2k4 Prius - keys robbed

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(kenedamick @ Jul 19 2006, 05:52 PM) [snapback]288989[/snapback]</div>

I didn't see the thief so I have no way of knowing if he might think to steal the car later.

Yes, check the dumpster. I was being absolutely serious. If you've got a guy that is just going to take the cash and toss as quickly as possible...*I'd* be checking every dumpster within a block's radius. I would want my driver's license if it was still in my wallet so I don't have to hassle with getting a new one. I'd want my purse and my wallet. And if my credit cards were still in there I would avoid having to cancel them too. I'd want all of my store cards, my library card, etc. I'd want my checkbook. Yes, I would be checking trashcans and dumpsters and under bushes. My mother had her purse stolen out of her car and she got everything back except the cash just this way.

As to the valet keys, the new fobs won't have keys cut and they won't match your doors. Without the silver tag from the original, you can't have the keys cut without a locksmith unless the code is noted in the paperwork or they can look it up. Since the keys fit in the fobs I think it was legitimate to ask how you could have an original cut key for the door without having either original fob.

I'm not being condescending. Please don't read anything into posts since you cannot read my facial expression or hear the inflection of my voice. You came here for help. You didn't sound all that knowledgeable. And believe it or don't, we have suspected in the past one or two posts by someone who may have stolen or been thinking of stealing a Prius and looking for a way to get around not having an original fob.

 

How scary - glad your wife is OK, but how awful, in your own garage!

 

Before reading this post, I didn't know what the metal thing (that came with my keys) was for. I then read the owner's manual and found that if you lose your key, your toyota dealer can make a new key using the number on the metal thiny (also telling don't keep it in your car.)

I'm too glad that your wife is okay.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(kenedamick @ Jul 19 2006, 06:27 PM) [snapback]288977[/snapback]</div>

If I were a smart car thief trying to figure out if there was an easy, cheap way to steal a high-demand, high-tech car like the Prius, that's exactly what I would be doing.

 

Ok, so now I am confused...If I lose both fobs for my '06, I can or cannot get them replaced with the #tag that came with 'em?

And I've seen the metal key referred to as the "mechanical" key. Doncha just love retronyms? The other thing the mech key is really good for...I had to run into the grocery store the other (100 degree) day, but I had my dog with me. I already discovered you can't use the fob to lock the car with it on. HOWEVER, you CAN lock the car with it on...complete w/ ac for doggy safety and comfort...and windows still cracked...IF YOU USE THE MECHANICAL KEY. Then, to get back into the car, you still CANNOT use the fob, but must again use the mech key to unlock.

One woman started to give me a really dirty look as I was going back to the car, but then the compressor kicked on. I smiled sweetly, and doglet & I were on our merry way. And the dog had been WAY more comfortable staying in the car than I was walking back and forth over the blacktop carpark surface!

 

Next time, put a sign in the window saying the air conditioner is on or you might return to find broken windows from samaritan animal rescuers.

The metal tag is to cut a new key. It doesn't have anything to do with programming the fob.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Godiva @ Jul 19 2006, 11:57 PM) [snapback]289249[/snapback]</div>

VERY good idea--I'll print one up tomorrow...though I almost never do leave him in the car, and would not have this time could I not have left the ac on!

And good to know about the tag thing...I musta misunderstood that part of the salesman's spiel.

 

I haven't read all the posts in this tread so I might be raising something that has already been said.
I thought that if you take your paperwork from the purchase of the car to Toyota they could get a number that would allow them to program a new FOB.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Rufaro @ Jul 20 2006, 12:58 AM) [snapback]289205[/snapback]</div>

My understanding is that you cannot. The little number tag is only for replacing the metal/mechanical/emergency key. But, as galaxee said, the dealer is able to replace the keys and reprogram the car if you lose both of them.

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Orf @ Jul 20 2006, 03:20 AM) [snapback]289255[/snapback]</div>

Indeed. See galaxee's post #39.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Betelgeuse @ Jul 19 2006, 09:59 AM) [snapback]288755[/snapback]</div>

Look at the link to

'the end of the "don't lose your keys or else" myth'

Posted by galaxee.

I saw it at the bottom of this thread (at least it was there when I last looked).

Dave M.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Godiva @ Jul 19 2006, 11:57 PM) [snapback]289249[/snapback]</div>

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Rufaro @ Jul 20 2006, 12:17 AM) [snapback]289253[/snapback]</div>

Stray thought...By putting up a sign to protect myself from the Samaritans, would I not be setting myself up for a car thief? Would something like "AIR CONDITIONING AND ALARM ON" help, or give potential malefactors ideas they might not have had?