Ok, bit of noob here in the Prius world. Thank God for all of you and the information up here it makes the transition easier. So I went out to increase my tire pressure to 42F and 40R through the recommendations of this site. I have a portable air unit that goes into the power outlet. So without thinking I hit the power button and the car started (Key Fob was in my pocket). I have had the car since January and thought the fob had to be inserted to start. In fact I even asked the dealer this very question. The car goes into reverse and moves without the fob inserted. I have a 2008 Package 5. Can anyone else enlighten me on this?
You have the smart key system installed on your prius. It allows you to open a locked car door without pushing the unlock button on the fob, lock the car with the door handle and start the car without inserting the fob. I'd check the window sticker to see what else you got with the car. The smart key system comes with the 2007 package 2. But I'd assume a package 5 2008 has it and more!
If you haven't done so already, read the owner's manual and scheduled maintenance guide. They contain stuff you need to know and will save you expense and bother.
You can bypass the keyless/wireless system by pushing the button labeled "KEY" under the dash near the steering column. Then the only way the car will start is to stick the fob in the slot to the left of the gearshift, then press the power button. At least this is the way it is on our new 2008 Prius (Pkg 2). Also in this mode, the doors won't open automatically when you touch the door handles, but you can still use the lock/unlock buttons on the fob. Back to wireless mode, if you press the power button without putting your foot on the brake pedal, you should be put into "accessory" mode, where you should be able to use the auxiliary power output (i.e. the cigarette lighter outlet without the lighter). Hope this helps!
I got good training from my sales person when I purchased, obviously you didn't. He showed me all the features and how they worked. Opening the doors and starting would be the most important thing. You might complain if you get one of those Toyota satisfaction questionaires. BTW, my Dad rented a prius for a day when his year-old Avalon blew an oil hose, had no clue about the SKS either. But he's 86 and might have forgotten
Thanks folks. I have to agree that my salesperson didn't give me much training on the car. I read the manual through, but must have missed the the starting part, I understood the entry part.
Just to emphasize an earlier post about the Smart Key System (SKS): There is a little button under the steering wheel that turns the whole SKS on and off. If it is off, the doors will not automatically unlock and you will have to put the fob in the slot to start the car. Many new owners have accidentally pressed this button, and then think they have a major problem. Most people keep the SKS on all of the time, although it's a good idea to turn it off if you are going to park your Prius for several weeks (it's a battery draw issue). My fob stays in my pocket; I never have to remove it to lock, unlock, or start my Prius. Tom
There's still something very strange about what happened to you that no one has explained. Pressing the power button with the smart key system on should only put the car in accessory mode. In order for the car to start, you have to have your foot on the brake when you hit the power button. In order for the car to go into reverse, you have to then move the stick to D. So I don't understand how your car could have started and gone into reverse by accident.
