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Key fob working intermittently

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by Some Dude Guy, Nov 8, 2024.

  1. Some Dude Guy

    Some Dude Guy Junior Member

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    So in my 06 Prius yesterday my keyless entry suddenly stopped working, I figured it could be the battery, but it started working again later in the day, but has stopped again. Thing is, the tire pressure light was on, and all tires are full and I checked for leaks. I know the reset for that it’s right next to the key activation button. Once I reset it the key started working briefly. So I’m thinking maybe the module itself is going out? Because there’s no reason why the TPS light was on, and turning it off suddenly fixed the problem, albeit temporarily.

    For more info, it has been sitting more than usual, but I drive it every few days, 12v is new as of last year and isn’t low. No lights on the dash either. And yes the button to activate the keyless entry is on lol. Thank you in advance for the help.
     
  2. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    i would still get a free load test at an auto parts store, and put a fresh quality battery in the fob to eliminate low hanging fruit.
    do you have a second fob?
    maybe there is a wiring issue under the dasy behind the switches
     
  3. Brian1954

    Brian1954 Senior Member

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    I second that you should replace the battery in the fob.
     
  4. Some Dude Guy

    Some Dude Guy Junior Member

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    Ok that should be pretty easy, hopefully I can find a battery local as well. I do have two keys and both stopped working, but both worked last night briefly, so I’m doubting it’s the batteries.

    Could be I suppose, but I don’t know why that would suddenly happen, makes me think some module is having an issue.
     
  5. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    you could be right, and that's going to be a much deeper dive, especially without trouble codes.
    worth checking the voltage at the jump point too.
    any chance of rodents chewing on wires?
     
  6. Tombukt2

    Tombukt2 Senior Member

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    What module would be having the issue The keyless entry alarm module that sort of thing That's iffy If anything you got a mouse in somewhere and it's chewing wires possibly but I would definitely check my fob batteries Make sure I have a red light and pushing any of the three buttons and if there's any questions about the condition of the case you can buy a set of cases online for like $8.99 in black that match exactly your old credit up rubber button thingies you have now if that's the case You might should do that Don't lose your transponder chip in each remote that red light should be consistent with the key button in the out position you'll see that red light on your remote lighting quite often when it's not in the slot it's always hunting for that key to make sure you or it is there and it's okay for the car to be unlocked and to run when commanded if you have SKS and that key button
     
  7. Some Dude Guy

    Some Dude Guy Junior Member

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    Just did and thankfully that did the trick. I suppose I just found the timing of the batteries dying odd, and the tire pressure light coming on suddenly. Thankfully both remotes are good to go now for only $6.
     
    Brian1954 likes this.
  8. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    congrats!