Keyfob can start my car but unlock key does not work

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by Jehphorey, Sep 30, 2017.

  1. Jehphorey

    Jehphorey Junior Member

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    Hi! So a couple months ago the protective skin on my unlock key broke, but the unlock key still worked. The following week after that however, the unlock key stopped working. Whenever I'd press the button the red light would not show up anymore, but it still showed up for the lock and panic button. I didn't really mind this entire time because I could always just open it with manually with the key. But last week, the skin off my panic button broke so I'm afraid the same thing might happen again. Any ideas as to why my unlock key doesn't work? I feel like I can't purchase a new key fob off amazon because the chicken dance requires me to be able to use both my lock and unlock keys.


    Thank you!








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    #1 Jehphorey, Sep 30, 2017
  2. JC91006

    JC91006 Senior Member

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    It's just a stuck button, just use something to free it....like a small flat head screwdriver, exacto knife, toothpick
     
    #2 JC91006, Sep 30, 2017
    Last edited: Sep 30, 2017
  3. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    i'd be more concerned about not having a second key to begin with.
     
    #3 bisco, Sep 30, 2017
  4. Sam Spade

    Sam Spade Senior Member

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    No. Not when the other buttons still work.
    More likely that "gunk" has made it's way into the contact point. Skin oil will do that over time, often even if the protective rubber skin is intact.
    A locksmith shop that deals with electronic locks might be able to get it going again......and get you a new case.
    What about the second remote ??
    Things are a LOT less complicated if that is present and working.
    The time to get a second one if you don't have it is........while the first one is still working !!! :whistle:
     
    #4 Sam Spade, Sep 30, 2017
  5. bobodaclown

    bobodaclown Member

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    Buy a case, swap out the guts and the little chip. Good to go. It's less than $10.
     
    #5 bobodaclown, Oct 1, 2017
  6. Jehphorey

    Jehphorey Junior Member

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    If I buy a new case, is there anyway I can get the unlock key to work?
     
    #6 Jehphorey, Oct 3, 2017
  7. Sam Spade

    Sam Spade Senior Member

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    Probably. Soak the contact points (easiest to do the whole board) in isoprophyl alcohol for a few minutes, without the battery in place, then blow it off with compressed air and let it sit overnight.

    Like I said, a locksmith who sells the cases should be able to check that out for you too......at a small cost I think.

    P.S. The "starting" function and the key functions are completely different electronics. They pretty much just share the battery.
     
    #7 Sam Spade, Oct 3, 2017
  8. bobodaclown

    bobodaclown Member

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    Car starting chip is not powered on keyless models. Not sure on keyless models where you can keep key in pocket. The chip looks like a little grey weight in a separate area of the fob, separate from the lock unlock functions. Sticky switches could be cleaned easily enough. If not new board and chicken dance..
     
    #8 bobodaclown, Oct 5, 2017
  9. Sam Spade

    Sam Spade Senior Member

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    OOPS. True. RFID chips don't require external power.
     
    #9 Sam Spade, Oct 6, 2017
  10. Jehphorey

    Jehphorey Junior Member

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    Wait soak it? As in submerge the entire circuit board in isopropyl alcohol? Is 70% ok or do I need 90%+?
     
    #10 Jehphorey, Oct 23, 2017
  11. Sam Spade

    Sam Spade Senior Member

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    90% is better for an immersion.
    For a quick wash down, with a Qtip for example, either is OK.
     
    #11 Sam Spade, Oct 24, 2017
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