Over the past month or so, my 2012 Prius Three is being strange. I always keep my key fob inside my purse. Sometimes I have to pull the door handle a few times before it will unlock. Other times it will say key not detected when I try to start the car. I will have to try a few times before it will start. Or the strangest thing is, sometimes when I pull over before my husband and I get home, so he can walk the dogs (who are always with us) and when he gets out of the car (I have NOT turned it off) it will display the message, key not detected. The thing is, he does not carry a fob with him, the only key is in my purse, which is inside the car with me. I thought maybe it maybe it was the key fob so I swapped out the fob I was using with the 2nd one we have and it is still happening.
Might be something magnetic in your purse effecting the key, might be a weak battery in your key fob might be a 12v battery on it's way out.
If the key fob is in your purse with your cell phone or any other electroinc devices they can block the signal. If not that, if your fob is 2-3 years old change the battery in the fob. There may be other things but maybe start there first. Got me! good job!
The rear hatch is closed for sure. It only just started telling me key not detected when I let my husband out of the car before I park. I have had my car for 2 years and it only just started doing it a few months ago.
I have a hunch it is because the FOB is inside your purse. Try taking it out of your purse and put it in your pocket.
This sounds like a weak fob battery or interference. A dead fob battery will cause a specific message to be displayed and the start button will need to be pushed with the fob.
I can 't put my cell phone in the same pocket as the key fob. The cell phone blocks the transmitter signal. Also, if the fob battery is weak, the transmitter just doesn't transmit.
My Prius just started yesterday, sounding the alert when I try to lock the door (keyless entry, supposed to lock and unlock with touch) but now it will sound the alert saying that the key is in the car when it is not. I have to use the FOB to unlock or lock the doors. Up to this point, no problems--my key, I leave in my right front pocket, and my cell is kept in my left rear pocket I've tried to look the issue up on the net and in the owners manual... either I'm as dumb as a box of rocks... or I'm overlooking the fix Appreciate any help
and, no, I haven't tried the second fob... didn't think of it, because the fob works, the senson on the hadle is what is giving me the issue, won't let me lock with my hand
Huh! Turns out it was related to Occam's Razor! I live in West Central Ohio, and it had gotten relatively warm, got cold again, so I threw my heavy coat in the passenger seat for the couple days I had the 'key in car' issue... you would never guess what was in the pocket of my heavy coat!!! Thanks bisco for your help!
