Is there a key for the Prius?

No key. The Smart Key System (SKS) uses a small pocket fob, like the ones used to remotely lock and unlock ordinary cars. If you have your fob in the driver's area of the Prius, simply pressing on the brake and pushing the power button will start the car.

There is a small mechanical key stored in the fob which can be used to unlock the driver's door in an emergency.

Tom

 

Actually, it slides out. You would only need it for the door should your fob battery die. There is also a slot in the dash the entire fob fits in if you wish to disable the SKS and use it as a more traditional key.

The car would probably start in this situation but it seems to be a stretch to think this would actually happen. Even if it were to happen the thief would be out of luck once the car was powered off.

 

In and emergency and when the fob or 12v battery is too weak to work.

As for the manual you will find an unofficial manual that's more that the official one at John's Stuff - Toyota Prius User-Guide. Toyota will not allow you to access or download the manual without a VIN. I found John's manual did the trick until I got my car. Good luck on your purchase.

 

Yeas, it needs the battery to work as a "smart key" but will still work in the dash if the fob battery dies.

 

The fob needs its battery to transmit back to the beacon. If the fob battery is dead, or the SKS system is turned off, you can open the driver's door with the mechanical key and insert the fob in the slot in the dash. In this mode, the fob works as a passive RFID device and needs no battery.

As for the housewife scenario, the fob needs to be in the front seat area to start. There are four antennas for the SKS: one in each front door, one in the front center armrest, and one in the hatch area. The SKS controller is smart enough to know where the activating fob is located and to act appropriately.

Tom

 

Or if the fob battery is dead or the SKS is turned off, or there is an interfering RF signal. I considered all of these to be emergency situations, although they do not necessarily constitute an emergency. Sometimes I try to skip the details in order to emphasize the general concept.

Tom

 

Yes, there is a button under the steering wheel that disables the SKS. This is mainly to reduce drain on the 12v battery if you're going to park the car for a few weeks.

 

There is a switch under the steering post base which allows you to turn SKS on or off. I don't know why anyone would turn it off, but I don't know everything.

 

If you think that's cool, wait until you get one - it's ICE baby !!

 

Technically its the Internal Combustion Engine. Its the gasoline engine combined with two electrical motors to run this true hybrid. Post above was using a pun on the name.

 

I didn't read all the posts, but package 2 and above have a Smartkey fob thingy.

I always leave it in my pocket. Walk up to the door, grab handle, it beeps, open, sit, buckle, foot on brake, push power button, ready to go.

I don't put the Smart key in the car as I don't want to leave it in the car at all.

The Smart key has a little mechanical key inserted into it, just in case the battery in the Smartkey fob dies. then can still open the door with regular key and put key fob in the dash slot to drive the car.

 

"ICE" in regard to the Prius is its internal combustion engine.

There are three things that provide power to the drivetrain in the Prius through the Power Split Device: ICE, MG2 (motor generator 2, the traction motor) and MG1 (motor generator 1).