Backup key for Gen 1 Prius

What are you trying to do? Program a new key? Do you have a working key? Do you want to program a new fob? Do you have a working fob?

 

Ok, very simple.

Key programming
TOYOTA
Prius 2001 2002 2003
Sequoia 2003 2004 2005
1. Close all doors.
2. Insert an already programmed master key into the ignition.
3. Turn the key from the OFF to On and back OFF FIVE (5) times.
4. Open and close the drivers door SIX (6) times.
5. Remove the key from the ignition.
6. Insert the new key you want to program into the ignition.
7. Turn the key to the ON position.
8. Wait 2 minutes. The security light will be blinking for this one minute. When it stops blinking your key is programmed.
9. Remove your key
10. Open and close the drivers door 1 time.
NOTE: You have 35 seconds to complete steps 1-5 and 10 seconds to complete step 7. If you do not do this procedure fast enough the car will not go into programming mode and your key will not program.
If the security light does not go out after 2 minutes start the procedure over again.

Fob Programming
Before you start all doors should be closed except the driver's side door which should be open and unlocked. Each step in these Toyota Key Fob programming instructions guide should be completed in order.
Instructions:
1. With the driver side door unlocked and open slide the key in and out of the ignition twice without turning it. (Should be done within 5 seconds)

2. Close the driver side door and then reopen it, and then close and reopen it again.

3. Put your key in the ignition again and remove it.

4. Close the driver side door and then reopen it, and then close and reopen it again.

5. Put the key in the ignition and then close the door

6. Turn the key to the "On" position without cranking the car and then turn it back to the "Off" position and remove the key.
***If you are only adding an additional key fob to the vehicle turn the key to "On" position only once. If you are "Rewriting All Key Fobs" and clearing the memory, turn the key to "On" position twice and then remove the key

7. You should have heard the door locks cycle after you removed the key. This means the vehicle is in program mode.

** If the door locks did not cycle you will need to repeat steps 1-6 again, you should completed step 1 within 5 seconds.

8. To program the new Toyota Key fob hold the "Unlock" and "Lock" button on the key fob for two seconds and then release. Then press the "Lock" button for up to three seconds and release. The door should lock and unlock.

If you are programming multiple remotes repeat step 8 for each remote within 40 seconds of step 7. If you wait to long or the other keyless remotes will not program you will need to start from the beginning.


You have now reprogrammed the Toyota Key fob to your vehicle. You may program up to 4 keyless entry remote control fobs per vehicle. If you do not want to pay for the key fob at the dealer you can buy them for a lot less money on Ebay.

 

A few years ago I was able to find compatible keyblanks (they even have the black plastic overmold and Toyota logo) readily online with a simple search, for about $17. There are more expensive options that contain a programmable chip instead of a fixed one, but if you'll just be programming the car to accept the fixed code on the key, the less expensive fixed kind is fine. (The car can be programmed to recognize a maximum of three key codes. If you want more keys than that, you'll have to get some of the pricier clonable kind, and have some keys written with the same code.)

Physically cutting the key can be done at any hardware store. They might warn you that it's a chip key and they won't be able to program it for you, but you can just tell them you'll do that part yourself. (Or do what I did, program it first, then watch their faces when they're done cutting it and you use it to drive away.)

I've never bought an extra fob, but I've seen threads suggesting if you just search by the FCC ID molded into the case, you'll find sellers with decent prices.

Programming the car to recognize a new key code, and programming it to recognize a new fob, are two different operations. For both of them, if you search around you can find a lot of write-ups on the procedure, some of which do work. As a rule of thumb, the ones that work are the ones that are the same as what you read in volume 2 of the service manual at techinfo.toyota.com.

-Chap

Edit: I see usnavystgc's answer crossed with mine. I remember there are steps you do differently based on whether you want the new key to be accepted as a master (it will be able to allow programming of other keys), or a sub (can only be used to drive the car), and also if you ever want to forget the list of accepted keys and start over (say, you know one of your keys got into the wrong hands). I don't remember the details, but they are all in the book.

 

I know this is an old thread, but some may still need this info. If you only have a valet key, the best ideea would be to clone it. This way you dont need to change the immobilizer or anything. Where i live this costs like $50.

 

Had success in programming a master key. Ordered DK blanks from Amazon (about $12 for 2), got an auto locksmith to copy the teeth, and then used the instructions on the DK website (dkprogram) for my "new" 2002. Note: the "chicken dance" here is the one with accelerator and brake. It worked the first time.