Hi all, I'll be picking up a shiny new Prius tomorrow at the dealer, and the first thing I'd like to do when I get the car is disable the SmartKey feature that automatically unlocks the door as you approach, if the key is on your person. Is this possible? Thanks!
With our 2008 you must touch the door handle to unlock the car. I don't think you can do it (maybe you can) but I'm not sure why you would want to do it anyway. Honestly the smart key system was one of the major selling points for me. I never even take my keys out of my pocket and don't think it would be possible to lock them in the car. Not to mention that you don't have to find the key hole in the dark. G
Just turn it off. Small round button under dash by center console. Why in the world would you by SKS option only to turn it off? Its one of the best features of the car!!!
+1 As pointed out above, the car doesn't unlock until you actually touch the sensor on the door handle. While it recognizes when you get close and turns on the interior light, there is no danger of accidently walking by and leaving it unlocked or anything like that. Also the sheer convenience of the sks to not have to worry about using a key makes it, IMO, the most worth while accessory you can get for the Prius...or any car.
Furthermore, if you are worried about being carjacked, that is much more likely to happen *without* the smart key, as you fumble with keys and the door lock. Even if a potential carjacker runs up and grabs the passenger door while you are opening the driver's door, he still won't be able to get in. By default, the smart key only unlocks the driver's door when you touch the handle on the driver's door. It's a great feature. All other lock systems are stone aged by comparison. Tom
I know you are being bombarded with the same response, yet I still feel it is worth repeating: The SKS is one of the best features of the car! You don't drop the keys anywhere; you don't accidentally leave them in the car; you can't lock them in the car; you don't have to dig for keys in your pockets or purse (a BIG plus in cold winters!); and it is just too cool!
You know what? On my other vehicle, not only do I have to use a key to open the door, but I also have to use the key to start the engine! Its positively archaic. :madgrin:
The smart key makes it hard to operate other cars. Every time I try to drive my wife's (non-Prius) car, I have trouble getting into it. The door is locked, and I have to fumble around for the key. After getting the darned thing unlocked, I put the key away and get in. Same story. The thing wants the key again, and I have to take the key out of my pocket and plug it into the steering column. And then you have to start the engine, even though you're not moving the car yet. Why the engine has to be running when the car isn't moving I don't know...
I have the same problem, in a way. When I get into our Sienna (while it is in the garage and unlocked), I immediately put my foot on the brake pedal and punch the dashboard. It takes me a few seconds, and then I remember I have to have a key. I know it is around here somewhere . . . How did I get in the car without a key . . .?
First, congratulations on your new Prius and welcome to PriusChat. IMO the reverse beep is annoying and you may want to disable that, but I can not think of any reason to disable smart key. As mentioned in several other posts, it is a great feature.
Thanks for all the responses guys! Nice to know I'm joining an enthusiastic community. I guess I was a little paranoid about the feature as I'm used to being more in control of when I unlock the doors. However it sounds like it's relatively safe and convenient. My other concern was that it might somehow be hackable?
Control? Wait until you use it -- then you'll see who is in control! So long as you have the key, you're the only one getting in. With a regular remote, as soon as you hit the button, the car is unlocked. With the SKS system, nothing happens until the last second, when you actually touch the door handle. AND, you can set it to open ONLY the driver's door or all doors -- your choice. I've had plenty of fun with it by asking my children, who are standing close by me, to try to open the door. They can't, much as they might try, and then I just step up to the door, and it opens. They think it is kind of cool. Adults think you're doing some kind of a trick!
Disable SKS if the car is going to sit for an extended time. Press the button on the outside of the handle to lock the door. Touch only the inside of the handle to lock the door. Grabbing both confuses the car. SKS is more secure than a standard key and I enjoy telling coworkers about the biometric sensors that only me to operate the car.
Great point, Jim! Too many people complain that things just aren't working, and it turns out they are pressing the button at the same time they are trying to open the door. This doesn't help things along!
I think Jim meant Touch only the inside of the handle to unlock the door. Button = lock Grip = unlock :welcome: Welcome to PriusChat!
Don't bother; it's a waste of time and money. The engine immobilizer makes the Prius nearly impossible to steal without a flatbed truck. With a flatbed truck your club isn't going to help. Tom
How often do you think I try to press a button to turn off the Holden Commodore I drve for work? I don't have an SKS Prius.
