New smart key problem

Uh, yeah, tell them that.

This is why I never buy aftermarket cra.., err, equipment. Anything can go wrong during installation; or the equipment itself can be faulty. If either one damages the car you're SOL with respect to the car's warranty. If the aftermarket related fault still exists it can just keep breaking replacement Toyota equipment.

 

Yikes, not a good problem to have (computers, eh?) ... I used to live down Porterville, moved to Vancouver, Canada since (1991). Would be nice to know what they finally discover (and how to resolve it), hhhmmmmnn.

 

I understand your car has been at the dealer for 10 days; did they give you a free loaner vehicle while your car is being worked on for this warranty issue?

I've attached a few pages from the repair manual so you can see how complex the system is. I think that the correct parts were replaced; if the system still doesn't work I would suspect a wiring harness problem.

Also find attached a few pages that show the expected voltages and resistances to be found on the Smart ECU terminal connector. Perhaps you may inquire whether the tech has gotten around to verifying that the voltages and resistances at the terminal connector are correct. If not, s/he should do so to rule out the wiring harness as a problem.

 

Any update on resolving your smart key problem yet? I am having the same problem with my 2005 Prius (70,000 miles). It started a week ago. I have replaced the batteries in the fob but no help. I haven't been to Toyota yet.

 

On Friday, the key fob would not open the door. The second fob worked. Later the first fob was working. Today, at the gas station, the engine would not start until I inserted the fob in the slot. Does the fob have a battery? I can't figure out how to open it up, and the owner's manual doesn't say anything.

 

There are several good threads on this topic. Here is a quote from one of them:

Tom

 

Hi Tom, Thanks for the info. I followed the instructions precisely, but the cover did not come off. It must really be stuck. I've had my Prius for almost 5 years, so things are beginning to happen. But, I do take it that there is a battery in there. Do you know if the battery has to be functioning even if I insert the fob in the slot? Will the car start with a dead fob battery if the fob is inserted in the slot? I hope I'm not stranded before Sat. when I can get in to the service center. ss. Arthur

 

The part of the fob that starts the car via the slot in the dash is a passive RFID device that is queried by the car. No battery is required in the fob for the car to start via the slot.

 

Hi Arthur,

Yes, there is a battery in the fob, CR2032, which you can buy at any drugstore for ~$5 or less.

If you insert the fob into the slot, then the battery is not necessary. Use the mechanical key hidden in the fob to open the driver's door lock if necessary.

You have to push very hard to get the fob cover off, while holding the release catch with one hand. Once you get the cover off, subsequent attempts will become easier.

You will need a very small Phillips screwdriver to remove the small screws that secure the battery cover and become visible after you've removed the fob cover with your fingers. (Radio Shack sells a suitable set of small screwdrivers, I think the 2 mm size will work here.)

 

A small flat screwdriver or awl can be useful for prying, to help start the fob cover sliding off (and remember that it *slides* off parallel to the long axis of the fob, it does not lift away from the body of the fob).

 

Thanks to all who replied. I took the key in to service and the girl who came out to greet me took the cover off slick as a whistle. I couldn't believe it. I tried to get the cover off again and couldn't do it. I then discovered that you have to press on the emblem, and not above it. Anyway, I took it to the parts department and the clerck replaced the battery free of charge. But, I'm glad to know that a battery isn't necessary if the key is in the slot. So, for now, everything is going great.

 

The trick to sliding off the battery cover is the release for the manual key. Keep it open, and then slide it off.

there's nothing under the emblem that holds it.

 

Hello folks. Last night in a downpour I jumped out of the car (no umbrella) and tried to hit the door lock button on my fob (my only smart key fob) with my hand in my pocket. I hit the panic button instead. Lights and horn go off. I start hitting buttons, to no avail. To leave I had to put fob in dash. Later, the proximity began working again. Opened doors when I touched handle, car started without putting in dash. However, now cannot open or lock remotely by pushing buttons on the fob. I can lock doors by pushing knob on door handle, but not by pushing on fob. Weird. Changed batteries, but same problem. Ideas, please?

 

Sounds like one of the buttons is stuck on the fob. Try pushing one of the buttons and see if the red led lights up. No light, either stuck button or dead fob battery.

FWIW, if you only own one fob you should get a second fob BEFORE the first fob dies. Lots of horror stories here on Prius Chat about folks paying Toyota big bucks for new fobs and the unit on the car (receiver?) that has to be redone. Sorry, can't remember the exact part name.