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Smart key failure

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Main Forum' started by STU EKSTRAND, Sep 19, 2009.

  1. STU EKSTRAND

    STU EKSTRAND Junior Member

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    My new 2010 bliZZard pearl with 1200 miles will not start with my spare smart key. It will not open the doors either. When i push the start button a message comes up saying it can't read the key. A one month old key shouldn't have a battery problem yet. Any ideas?
     
  2. georgew

    georgew New Member

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    take it to the dealership


     
  3. STU EKSTRAND

    STU EKSTRAND Junior Member

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    Yes, i will call dealer and set up appointment on monday
     
  4. mainliner

    mainliner New Member

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    Press the lock or unlock button on your smart key, if the key battery is dead, the LED light will not blink. If it is dead take it to your dealer or you can repleace the smart key battery, with a CR1632 battery.
     
  5. Betelgeuse

    Betelgeuse Active Member

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    Can you lock/unlock the doors by pushing the button on the fob?
     
  6. Salsawonder

    Salsawonder New Member

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    Did the spare key ever work?? Maybe it just did not get programmed?
     
  7. STU EKSTRAND

    STU EKSTRAND Junior Member

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    no, absolutely dead
     
  8. STU EKSTRAND

    STU EKSTRAND Junior Member

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    yes, it has worked fine
     
  9. STU EKSTRAND

    STU EKSTRAND Junior Member

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    i',, get in to the dealer this coming week. it is hard to believe that a battery will go dead in 4 weeks on new vehicle
     
  10. Bobsprius

    Bobsprius BobPrius

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    Well from the posts it looks like the key used to work. The only time that has happened to me was where I stored the spare Fob, it was actually being pressed all the time in the place I stored it, since something was pressing the button and caused it to drain. But your message when putting it to the dash makes it sound like it did not get programmed?? If you think it's the battery and no LED lights when a button pressed, then pick up a CR1632 (?) battery and replace it. If it works then your all set if not, it's not been programmed right.
     
  11. snijd

    snijd DIY or die

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    I'd bet it's simply the battery. I bought a new key, and the battery was dead within a couple of months. The replacement has been going for almost a year now. Believe it is a CR2032.
     
  12. Bobsprius

    Bobsprius BobPrius

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    According to the Owners Manual battery should last 1-2 years. The replacement battery is CR1632. Most electronic stores, Radio Shack should have them.
     
  13. lecounte

    lecounte New Member

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    Hold the remote in front of the start button and if the car starts it is the battery, if not the remote is not programed to the car.
     
  14. snijd

    snijd DIY or die

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    Did you figure out how to open the new fobs? The old ones are simple, but I couldn't use the same method on the 2010. Evidently they've changed the battery type as well.
     
  15. Bobsprius

    Bobsprius BobPrius

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    Yes, remove the spare mechanical key from the slow. Place a soft thin cloth over a standard screwdriver head (to avoid damage to the plastic) and turn the screwdriver in a counterclockwise direction to pry open the cover. The battery compartment will then be exposed in which you can replace the battery. Be sure to place the battery (+) side UP. And then replace the cover and you should be good to go.;)
     
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  16. snijd

    snijd DIY or die

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    Thanks! BTW, the end of the mechanical key is a perfect fit for the indentation where you pry the two halves apart. Also, the CR1632 is about a 150 mah battery, compared to the old fob's CR2032, good for about 225 mah. Might be more prone to an early demise.
     
  17. Bobsprius

    Bobsprius BobPrius

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    Rob,

    Great Idea, didn't even think of using the Mechanical Key! That's why these posts are so helpful with those hints! Thanks and for the Battery Info as well...

    Bob
     
  18. TKY

    TKY Member

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    Hi Stu, A quick test might be to use the non-functioning fob to open the door with the emergency key (the metal key) then hold the fob right on top of the start button to see if the Fob dead battery procedure works. See your owners manual for more details & exact placement of the fob over the start button. --TK
     
  19. STU EKSTRAND

    STU EKSTRAND Junior Member

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    I replaced the battery yesterday, and it solved the issue. But cannot understand why a battery failed in a month old car.
     
  20. qbee42

    qbee42 My other car is a boat

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    You don't know how long the key has been active. It could have been stored improperly before you received it, or perhaps the battery had a problem.

    Tom