Cheapest way to replace key fob when buttons are broke so you can't do "chicken dance"

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Main Forum' started by MilkyWay, Apr 25, 2019.

  1. MilkyWay

    MilkyWay Active Member

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    I have a spare used fob from a different prius but you can't do the chicken dance because the buttons are smashed up on the bad key fob prius. I can neither lock or unlock the doors with current key fob.

    Called one toyota dealership they are $140 to program but they want around $220 just for the part so around $360 for 1 key!

    Called a locksmith he is $350-$400 but when I told him he is more expensive than a real dealership he said he could do $300.

    Also, proximity key doesn't work the only way car starts is if I stick the broken key fob in the slot. Wonder why that is as I've seen this on other priuses as well (and they do have proximity start).
     
    #1 MilkyWay, Apr 25, 2019
  2. oldtechaa

    oldtechaa Active Member

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    Are just the rubber button covers smashed up or is there damage to the actual buttons on the board? If the former, you could just carefully take the case apart before doing the chicken dance. If the latter, how are you at soldering?

    In regards to the SKS not working, is the button under the steering wheel in the correct position? Try pressing it, then trying the proximity again. If it only has trouble starting but not unlocking the doors when you're near, you may have an issue with the immobilizer antenna in the center console.
     
    #2 oldtechaa, Apr 25, 2019
  3. MilkyWay

    MilkyWay Active Member

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    Rubber button covers are smashed I can look into taking case apart...Well, I'd have to have mechanic do it cause I don't have the mechanics touch.

    I'll look into immobilizer antenna as well..thanks.
     
    #3 MilkyWay, Apr 25, 2019
  4. Skibob

    Skibob Senior Member

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    Yes remove the inner workings from the old key fob, clean and dry well, then see where you are. Don’t forget the rfid chip in the old case. That’s what’s allowing your car to start now. There is at least one write up on how to do it around here. You really want to clean the board and the buttons on it. Some dirt might be blocking the buttons from working.

    Do you have another key fob, or is that the only one you have?
     
    #4 Skibob, Apr 25, 2019
  5. a_gray_prius

    a_gray_prius Rare Non-Old-Blowhard Priuschat Member

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    #5 a_gray_prius, Apr 25, 2019
  6. Georgina Rudkus

    Georgina Rudkus Senior Member

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    #6 Georgina Rudkus, Apr 25, 2019
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  7. MilkyWay

    MilkyWay Active Member

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    Update: I was mistaken on the broken buttons. But replaced key fob battery and they don't work (unlock/lock). Nothing happens. Red light illuminates upon pressing buttons but don't do anything.

    Mechanic referred me to locksmith that will come to car and make key for $250.

    Even if I got one for cheap (say $110?) the dealership wants $140 to program so same difference. And lock/unlock doesn't work so I am 99% positive chicken dance won't work. Plus fast service no wait for shipping
     
    #7 MilkyWay, Apr 25, 2019
  8. MilkyWay

    MilkyWay Active Member

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    Had a locksmith do new fob. Same issue.

    What would cause key fob not to unlock doors? They work manually if I press power lock button on door
     
    #8 MilkyWay, Apr 29, 2019
  9. ILuvMyPriusToo

    ILuvMyPriusToo Senior Member

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    There is a transmitter unit in the car that talks to the keys. If the keys aren't the issue (the red light on the key is a sign it is transmitting), it might be that ecu.
     
    #9 ILuvMyPriusToo, Apr 29, 2019
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  10. MilkyWay

    MilkyWay Active Member

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    I'm thinking I need this?
    Screenshot_20190429-215505_eBay.jpg
     
    #10 MilkyWay, Apr 29, 2019
  11. oldtechaa

    oldtechaa Active Member

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    What if the existing fob was never initialized in its remote mode, and only as a fob slot starter key? That would make the buttons unresponsive, and would probably necessitate reseeding the car.
     
    #11 oldtechaa, Apr 29, 2019
  12. Skibob

    Skibob Senior Member

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    That’s a good price for all that.
     
    #12 Skibob, Apr 30, 2019
  13. MilkyWay

    MilkyWay Active Member

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    Yes it is and hundreds cheaper than getting key replaced at dealer.

    But I asked seller if he thinks it would work for unlocking/locking door and he said he cannot guarantee that it would.

    Do you think it would fix lock/unlock issue? Key fob does nothing pressing lock/unlock.
     
    #13 MilkyWay, Apr 30, 2019
  14. Skibob

    Skibob Senior Member

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    That’s above my pay grade. Hopefully someone with experience can chime in. I have no experience with a replacement like that.
     
    #14 Skibob, Apr 30, 2019
  15. ski.dive

    ski.dive Active Member

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    Do you have a PRIUS repair shop near by? [ Not the Dealer ]
     
    #15 ski.dive, Apr 30, 2019
  16. MilkyWay

    MilkyWay Active Member

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    ok locksmith called and said fixed. Was speaking to receptionist but when I asked why it didn't work she put me on hold and came back and said something about program 1st key first...something with the order of programming.

    Also said remote start (proximity) is fixed. Will see when I pick up later. $265 w/ tax.
     
    #16 MilkyWay, Apr 30, 2019
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  17. ericbecky

    ericbecky Hybrid Battery Hero

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    As I mentioned in the other thread.
    Sounded like the first key never was programmed to do sks/door locks.

    If the locksmith did not know this when he first did the job it could throw him off.

    And also as mentioned in other thread and on here, if first key was never programmed to do sks/door locks, then a reseed would be needed.

    Pretty straightforward.
     
    #17 ericbecky, Apr 30, 2019
  18. MilkyWay

    MilkyWay Active Member

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    Happy it supposedly is fixed (haven't picked up yet). I ordered that entire kit on ebay with all the ECUs and spare key just to have on hand if I ever lose a key, etc.
     
    #18 MilkyWay, Apr 30, 2019
  19. ericbecky

    ericbecky Hybrid Battery Hero

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    It may not be less expensive than new fob and programming since there is labor involved with removing and installing the ecus.
     
    #19 ericbecky, Apr 30, 2019
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