Silver logo key won't start car in slot

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by Ewhitaker0020, Mar 3, 2020.

  1. Ewhitaker0020

    Ewhitaker0020 Junior Member

    Joined:
    Mar 3, 2020
    40
    8
    0
    Location:
    Kentucky
    Vehicle:
    2006 Prius
    Model:
    N/A
    I just purchased a 2006 Prius that came with 2 silver logo keys. The main key that I've been using unlocks the car just fine and had full SKS functionality, except when inserted into the slot I cannot start the car. When the key is not in the slot I can start the car perfectly fine and the fob has a fresh battery so I know it's not a battery issue. This key seems to be original to the vehicle.

    What could be causing this? The only reason I'm concerned is I understand that if the battery were to die the only way to start the car would be to insert it into the slot.

    I have another key that works perfectly even when inserted into the slot, so I'm switching to that one for every day use, but surely something can be done for this key.

    I've tried to force it to be "relearned" by doing the chicken dance, but there's no change.
     
    #1 Ewhitaker0020, Mar 3, 2020
  2. PriusCamper

    PriusCamper Senior Member

    Joined:
    Mar 3, 2012
    12,605
    5,094
    0
    Location:
    Pacific Northwest, USA
    Vehicle:
    2007 Prius
    Model:
    Two
    You could buy a mini-VCI with Toyota Techstream Software online for $25 and install it on an old windows computer that doesn't have an internet connection and go in and see if you can change the setting on the problematic FOB.
     
    #2 PriusCamper, Mar 4, 2020
    Ewhitaker0020 likes this.
  3. Ewhitaker0020

    Ewhitaker0020 Junior Member

    Joined:
    Mar 3, 2020
    40
    8
    0
    Location:
    Kentucky
    Vehicle:
    2006 Prius
    Model:
    N/A
    So, I should get something like this? Do you know if there's a recommended one to buy? I don't want to brick my car or anything. Is that a possibility by using one of these?
     
    #3 Ewhitaker0020, Mar 4, 2020
  4. dolj

    dolj Senior Member

    Joined:
    May 14, 2012
    8,392
    4,274
    0
    Location:
    Wellington, New Zealand
    Vehicle:
    2007 Prius
    Model:
    N/A
    Haven't you discussed this in another thread?

    Did you not conclude that the RFID chip in that fob was lost?

    In that thread, there were links to other information, including how to go about purchasing a new RFID chip and getting the fob reregistered. However, it is a process that needs to use Techstream, a very reliable J2534 cable and access to a seed code.

    if the connection between your car and Techstream fails in mid-process (because your J2534 cable is not reliable) you could be left requiring the assistance of your dealer to reseed and reregister your fob(s).


    RFID lost
    Prius 2008 Won't Start with Key in Slot.
     
    #4 dolj, Mar 5, 2020
  5. Ewhitaker0020

    Ewhitaker0020 Junior Member

    Joined:
    Mar 3, 2020
    40
    8
    0
    Location:
    Kentucky
    Vehicle:
    2006 Prius
    Model:
    N/A
    Now I'm curious about the cable and techstream software. I mostly like the idea about being about to view information about all of my computer's systems mores than the key programming capabilities of the program. I'd like to get a tiny pocket laptop and keep it in the vehicle so I can monitor things like 12v battery charge and coolant temp.
     
    #5 Ewhitaker0020, Mar 5, 2020
  6. dolj

    dolj Senior Member

    Joined:
    May 14, 2012
    8,392
    4,274
    0
    Location:
    Wellington, New Zealand
    Vehicle:
    2007 Prius
    Model:
    N/A
    You probably would be better off using Torque Pro or EngineLink and a Bluetooth dongle for that. Then you use a tablet or phone on which to put your gauges.
     
    #6 dolj, Mar 5, 2020
    Ewhitaker0020 likes this.
  7. Ewhitaker0020

    Ewhitaker0020 Junior Member

    Joined:
    Mar 3, 2020
    40
    8
    0
    Location:
    Kentucky
    Vehicle:
    2006 Prius
    Model:
    N/A
    Can I view which of my abs wheel sensors are bad using one of those apps? I have a WiFi dongle.
     
    #7 Ewhitaker0020, Mar 5, 2020
(You must log in or sign up to post here.)