I searched but couldn't find this exact issue in previous posts. Left my 2004 Prius on the street in SF (not that cold) for 2 weeks, got back and I can't unlock it with the Smart Key OR the mechanical key. Gotta get it off the street before street cleaning. I can't tell if it will start cause I can't get in. Is this likely a dead battery and I should get a jump? Can I even jump it without being able to get inside the car? Thanks!
In a 2004 with possibly the original battery (is it?) and SmartKey, sitting on the street for two weeks, the 12 V battery could well be a problem. However, that doesn't explain why the mechanical key doesn't work. The key is, well, mechanical, and doesn't depend on a power supply. I have no explanation for that other than something fouling the internal mechanism. Have you tried the mechanical key recently before this? Just to make sure -- and I'm not trying to insult you -- by "mechanical key", you are referring to the key that detaches from the fob and inserts into the key hole in the door handle, correct?
Re: Dead battery Yes, that is the mechanical key I am referring to. I have used it before but its been awhile and my only thought is that I am not using it properly this time around and that maybe last time I used it, the smart key was actually opening the door, not the mechanical key.... Should it still beep when the key is in the slot? Which way should you turn it? Sorry for all all the newbie questions and thanks for your response.
First: figure out which battery is not working. Is the fob unlock button working (as in does it unlock the doors when you push the unlock button on the fob when your nearby the car) If your unable to unlock your car with the unlock button, then the fob battery is dead or you've accidentally turned off the smart key system (via the button under the steering wheel) Ok, chances are your fob battery is dead. Use the mechanical key and stick it in the door. You may have to turn the key a bit harder then you would expect in order to unlock the door. Once your inside, stick the fob inside the fob slot under the power button. The car should recognize the fob even if the fob battery is dead if its in the slot. If the car STILL doesn't turn on with the fob in the slot, then the 12 volt battery is suspect. I'd suggest getting a jump start at this point. WARNING: DO NOT JUMP THE CAR BACKWARDS. You could do thousands of dollars of electronic damage if you do!!!! WARNING. Connect the other car's battery to the jump terminals and this should provide power to boot the prius computers and allow it to drive away. (I suggest getting that 12v battery checked ASAP) if the jump was successful.
Thanks! Did have to turn the mechanical key harder than expected. After I was in, the battery was dead and had to get a jump. AAA came right away though and showed me the proper way to jump the Prius battery. Las question, do I now have to think about replacing the battery?
1. Charge the battery. 2. Check the voltage on the maintenance screen. 3. If they are low replace the battery. Only the Toyota battery is an exact fit. Drive the car to the dealer, let them check the voltage. Buy the battery while you are there. If you have 5-6 years on the original battery then you are due.
There is a tutorial with pictures on cleaning/greasing the physical door lock mechanism on Hobbit's website.
