2006 Prius key fob not working, panic/horn sounds sporadically

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by KG73, Jul 26, 2018.

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  1. KG73

    KG73 New Member

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    A few weeks ago, the buttons on the key fob stopped working, but I could unlock the door with the metal key, and the fob still worked in the ignition to start the car (2006). A few days ago, the panic/horn started going off unpredictably and sporadically, and the only way to stop it is to insert the fob in the ignition and press the button to start the car. We just replaced the battery in the fob, so I know that's not the issue. Unfortunately we've lost the other key fob, so this is the only one we have to work with. Any thoughts or ideas to troubleshoot and fix this?
     
    #1 KG73, Jul 26, 2018
  2. SFO

    SFO Senior Member

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    Welcome to PriusChat !!

    Now could be a great time to have a second key made, otherwise you're looking at a very expensive key reseeding if you lose that final key.
     
    #2 SFO, Jul 26, 2018
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  3. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    start with the 12 volt battery. test it's resting voltage. is it above 12.4? how old is it?

    take the fob apart and clean the insides, make sure no buttons are stuck. in the end, it is worth testing the fob battery voltage.
     
    #3 bisco, Jul 26, 2018
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  4. KG73

    KG73 New Member

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    It's over $400 to replace the lost key fob, so we're not going to do that (until it's absolutely necessary, anyway!).
    Had anyone tried purchasing a new remote (like from remote remotes) and programming it?
     
    #4 KG73, Jul 27, 2018
  5. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    yes, and if you lose the one you have, it will be more like $1,200.
     
    #5 bisco, Jul 29, 2018
  6. dolj

    dolj Senior Member

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    Actually if you shop around (at one of the many online Toyota parts places) you can get a new fob for around $150. You can add it your car for free using the chicken dance.

    If you lose the fob you have, it will likely cost a lot more – $800-$1200 and you will have to have the dealer (or a registered auto locksmith) do it.

    My WAG is one (or more) of the buttons have got gummed up with lint. A good cleaning might fix it. Even if that fixes it, it would still be a great idea to get a second fob now.

    All the best.
     
    #6 dolj, Aug 1, 2018
    Last edited: Aug 2, 2018
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