In reviewing the manual for my 2007 Prius, it looks like I should beable to leave my keys in my bag, put the bag in the cargo hold, andthen start the car. However, the car doesn't sense the SmartKey when it is in the cargo hold. Did I misunderstand the manual? See the attached page from manual. I believe it is showing a sensor on the interior as well as the exterior of the cargo hold... so why won't it sense my smart key? Anyone with a 2007 having a similar experience? Has anyone gone for a fix with the dealer? Or is my sensor in the cargo hold not operating? Please chime in.
I have an 06 and unless there has been a change. I cannot start the car unless the smart key is within 3 feet or so of the key slot/dash area. I have left them in the back and realized that I could not lock the door (without depressing the smart key button). Is anyone able drive with the key in the rear of the cargo area?
I just did a quick test, and in my 2005 I can not leave the key in the far back, nor center of the cargo area, and have it work. However, I can leave it in the FRONT of the cargo area and have it work...
The hatch sensor, like those in the door handles, is directional to the outside of the vehicle only. The interior oscillator has a relatively short range and points mostly to the front of the car. I'm aware of no changes to that. I believe that last box indicated in the driver's side rear is the ECU, but I'm not sure.
The sensor does work in the cargo area because the car will not let you lock the doors with the fob back there. I guess the designers wanted to make sure that you were in the driver's seat before letting the car start.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(mameyer @ Oct 26 2007, 08:58 PM) [snapback]530971[/snapback]</div> To test if the cargo sensor is working or not, leave the smartkey in the cargo hold near the left side, then try to lock the car from the outside by pushing the black button (be sure to have a spare key with you). If the sensor is working, the doors won't lock and you'll hear a loooong continuous beep. It's been awhile since I last read the manual. Does it say you can start the car with the smartkey placed 'anywhere' inside the car?
I can put my briefcase (with smart key inside) on the back seat and car will start. If I put it in the very back car will not start, doesn't sense the key.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(patsparks @ Oct 27 2007, 09:00 AM) [snapback]531159[/snapback]</div> My guess is that the two sensors on the front sides as well as the one in the cargo hold are for door locks, while the one in the center console is only for starting the car. There's no reason for the center one to be used for door locking purposes, is there?
The experiment did work. The sensor does work- but I guess does not enable ignition- as suggested. Too bad.
You can't start the car if the SKS fob is in the cargo area but you can unlock the car without a key. Remember that the next time you decide to leave an extra fob in the back. Someone (if they know about it) can unlock the car, take the fob and steal the Prius.
Someone recently posted a list of software variables that can be set by the dealer. I thought one variable was to have the SKS system detect a key in the cargo area.
An additional smart key question from a newbie: I don't yet have a prius but am very interested, nor have I ever had anything with a smart key. I often stop at a central mail box a block or so from house to pick up mail. If I have a second set of keys with me, I just let mycar run while I get out and use the mail box key to open the box. What will happen if I exit a running (even thought the ICE may be off) Prius with the smart key in my pocket and walk 15 feet to the mail box? just curious. Also if both my wife anf I are in the vehicle with our smart keys, does this confuse the system?
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(The Root @ Nov 28 2007, 12:02 AM) [snapback]545093[/snapback]</div> We do this everyday to get our mail. Basically nothing much happens. If you walk out of the car with the smart key in your pocket, and there's no other smart key inside the car, the car issues a long beep to let you know that you'd left it ON w/out a key inside (and if you try to push the outside button to lock the doors the car won't let you.) If there's a second key inside then (I believe) the car doesn't complain if you leave (could someone confirm this?) Last question: No.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(zenMachine @ Nov 28 2007, 12:40 PM) [snapback]545257[/snapback]</div> Thanks for the info. The Root
