Does anyone know if, by having the smart key actually in the ignition port on the dash, it recharges the battery on the key? If not, does anyone know a way to recharge the battery, or replace it?
It does not recharge in the slot or any other way. There are instructions online and in your owner's manual for replacing the battery. It's very easy and takes but a few seconds. Basicly you remove the mechanical key, push the same button that releases the mechanical key and slide the back cover off of the fob and it will be obvious how to change the battery.
Here's a decent link with pictures. Note that the battery is a CR2032 if you want to get that ahead of time.
E Hmmm I think I will go ahead and change the keyfob batteries. It would be a PITA if the battery went dead and I had to use an actual KEY to open my Prius j
LOL! It takes me a few seconds to locate the slot...silly things been used about 10 times in the life of the car and I've never even checked to see if the mechanical key actually works in the door lock!
E Well, not that you've got me all worried about the issue ... I'd like to pass along an important Heads Up I've *never* used the mechanical key in the door. Thought I would try it this morning, and it was STIFF. Really hard to turn in either direction, probably corrosion has set in. So I zipped to the mall to get some keyfob batteries and a spray can of lock lube. Note, don't use WD40, it's a solvent and will wash the lube away. Use the proper graphite based lock lube After giving the keyhole a good spritz, tried to work the cylinder. Much better but still kind of stiff. I gave another spritz and left it for half an hour, much better again Had the Prius almost 4 years and never even thought of spraying the door lock cylinder. Oh, the keyfob works much better now, the buttons work the locks from a much further distance. Old batteries were probably almost dead j
Good thought Jay, I have some graphite (Pinewood Derby's coming up again), should probably give a squirt and work the lock....I'll be gentle since it's her first time.
Yeah that's me, Mr Rough Stuff Seriously, lock cylinder works fine now. One more item on my annual maintenance to-do list: lube door lock cylinder
now Jay, i know you did this in warmth correct... -25ºC will make ANYTHING stiff except the one thing you want stiff...ooops!!...off color a bit there...
D Correct, in my heated garage at +10 C As far as the other topic you brought up, nope never had that problem. A visit to a doctor might be in order! j
