Key alert while car is in drive

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by emtownsend, Oct 11, 2007.

  1. emtownsend

    emtownsend New Member

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    OK, here is a wierd one... I carpool. When I drop the other person off in front of his workplace, and after they open and close the front passanger door, the yellow key-fob alert comes on. (The one that comes on when the car is running but you take the wireless fob away...)
    It does this every time I drop him off now; and only in front of his work. Is it interference from the place of business? (It is a building downtown that houses 6 floors of differing businesses).
    Is it the keyfob battery?
    Do these keyfobs use a fairly common radio frequency?
    The car never dies, and the alert goes off after I pull away from his workplace...
    Thanks!
     
    #1 emtownsend, Oct 11, 2007
  2. narf

    narf Active Member

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    The smartkey fobs have been known to be jammed by other electronic equipment in close proximity. There have been times when I have had to move my cellphone or MP3 player to another pocket before the car sees the fob.

    Once the car starts, it won't shut down just because it can't see the fob (that would be a serious safety issue).

    I think the smart key receiver is between the seats below the armrest box. Are they putting something on the box when they get ready to leave?
     
    #2 narf, Oct 11, 2007
  3. emtownsend

    emtownsend New Member

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    <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(narf @ Oct 11 2007, 11:20 AM) [snapback]524121[/snapback]</div>
    Ah! Could very well be his cell phone. He just activated a new one... and this problem just started a couple weeks ago. He holds it while in the car and moves it to the center when he goes to open the door! Thanks!
     
    #3 emtownsend, Oct 11, 2007
  4. DaveinOlyWA

    DaveinOlyWA 3rd Time was Solariffic!!

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    intreresting.... dont think its his cellphone per se... does he use BT?
     
    #4 DaveinOlyWA, Oct 11, 2007
  5. emtownsend

    emtownsend New Member

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    <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(DaveinOlyWA @ Oct 11 2007, 11:45 AM) [snapback]524138[/snapback]</div>
    Not that I know of, but I will ask.
     
    #5 emtownsend, Oct 11, 2007
  6. Stringmike

    Stringmike New Member

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    Possibly electromagnetic interference from an automatic door-opener? Some use ultrasound as the detector, but many also still use radio frequencies. Does the building have one of these?

    Mike
     
    #6 Stringmike, Oct 11, 2007
  7. terryonmac

    terryonmac New Member

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    My 2008 does the same thing. But it does go away after a minute or so. I have a phone in the console with bluetooth on.
     
    #7 terryonmac, Nov 13, 2007
  8. personallyuneek

    personallyuneek Yankee fan in New England

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    Maybe if we put our scenarios together, we can find the common denominator.. I don't think a phone that is off would effect the fob or antenna...

    My 08 has had 3 different time where it has 'no keyed' me. Goes away after a few seconds

    all different locations
    no passengers (no Friends) :lol:
    No bluetooth (too Cheap) B)
    phone in various locations

    I do have a Mobil speed pass and thought that might be a factor.
     
    #8 personallyuneek, Nov 14, 2007
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