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2007 Prius Keyfob starts car not open/lock?

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by jomak123, Dec 29, 2011.

  1. jomak123

    jomak123 New Member

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    Hello all! New Prius owner, Just bought it 3 days ago!

    2007 no nav system, but the key fob is silver logo and has the key button on the lower dash...so I assume it is a smart key system. However, the key fob will not unlock or lock the car, the panic button doesn't work either. The car will only start with the fob in the slot.

    Why will it start the car only in the slot? I changed the battery out in the fob and it still didn't lock/unlock. I didn't try the smart key start with the new battery...I don't even know if I have smart start. Why does it not open/lock the car?

    I bought a used one on ebay that is shipping and I see I have to get it programmed by a dealer or locksmith is that right?

    What do I have to do to get this fob to work?
     
    #1 jomak123, Dec 29, 2011
  2. qbee42

    qbee42 My other car is a boat

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    All Prius fobs (smart and dumb) have an RFID chip that works for starting, assuming you put the fob into the slot (Gen II) or hold it up to the power button (Gen III). RFID is powered by the field from the car, so no batteries are needed. This is why your fob works to start the car.

    The batteries in the fob are used for the pushbuttons and Smart Key System (SKS) if you have it. Since your fob fails to lock and unlock the car with the pushbuttons, you have a dead fob battery (even though you changed it), a broken fob, or a problem with your car. Other than changing the battery again, you will need to see your dealer to get this fixed.

    Tom
     
    #2 qbee42, Dec 29, 2011
  3. jpadc

    jpadc Type before I think too often

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    Likely you got the car with a replacement, rather than an original, key. Did you try the mechanical key in the FOB to see if it actually fits the lock? ? Likely you are in for a trip to the dealer to have the FOB properly programmed.
     
    #3 jpadc, Dec 30, 2011
  4. jomak123

    jomak123 New Member

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    Yes the cut key fits the car and the fob starts the car. However the buttons on the fob do not do anything. I have to use the key to open the car, I feel like I am back in the 20th century!
    :D
     
    #4 jomak123, Dec 30, 2011
  5. jomak123

    jomak123 New Member

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    2nd new fob battery worked! Now the car opens with pressing the black nob and starts without the key in :)
     
    #5 jomak123, Dec 30, 2011
    1 person likes this.
  6. jpadc

    jpadc Type before I think too often

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    Good to hear that worked Now you can enjoy!
     
    #6 jpadc, Dec 30, 2011
  7. javajunki

    javajunki recycled hippy

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    ok a bit of an odd one here, My fob will only unlock the car, the little re light on the fob blinks and it will remotely 'unlock', but the 'lock' does not work. I replaced with new battery ( yes tough to get cover off first time) and still same symptoms. second fob works fine. Any Ideas?
     
    #7 javajunki, Nov 19, 2017
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