adding 2nd keyfob with techstream and aftermarket remote starter

since it works off of a toyota key fob, perhaps it is an oem unit, and programming will be available in tech stream. just a guess. did you buy it from a toyota dealer?

 

I guess you'd have to research to find out:

1) Was remote start offered as a dealer option on the 2013 Prius?
2) If so, is what you describe the manner in which it's activated? (Seems unlikely... it just doesn't seem like an OEM type solution... but that's just my opinion)

I think your hunch is correct: that you have an aftermarket remote start system. I have a hunch that if you program a second (or third, or fourth) FOB, that they will work with the remote starter. The reason I say that is that it appears the remote start is "piggy-backed" on the remote lock/unlock system.

 

I'm trying to have a second FOB programmed myself. I have a used unit I bought on offerup, but it looks like it was already programmed to someone else's car.

Brought it to a local Toyota dealership, and they said they couldn't reprogram it, and it can't be used at all.

 

You need either a new fob, or a used one that's been "virginized". The "virginzing" process requires some special equipment that a locksmith would have.
Once you have a virgin key, it then needs to be programmed by the dealer or a locksmith. I have the dealer software (Techstream) so I was able to program a "virginized" key I bought on Ebay for about $100.

 

Unless you could show proof you are the legal owner, the dealership may not do it because the fob may be a stolen one.
Maybe for them it's not worth the legal risk?

 

I believe that the dealer doesn't know how to reprogram a fob. Locksmiths do. A used fob is reprogrammed when it is the first fob registered after a seed reset.

 

I case of Europe dealers can do the key programing. Locksmiths usually don’t have TechStream to do it.

 

It’s a road trip oversea to get the fob to work then. Great vacation added.

 

While I can't speak for your local situation, in the US locksmiths specialize in particular types of locks. Household locksmiths typically don't handle auto keyfobs. Automobile locksmiths typically don't have the equipment for all car brands. The best way to search is to talk to locksmiths. Most can refer you to an automotive locksmith, and they talk to each other about what cars they can handle. Since Techstream is Toyota only, they tend to use locksmith equipment that works with more than just Toyota. Since Toyota is a major brand, I would expect there to be somebody that can handle it most everywhere Toyota is sold. Toyota dealers frequently don't have a clue on how to program a used keyfob, but there are locksmiths who do. It's a long search, but there are people who do manage to program used keyfobs, and they don't work at dealerships.

 

Wow, that suprised me. I don’t have all the manuals for Prius, but had it for my previous Toyota - dowloaded from techdoc - including the key programing. I know that key programing is Techstream officialy available only for Toyota security expert - whatever that means. So it’s just suprised me how it’s handled in the US.
(Although with proper Techstream it shouldn’t be rocket science.)

 

With the previous generations of Prius a new key fob could be programmed without the need for Techstream -- by doing "the chicken dance". A series of actions like turn the car on, open the door a number of times, lock/unlock a number of times... or something like that. (it's been a while)
But starting with Gen-3 (2010) fob programming has required Techstream. (or other software used by a locksmith)

 

And if course mine is for the 2010! Xb

The local locksmith says if I can get my current second-hand key "flashed" they can reprogram it for $50. Currently though he can't until it's been erased. Is that accurate?

 

The only way to reprogram a “used” fob is to either

1- Virginize the keyfob with a certain process.

2- do an all keys lost and reprogram existing fob and the used fob you are trying to add. This requires a seed process also known as a reseed.

This is THE only way. Regardless of what people say.

 

What does "virginizing" it entail? It's my last option before buying a whole new fob. :C

 

It erases everything, makes it blank.

 

Hm, I wonder if there's anyone nearby that can do that. Or maybe someone in this forum does (I think I read that in a thread here).

Oof.I just remembered the dealership never gave us the correct blade key, so we don't have a single copy of that one. :X