electronic key panic deactivation

I have never heard of a way to deactivate that button. Has he ever considered carrying the fob in a different pocket or on a chain around his neck?

 

Maybe he's just happy to see you.

 

1 AM?? Does he sleep with the keys??

I've kept fobs in my pocket with big ring of keys and have *never* had false alarms- the button is recessed and you must hold it for at least 2 seconds as mentioned already, so I'd double check that something else isn't wrong (check the charge level on the 12V battery as a low 12V battery has been known to set of the alarm at odd times)..

If you're sure the alarm going off isn't due to some other issue, it is possible to disable the panic button on the fob, but you have to do some minor surgery to the fob.. Disassemble it, and open it up as if you're changing the battery, but actually lift the circuit board out and separate it from the case, then get a small piece of electrical tape and stick it on top of the contact area on the circuit board for the panic switch and then re-assemble everything.. Now, when you push the panic button, the conductive rubber pad on the inside of the panic button touches the piece of tape instead of closing the circuit- no more panic alarm...

 

This thread is almost four years old, but I'd like to add my discoveries to it. I have a 2004 Prius which I bought just a few months ago. I also have had the same problem as Mr. 1 AM. I was relieved to find what appeared to be a solution. After following the steps above (and inadvertently setting off the panic alarm one more time). I discovered that the suggested procedure is impossible. The circuit board is not accessible. It is permanently encased in the body of the fob. Out of desperation I took a knife and actually pried the red panic button out of the front of the fob. It popped out quite easily. After reassembling the fob, I tested it to be sure I didn't break the whole thing. The remote still locks and unlocks the car. The panic button still works too, but is much less accessible. To deliberately activate the panic button, which is very tiny now and recessed, you have to use your thumbnail. Works for me! (has anyone actually relied on one of those panic alarms, like, in dire need?)

 

I carry my fob on a chain with other keys, in my pocket. Seems like about once a week, when I am bending over for something in the garage, that thing goes off. Wife got me up a couple of hours ago (yes, at 1 AM!) because we had forgotten to cover some plants outside and we are expecting a frost. Bent over to pick up a plant cover from the garage floor, and the Prius suddenly sounds like the 4th of July. My fob is buried in a pocket somewhere in my 3 layers of clothing. After fumbling around for what seemed like an extended eternity, I finally found the fob and killed the racket. My neighbors I know are highly irritated. I know because I have one neighbor who has the same problem and it irritates me. I am going to try Ecotim's fix by removing the red button.

What I see is that no one pays any attention to these alarms (aside from being irritated by them) because they are always going off as false alarms. I'd just as soon do without the noise pollution.

 

The PANIC function can be turned off with the dealer Techstream scantool. It is an option just like the backup beeper.

 

Thanks, 90miler!
I just poped out that red button. that should do the trick.

Not having my keys on me is not an option....and not around my neck and not in a purse. Funny, though.
- Mr. 1AM, Canada.

(Also, thanks whoever made those instructions to disable the reverse beeping.... I should have looked that up years ago!)