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Key Fob deactivating

Discussion in 'Gen 4 Prius Main Forum' started by backache, May 26, 2020.

  1. backache

    backache Junior Member

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    I am sure I picked up this Info from a forum ---May have been the Prius Chat and thought I would share.

    Method
    Press the lock button and whilst holding the lock button down .
    Press the unlock button twice- red light blink twice
    Unlock or deactivating --Press the unlock button on the key fob

    Try it by moving the fob next to the door. In my case, the car didn`t respond! It appears the key fob has gone to sleep.
     
    #1 backache, May 26, 2020
  2. backache

    backache Junior Member

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    Further to my original post---May I further clarify

    Method
    Press the lock button and whilst holding the lock button down .
    Press the unlock button twice- The red light will blink twice.

    The key fob appears to go into a sleep mode--the car does not respond to the key fob
    The procedure works even if the fob is away from the car.

    Try it by moving the fob next to the door. In my case, the car didn`t respond!
    To unlock or to reactivate the key fob when opening the car door ------Press the unlock button on the key fob

    I assume that as the fob is not giving out a signal --this may have a security benefit.
     
    #2 backache, May 26, 2020
  3. CooCooCaChoo

    CooCooCaChoo Senior Member

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    Yeah, its a power saving feature. Especially useful if only one fob is being used. I think it automatically does this if its not being used for a long time.
     
    #3 CooCooCaChoo, May 26, 2020
  4. alanclarkeau

    alanclarkeau Senior Member

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    Or take the battery out.
     
    #4 alanclarkeau, May 26, 2020
  5. backache

    backache Junior Member

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    You`re missing the point of why I deactivate
    In my case I deactivate the fob in the following situations
    1. eg. Leaving the car outside at a restaurant or a public car park
    2. Parked in the drive overnight
    Assuming the car is not transmitting a signal -- Is the car more unlikely to be the target of those that are using the computer hacking method of stealing cars?
     
    #5 backache, May 27, 2020
  6. CooCooCaChoo

    CooCooCaChoo Senior Member

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    They seriously cut the range of the fob so that it can no longer be hacked. Have someone else try to open up the car while you are outside, and keep moving back until they no longer can. Just another protection against the fob being hacked.

    However, make sure that the car is turned off. Some people have left the car running after thinking they've turned it off and walked away.
     
    #6 CooCooCaChoo, May 27, 2020
  7. ice9

    ice9 Active Member

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    Yes. When you use the button sequence you describe, all you are doing turning the key fob off. You can save the fob battery this way, but it also makes it impossible to hack the smart key function with a portable amplifier wand.

    The hacker wand device used for this is simple. It just amplifies whatever signal it receives and re-transmits it. When the hacker is standing next to your vehicle, the wand amplifies the smart-key signal transmitted by your vehicle so that your key fob picks it up and is keyed. If your fob is still active and you are nearby (i.e. in a nearby store, or at home), the hacker can unlock the vehicle simply by trying to open one of the front doors or the hatchback. The latest models have reportedly fixed this problem, however, I have my doubts.

    To be safe, I have gotten in the habit of using the key sequence you describe every time I lock my car. It's a little awkward at first, but after a week or so it becomes automatic and you can do it with your eyes closed.
     
    #7 ice9, May 27, 2020
  8. kithmo

    kithmo Couch Potato

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    I just use a Faraday pouch. Like these.
     
    #8 kithmo, May 28, 2020
    alanclarkeau likes this.
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