just bought 2005 prius hatchback with smart key function. i am consistently having issues with car locking and/or unlocking. also, car won't start. in addition, everyday, the clock and odometor reset over and over again on their own. i have to have this fixed because i am using the car in my business which requires my keeping records throughout the day on time & mileage. i need help in knowing what to do.....thanks for any responses and suggestions.
It sounds like your 12v battery is becoming disconnected. Do you have any kind of battery minder connected?
The 12V battery is probably worn out. It is only used to start up the computers and operate electronics such as the key system and odometer while the car is stopped. As long as there is enough power to get things started, everything works normally once the car is running. But while it's off, a weak 12V battery causes all sorts of weird electronic problems.
That does have the classic symptoms of a failing 12 vdc auxiliary battery, especially given the age There are a few threads here on 12 vdc battery replacement, either the dealership one (No readily available aftermarket battery), or a conversion kit from elearnaid that uses a Mazda Miata Optima battery
Confirm battery voltage with the car OFF using a voltmeter at the charging post under the hood, or by the procedure given by jdenenberg here (no tools required): PriusOnline.com • View topic - how to put 12V battery in sleeping mode? A "12V" car battery with no load on it should present 12.6V. If you find less than 12.0 V yours is near death.
