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I was able to start my car without the key fob now I'm stranded

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Main Forum' started by Freeze Time, Jan 18, 2021.

  1. Freeze Time

    Freeze Time Member

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    As some of you might know, I needed to replace the key fob battery. I finally did this morning and went to my car to check for something. About 10 min later, I go to the car, it unlocks and started up and I left. Well I drove to my destination which is 45 miles away, turned the car off and got out and then realized I forgot my mask and the door wouldn't open. I'm thinking the battery came loose or something and then I realize I have no key fob just the key that opens the door.

    I start looking all over for the fob and then realize that I must have never put the fob back on the key. It could only have been in my pocket but I looked all over for it. I try to start the car to see if maybe it fell out somewhere but the car won't start. So somehow the car started with no fob before but won't now.

    Has this happened to you before? I'm thinking it will be very pricey for someone to drive to me and sell me a replacement they will then need to program. I'm gonna be here for a couple of days anyway but when I need to leave, I'm hoping a friend will be able to bring me my fob and my landlord will let them in to get it. What a mess!
     
    #1 Freeze Time, Jan 18, 2021
  2. kenoarto

    kenoarto Senior Member

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    #2 kenoarto, Jan 18, 2021
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  3. kenoarto

    kenoarto Senior Member

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    Unless you put the fob in the roof and drove off with the fob falling off someplace between.


    Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.
     
    #3 kenoarto, Jan 18, 2021
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  4. jerrymildred

    jerrymildred Senior Member

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    That's my guess, too. Most likely, you were within range of the car when replacing the battery, forgot to reassemble the key/fob combo.

    I think. I've never tried starting the car with the fob close to the car but not in it. However, there have been a few times when I tried to start it with it not in my pocket, not knowing if it was in range or not, and got a "key not in car" message. So, I'm not positive that the theory is possible.
     
    #4 jerrymildred, Jan 18, 2021
  5. 3PriusMike

    3PriusMike Prius owner since 2000, Tesla M3 2018

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    Maybe your friend can call and Uber. And then tell the driver he just wants a package delivered

    Mike
     
    #5 3PriusMike, Jan 18, 2021
  6. Freeze Time

    Freeze Time Member

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    There is no way it's in within range. I live at least 30 feet from where the car is parked. I don't know if I have been clear but I still have the actual key to unlock and lock the door I just don't have the fob.

    **Edit** I just found it in a bag. I have no idea how it got there. Crisis averted.
     
    #6 Freeze Time, Jan 18, 2021
    Last edited: Jan 18, 2021
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  7. kenoarto

    kenoarto Senior Member

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    Distance from parking space to where you live us not the question. You can not start the car unless you have the fob within close range, but once it has started you can drive it until you turn it off. The mechanical key only unlocks the doors. Hence the guesses above...
    "(6) Question" How are moms so good at finding things? - Quora
    Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.
     
    #7 kenoarto, Jan 18, 2021
  8. ozmatt

    ozmatt Active Member

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    there is another fob in your car somewhere that you didn't even know you had!
     
    #8 ozmatt, Jan 19, 2021
  9. ASRDogman

    ASRDogman Senior Member

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    Maybe I missed something.... You drove to point B, left your fob at point A.
    Car would not go into ready mode. Then you found the fob in a bag?
    Where was the bag? WHY was it in a bag and how did it get there?

    It doesn't make sense.
     
    #9 ASRDogman, Jan 19, 2021
    Last edited: Jan 19, 2021
  10. tvpierce

    tvpierce Senior Member

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    I presume the bag was in the car for the 40 mile trip, then the bag was removed from the car at the destination.
     
    #10 tvpierce, Jan 19, 2021
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  11. Grit

    Grit Senior Member

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    I agree with you. Had the fob be left at home when op started driving, “key not detected” would have beeped the entire way driving him/her nuts.
     
    #11 Grit, Jan 19, 2021
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  12. ASRDogman

    ASRDogman Senior Member

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    I guess that could be it. (y)

     
    #12 ASRDogman, Jan 19, 2021
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  13. ther67m84

    ther67m84 Junior Member

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    agreed, as soon as the FOB is no longer in range the car beeps and displays "key not detected". Unless you missed this for your entire trip I don't know how you could get in to such a situation.
    On another note my car has prevented me from locking the keys in the car multiple times after leaving the keys in the console, hopping out and locking from the door. Best to just keep them in your pocket.
     
    #13 ther67m84, Jan 20, 2021
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