Hi just need some help on how to repair my 2008 Prius key. Some info: The lock and unlock buttons stopped working yesterday and the red light does not light up when pressed even if i push the button with some decent force. The alarm does work perfectly (the red light does light up) and i've already changed the battery on the key. Keyless entry does work and the car does start if the key is in the car. Just need to know if i can fix the 2 buttons on the key and how. Thank you.
Get a replacement case. The rubber membrane is worn out. I've seen cases on both eBay and Amazon. do not know where I got mine, but it works better than the old one with a missing button... To open the old case, take out the mechanical key, take out the battery, and split the case by spreading a needle nose plier in the mechanical key opening. The original Gen2 fob is glued together, so you'll have to break it open. The replacement cases are snap together, similar to Gen3+ cases. Transfer the circuit board and the transponder chip (1/2" by 1/8" separate chip) from the old case to new. If you don't transfer the transponder, the fob will not work plugged into the dash. While you've got the case open, may as well replace the battery.
Oh i forgot to mention that the rubber part covering both buttons is slightly broken so its like a flap so ive even reached in to push the buttons from the inside (the circuit board) and still nothing :s Ive had it like that for years and it always worked. No water got in or anything. It just stopped working.
If the buttons are defective, then you may need to purchase a new key fob online and use the "Chicken Dance" to pair it with your car. To use the "Chicken Dance", you need the lock/unlock buttons to be working.
If it's just the rubber membrane, the old circuit board should work fine in a new case. No need to do a new chicken dance.
Real test is to take out the circuit board and see how it works without the old case. Have to hold the battery in place and be sure that the LED flashes when you press the real buttons without the rubber in the way.
Yeah i have a spare key fob with another circuit board just wanted to make sure i could even use this one before i let it rip...you know?
