Hey everyone, I’ve been coming here for awhile and just never made an account but here it is. I’m having an issue that I can’t seem to understand. Bought my Prius used with 86k miles about a year ago and they only gave me one key fob. The only thing I’ve replaced was the manual key since the bottom part broke off of my last one. Either way, I’ve noticed my key slowly dying for a month or two and neglected to put in the new battery. Today I went outside to start the car by holding the key fob to the start button and the system keeps telling me to depress the brake and use the key fob, which I’m doing. Does this mean the key fob is completely dead and the car can’t pick it up at all or has my key somehow lost the programming to the car?
This has happened to us a few times. The 12vdc battery in your car has died. Maybe the trunk was left over-night unlatched, so the interior light was on all night. Something caused the battery to run down.
the fob uses an rfid chip, so no battery is needed. it is possible that you need a new fob, try cleaning it. if you get it working, get a second asap
But everything else in the car is fine, dashboard and everything. What else does this 12vdc battery control so I can rule out whether it is that or not?
I’ve opened it and everything looks clean and good instead. Still nothing. I’m going to try and get another battery and in the meantime save up for another fob . I know they can cost around $400 or so, so I’m not looking forward to it haha.
There is a battery in the key fob, "1632". I'm going to order two later. I got the message yesterday that it was weak. But it's been fine the last 8 or 9 times. So I'm using my spare one and will see how long that battery lasts..
"There is a battery in the key fob, "1632". Bisco knows that. What he means: even if the fob battery is dead or disabled, the RFID chip, when held against the Power button, will enable recognition. Y'know, that's WHY the manual tells you to DO that when you have a starting issue. Right?
That’s what I wanted to clarify. Btw, just to update everyone I purchased a new battery for the key and replaced it. Everything working as usual. I’m still curious why the RFID chip didn’t work though...
THIS (from Torque) may shed some light. Perhaps you didn't actually push on the power button with the dead fob as suggested in the article.
Happened to me. I Changed batteries in both FOBS. No change ...Seemed Prius would shut down SKS. Driver nor passenger door worked as usual. KEY NOT RECOGNIZED popped (screamed) on HUD display as I closed doors. Thought of My 92 previa ...I had to turn key backwards twice to unlock backdoor and hatch. So...I used PRIUS metal key in PRIUS door keyhole and pushed backwards twice and the forward twice just for funzees and now everything works fine. Both front doors and even hatch unlock as FOB nears. No more HUD warnings... shear luck or built in? Just glad it works now.
