Someone broke into my house and got the main key fob I've been using on my 2012 Plug In Prius. I'm 98% sure it was a spur of the moment burglary by non-professional, but I really don't like the feeling. Someone else has a key, which with they can open my car any time, or even conceivably drive it off. What are my options? Can Toyota deactivate any fob not in in my possession, and sell me another (backup) fob? Are there any other options here? I suspect that will be a costly fix for a remote possibility .... Thanks! Liam
Pretty sure that your 2012 is similar to my 2010, in that the car can only store a limited number of fob profiles. In other words, if you buy a new fob and have it programmed you can 'bump' out the one that was stolen. Roland
As far as $, do you have home insurance? It might be worthwhile to claim for it. Other items stolen too?
If the thieves stole enough to warrant a homeowner's insurance claim, then I'd be tempted to add the fob replacement. IIRC, a competent locksmith can reseed the car for a new fob in about 30-minutes, and this will allow them to remove the stolen fob and add the replacement. Since you live in a place that sells Pips - I'm guessing that there's a locksmith nearby that can assist you. You've already been ripped off once. I'd avoid a dealership - but if you're one of those people who still uses a dealership for car maintenance, here's a good chance to test their honesty. If they mention replacing anything but the stolen key fob, or they try to overcharge for this service (l'm thinking anything above $250) then they will have failed that test----especially if hey use the "we have to replace the computer" scam. Good Luck!
When they reprogram the car they can remove all programmed FOBs, then add back the ones you take in when you have this service done. It -should- cost you about $150 to have the reprogramming done, and, from the dealer, about $250 for the FOB. If it's a good dealer they may wave the programming cost (they make so much off the FOB sale, and they may take pity on your for the theft).
I live near Sacramento, but work in the East Bay 3-4 days a week (Martinez and San Pablo). Yes, I have been going to dealers for service, but feeling more and more like I'm getting ripped off. Any suggestions on how to get out of the dealer racket but still have confidence in the people working on your car?
You might want to purchase the below form Amazon. Though I didn't remove a FOB from the car's computer, I used it to add a new FOB. It's a way to avoid the dealership prices. You might want to ask others about their experience with the program. Mike
