Locked, dead, no manual key

I think calling a locksmith to open your door so you can pop the hood for a jump is the best call here. You need access to both the main cabin to start the car and the hood to jump the car. If it comes to the case where you need to replace the 12V battery you can climb back from the passenger seat.

 

You know that your key fob has a key in it ? Look along the edge of the key fob and you'll see a little section that says, "PUSH". That releases the little key inside of the fob.

 

Yep, also I forgot that it can be jumped under the hood. I crawled through the car unlocking the rear hatch.

Buy a battery at the dealer and install it yourself. Best way to do this as they have an 8 year battery. Got an extra on the shelf BTW. Come and get it.

 

take your fob to the dealer, and ask if there's any way to make a manual key. otherwise, a lock smith as justin points out.

 

FWIW... This technique can work on other car brands.
Crawl under the car, connect a battery booster to the starter positive battery cable and then connect the ground to frame or engine block.
Try the FOB.

Sorry I can be exact as to the starter or cable locations.

If this works on a Prius, let us know.

 

I suspect there won't be an accessible, exposed positive terminal under the car. Going on a fishing expedition would be dangerous too, might fry something. Maybe you can release the hood somehow, through the front grill?

Addendum:

Don't think that has a hope in hell. Here's a pic of ours fwiw, the release cable comes in from the right:

 

unfortunately, prius has no starter motor (relatively speaking) and no exposed cables like a gasser. the only access is in the hatch or under the hood.

 

It came with two metal keys when new. If you bought the car used and both keys were missing, you were cheated, and the only solution may be to find a locksmith who can break in with a minimum of damage.

Any chance a tired fob battery is part of the problem?

 

Worth a shot!

 

And if you don't have the pop-up mechanical key or if, like me, the key in the fob you were given is not for your car because the dealer reprogrammed another fob for your car, then you can ask Toyota to mill you a new key and send it directly to you. All they need is your VIN; they have the key shape in their records.

 

and if you intend to come here for help, please come back and tell us how you made out.

 

A HUGE thank you for this information. I could not gwt into the car on Thanksgiving and ended up under the car in the cold darkness on a wet driveway trying to release the hood from underneath, no luck. Came inside and googled how to get into locked Prius with dead battery, your response to a previous post popped up and, Voila, I am saved. Bless you!!

 

I love it when a plan comes together! Glad to help.
This forum is the best.