Driver door does not unlock, beeps few times

Batteries in the FOBs need changing? Does the LED on the FOB flash when near the car? Does the LED on the FOB flash when you press the button on the FOB? Do the other (lock, alarm) FOB buttons work? Are you near a strong RF signal? The SMARTKey system might be being de-sensed by a local transmitter!

 

if i read you correctly, when you touch the handle from the outside, it beeps but doesn't unlock. if you press the fob unlock button, it beeps but doesn't unlock. but if you press the unlock switch on the inner door handle, it does unlock?

 

what do you mean, 'my wife can unlock the door from inside'? if she's using the manual button thingy, then your lock motor is either disconnected or toast.

 

gotcha. the handle automatically unlocks the door. there is an electric rocker switch on the armrest, and a manual rocker switch higher on the door.

 

Try to see if there is any message on the MID when this happens.

 

I'm curious if anyone has come up with a fix for this. My 2011 Prius has started exhibiting the same behavior. When I try to unlock with either the fob or the handle sensor, I get 5 "double beeps", all of the other doors unlock, but the driver's door does not unlock. I am forced to use the physical key or reach across from the passenger side to unlock the driver's door. I have replaced the batteries in both of my fob's already, to no effect. Thanks in advance for any advice.

 

it's possible that the lock motor is shot. does it unlock using the rocker switch on the inside armrest?
also, it's worth testing your 12v battery, but may not be the problem.

 

Mine isn't doing this on the passenger side door right now, except it is stuck in the unlock position. I believe this is the door lock actuator motor. It sends the signal to lock/unlock, but the motor is too weak and is unable to do so fully. The car tries again, giving more than one beep until it gives up after a few tries or maybe after it crosses some partway threshold.

I have observed it from the inside hitting the rocker button as Bisco described and the lock indicator doesn't change fully.

 

Just a guess, but perhaps the locking mechanism used by the motor needs cleaning or lubrication?
Cleaning & lubing would be less expensive than replacing a part if you DIY.

 

frustrating though.

 

Replacing the door lock actuator motor fixed the issue. I have a friend that's good with car stuff and it took us like 15 minutes. Unfortunately, the driver's side one is now going out. Hopefully can get that fixed in the next couple of days to a week

 

Thanks for the good information in this thread. My situation has progressed to the point that the driver's door will almost never lock or unlock with either the fob or the touchpad on the handle. It's clearly a mechanical issue. I think I saw someone had posted reference to the actuator part number and cost (bought on Amazon or eBay?). If anyone has gone through the replacement process and could share their process (particularly how to disassemble/reassemble the door) I'd be grateful.

 

I began experiencing this problem in the last couple of weeks on my 2012. Has anyone else here fixed the problem by replacing the door lock actuator?

 

yes. try googling, then selecting the appropriate priuschat threads

 

[QUOTE="WilDavis, post: 2266619, Are you near a strong RF signal? The SMARTKey system might be being de-sensed by a local transmitter![/QUOTE]

I just had this happen on my gen4 after sweeping the car for electronic bugs, and the drivers door pillar was a hot zone. had to go in the passenger door, turn on and off car to clear the issue...