Suggestions for troubleshooting bad fob?

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Care, Maintenance & Troubleshooting' started by MDBluePrius, Apr 10, 2015.

  1. MDBluePrius

    MDBluePrius New Member

    Joined:
    Apr 10, 2015
    4
    0
    0
    Location:
    MD
    Vehicle:
    2011 Prius
    Model:
    Two
    Good morning,

    I'm trying to get to the bottom of a problem I am having with one of the key fobs for my 2011 Prius and came across this site. I'm reading through some of the other threads but wondered if anyone can offer suggestions in the meantime.

    The fob appears to have stopped working almost completely and our other one is fine. At first, the issue was only that the battery appeared to drain quickly - over a period of a few months. We replaced it a few times, but the issue has steadily gotten worse. At this point, new batteries appear to drain within days, the buttons to lock/unlock the doors appear to have no effect, and the car seems to have trouble even recognizing the presence of the key. It is hit or miss whether the automatic unlock will happen, and invariably I now need to do the 'touch the fob to the start button' process in order to start the car.

    Our other fob is not having these issues. Here is what we have tried so far: Replacing the battery multiple times (including three times now from the dealer), and having the dealer at their suggestion reprogram the fob using our other, working fob. Fortunately they haven't charged us for any of this, but each time they've assured me that the fob should now work properly, only to have it become quickly evident that it still does not. I've asked them if I just need to replace the thing and be done, which they seem very reluctant to do. Every time I bring it up they again suggest replacing the battery. But at the same time, my spouse and I both drive this vehicle and need to have a working key.

    I've found a local locksmith who can make a new one for less than it would cost to get from the dealer (and I'm tired of dealing with them anyway at this point), but I'm wondering if there's anything obvious I might be overlooking that could potentially still salvage the one I've got. Any suggestions on what I could try or what might be happening?

    Very much appreciated!
     
    #1 MDBluePrius, Apr 10, 2015
  2. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

    Joined:
    May 11, 2005
    112,163
    51,033
    0
    Location:
    boston
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius Plug-in
    Model:
    Plug-in Base
    check for sticking buttons. do you keep it in the same place as the other fob? other than that, the board is probably bad.
     
    #2 bisco, Apr 10, 2015
  3. MDBluePrius

    MDBluePrius New Member

    Joined:
    Apr 10, 2015
    4
    0
    0
    Location:
    MD
    Vehicle:
    2011 Prius
    Model:
    Two
    They aren't sticky as far as I can tell and yes, we both bring our keys into the house at night. In fact my spouse is the primary driver so my fob gets much less exposure to the car.
     
    #3 MDBluePrius, Apr 10, 2015
  4. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

    Joined:
    May 11, 2005
    112,163
    51,033
    0
    Location:
    boston
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius Plug-in
    Model:
    Plug-in Base
    have you taken it apart?
     
    #4 bisco, Apr 10, 2015
  5. MDBluePrius

    MDBluePrius New Member

    Joined:
    Apr 10, 2015
    4
    0
    0
    Location:
    MD
    Vehicle:
    2011 Prius
    Model:
    Two
    No, not yet
     
    #5 MDBluePrius, Apr 10, 2015
  6. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

    Joined:
    May 11, 2005
    112,163
    51,033
    0
    Location:
    boston
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius Plug-in
    Model:
    Plug-in Base
    it's easy and fun!:)
     
    #6 bisco, Apr 10, 2015
  7. wjtracy

    wjtracy Senior Member

    Joined:
    Sep 19, 2006
    11,359
    3,606
    1
    Location:
    Northern VA (NoVA)
    Vehicle:
    Other Hybrid
    Model:
    N/A
    I have no experience fixing the fob, but had a somewhat similar electronic experience with my iphone 4s battery drainage recently. In that case it appears lint and junk gets into the charging ports, causing some shorts over the little contacts in there. The fix seemed to be cleaning out the port, but I ended with a 5s before I figured it out.

    Of course, water exposure is a big culprit, although my Prius fob survived a washing machine with no ill effects (can't say the same for my VW fob).

    I would try cleaning (air etc), banging, etc. I don't know if Radio Shack or anyone offers to open and clean it for you. As a last resort I might some extreme measures such as distilled water or alcohol wash, but see if Radio Shack can help.

    Also I would maybe fiddle with the button battery...notice how easy it is to short those by anything contacting both sides. There is just a small space there that needs to be bridged to short it. Sometimes I'll put a little tape over the gaps to make sure nothing is shorting over the gaps...I realize you can barely squeeze the battery in there bare naked, so It would have to be pretty thin tape.
     
    #7 wjtracy, Apr 10, 2015
    Last edited: Apr 10, 2015
  8. MDBluePrius

    MDBluePrius New Member

    Joined:
    Apr 10, 2015
    4
    0
    0
    Location:
    MD
    Vehicle:
    2011 Prius
    Model:
    Two
    Thanks for the suggestions! When I get home tonight I'll try opening it up and seeing what might be going on inside. I wonder if the rice-in-a-bag trick would have any chance if water is an issue.
     
    #8 MDBluePrius, Apr 10, 2015
  9. JC91006

    JC91006 Senior Member

    Joined:
    Nov 10, 2013
    16,656
    8,506
    0
    Location:
    Los Angeles, CA
    Vehicle:
    2008 Prius
    Model:
    II
    I believe a new key online is about $125 (online price). Programming can be 1` hour labor from the dealer......or they may do it free since they know you so well.
     
    #9 JC91006, Apr 10, 2015
  10. prius24t

    prius24t Junior Member

    Joined:
    May 3, 2012
    1
    0
    0
    Location:
    USA
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius
    Model:
    Two
    I'm having the same type of problem. Any fixes yet?
     
    #10 prius24t, May 8, 2015
(You must log in or sign up to post here.)