I have a 2006 Prius and all of a sudden the 'smart' technology stopped working. 1. The smart button is NOT pushed in. 2. Can only crank car with FOB in dash. Usually keep the keys in cup holder. 3. FOB will not unlock or lock door, via smart or push button on FOB 4. FOB will not set off panic alarm. 5. We have 2 FOB's, and both quit working at the exact same time. What gives? Seems like the car no longer recognizes either fob.
Have you changed the key fob batteries? Mine needed to be changed within the last year or so. They're just cheap CR2032s that can be bought for <$2/each, at the right place.
perhaps the spare was already dead and when the one you normally use finally quit? or your 12v may be retiring.
Nope, 12v is new.. and the spare worked as well. very strange... Is there a way to 'reconnect' the fobs?
maybe disconnect the 12v for a few minutes? you're sure the button under the dash is in the correct position?
Yep. When I replaced the CR2032 in my main fob, I believe I checked my spare at that same time or within a few weeks and found it was also dead and in new of a new CR2032. I almost never use the spare. OP: If you bought your 06 new and you've never changed the fob batteries, it's very likely its batteries are dead. I bought mine new in January 06. If you've ever driven 20+ minutes and then heard the car emit a beep upon powering down, that's the warning that the fob batteries are low. I heard that warning numerous times before finally needing to change the fob batteries.
Just changed the batteries... works perfect now.. sheesh.. glad it was an easy fix.. Now, I can remember the warning beep ( probably telling me the fob battery was dying ).
Despite what most people seem to think, there is such a thing as a coincidence (literally a 'happens at the same time'). Say the chances are 1-in-2,000, with 2 Million Prii sold, that means it should have happened to a thousand people already. You just happen to be one of them. [5 years = around 2000 days. You aren't going to notice in a finer resolution than 1 day. Plus the battery life is not evenly distributed, more likely a normal distribution centered somewhere around 5 years, making it even more common.]
