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smart key questions

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Technical Discussion' started by taggart, Jun 9, 2008.

  1. taggart

    taggart Member

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    Did a quick search. Didn't find an answer. New owner (2 months).

    Can someone please answer a question about the SKS?

    When I go to the car wash, I remove the mechanical key from the fob and leave the fob in the slot. That way, if there is a problem with the car inadvertently locking (I know this is unlikely), I have a way to get in. This is because of my history with Nissan products and their propensity for locking on their own. Very annoying. It is a habit I will probably never break.

    My question is, what happens when the battery in the fob dies? Can I still start the car? I am sure that merely having the fob in the vehicle will not allow the car to start. I guess that having the fob in the slot without the mechanical key will not work, either. If I insert the mechanical key into the fob, and the fob in the slot, will it start, even with a dead battery? How do these work together if at all?

    One more question. The manual stated that along with the keys, we were also to receive a metal tab with the key information on it, in case it was needed in the future. When I asked the dealer about it, he said "Don't worry about it. We have all of that information here in case you ever need it."

    Should I worry about it?
     
    #1 taggart, Jun 9, 2008
  2. pdhenry

    pdhenry It's HEEERE!

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    Fob in the slot, the car will start, even with a dead fob battery, I don't think the mechanical key factors in.

    I think the owner's manual mentions that the car can unlock if you spray water hard on the door handle or during heavy rains. But then it locks again if nothing happens within 30 seconds.

    If I was worried I'd take a spare fob to the carwash, I guess.
     
    #2 pdhenry, Jun 9, 2008
  3. Patrick Wong

    Patrick Wong DIY Enthusiast

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    If the fob battery dies, then you can use the mechanical key to open the door. You can insert the fob into the slot to start the car.

    When replacing the battery, you will need a tiny Philips screwdriver to remove the screws that hold the battery lid on the fob. Radio Shack sells a set of small Philips screwdrivers, one of which works perfectly (2 mm IIRC).

    One day when you are bored and need to be entertained, try opening up the fob to see if you can do it or not.

    Regarding the metal tab, I don't have that either. I think that is useful mainly to cut a new mechanical key.
     
    #3 Patrick Wong, Jun 9, 2008
  4. narf

    narf Active Member

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    If you have SKS you can actually walk away from the car with the fob in your pocket and the car will still run until it is turned off. No need to leave the fob in the car at all. Try it sometime.
     
    #4 narf, Jun 9, 2008
  5. satwood

    satwood Member

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    I can confirm this, 2007 with SKS. Last month my wife and I drove to the airport. I got out, took my luggage, kissed her goodbye ;) and went into the terminal. About halfway through security my phone rang. She asked me where the key FOB was and I realized it was in my pocket :eek:. The key symbol was lit on the dashboard. She drove 60 miles home to retrieve the spare key FOB before driving on to her work. As long as she di dnot shut off the car she was fine.
     
    #5 satwood, Jun 11, 2008
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