently replaced both of our cases for $9.99 each with the USARemote fits Toyota Prius Key Fob Cover Case from Amazon.



    Make sure you transfer three things from your old, taped case to the new one.
    1. The circuit board
    2. The little black RFID chip
    3. The metal mechanical key.
     
    #4 srellim234, Jan 16, 2019
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  5. Skibob

    Skibob Senior Member

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    #5 Skibob, Jan 16, 2019
  6. stockdaddy

    stockdaddy Member

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    I would replace the case transferring the electronics over.
     
    #6 stockdaddy, Jan 27, 2019
  7. dolj

    dolj Senior Member

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    and don't forget the RFID chip in the front of the bottom half.

    Prius Key Fob RFID Chip 2.png

    It is also possible to buy just an empty case (with or without the key blank) from the dealer if you want to just replace your case. Then there are all the cheap Chinese knock-offs all over the internet.
     
    #7 dolj, Jan 29, 2019
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