Fob Remote Malfunction

shawn · **Posted:** Sun Aug 16, 2009 3:33 pm

My husband was at the hardware store when he heard a car alarm go off, and lo and behold it was our 05 Prius (without smart key). He couldn't get it to shut off, so he took out the little key, got in and put the fob in and started the car. We assumed it was the fob battery, but each time we insert the new battery, the car starts honking again. The spare fob doesn't work either--won't lock or unlock the car, nor shut off the honking. I suppose I am doomed to pay a visit to the dealer, but just thought I would ask here first.

firepa63 · **Posted:** Sun Aug 16, 2009 5:05 pm

Is the 12v battery the original one? If so, I suspect that it is failing and needs to be replaced. A bad 12v battery will cause all sorts of strange things.

richard schumacher · **Joined:** Tue Mar 23, 2004 9:19 am **Posts:** 1028

Agreed. Look here for two versions of the battery selftest procedure (no tools required);
viewtopic.php?f=3&t=12291&p=105767&hilit=battery+self+test#p105767

shawn · **Posted:** Tue Aug 18, 2009 9:07 am

12V battery replaced, no change. I had to get the car back for some emergency transportation. Taking it back today and hoping they can figure it out.

shawn · **Posted:** Tue Aug 18, 2009 4:27 pm

So I found do-it-yourself programming instructions here: viewtopic.php?f=16&t=4320&start=15

...but not sure of the procedure for two fobs that won't lock/unlock but will start the car. Would rather not pay the dealer if I can get away with it.

firepa63 · **Posted:** Tue Aug 18, 2009 4:29 pm

I suggest seeing a dealer. I think you have another issue other than the fobs.

shawn · **Posted:** Tue Aug 18, 2009 4:33 pm

Hmm, OK. Thanks.

shawn · **Posted:** Tue Aug 18, 2009 4:58 pm

Urgghh the dealer wants $99 to reprogram.

firepa63 · **Posted:** Tue Aug 18, 2009 5:19 pm

shawn wrote:

Urgghh the dealer wants $99 to reprogram.

Call some other dealers for prices... Also, ask whoever does the work to see if there are any codes that kick out. If so, post them.

shawn · **Posted:** Wed Aug 19, 2009 10:19 am

AACK! Both keys need to be replaced! Need advice on how to avoid paying $300 apiece! Thanks.

firepa63 · **Posted:** Wed Aug 19, 2009 11:55 am

shawn wrote:

AACK! Both keys need to be replaced! Need advice on how to avoid paying $300 apiece! Thanks.

What happened to them? I haven't heard of fobs going bad. On occasion an ECU fails, but not the fobs. There must be more to this story...

shawn · **Posted:** Wed Aug 19, 2009 12:53 pm

The dealer says that one is corroded, must have gotten wet (I doubt it), the other they have no idea. Gave me a dire warning that one or both could at any time fail and not be able to start the car. I decided to take my chances. But, good news: when I got the car home, I discovered that one remote is working again! I'll just always take both keys along just in case, in the meantime if anyone knows anything about aftermarket/used keys, I would appreciate it if you would share.

firepa63 · **Posted:** Wed Aug 19, 2009 1:02 pm

You can get a fob (black logo - non SKS) from eBay. It can be programmed to start the car, but the lock and unlock buttons will not work. The price you were quoted from the dealer sounds like the SKS (silver logo) fob. I suggest that you buy one from the dealer and have them program it. That way you know you have at least one good fob.

shawn · **Posted:** Wed Aug 19, 2009 2:16 pm

They tell me they went off the VIN, so I think that's the price. I think I will shop around.

Didn't I read instructions on here somewhere for programming the door lock function?

firepa63 · **Posted:** Wed Aug 19, 2009 2:24 pm

Try the instructions posted here:
http://priuschat.com/forums/knowledge-b ... led-9.html

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Fob Remote Malfunction

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