SKS fob programming

I suggest you do a better search of the forum. Your problem has been covered before. A used Gen III fob probably can't be mated to your Prius by the dealer. Their software is set-up to use new fobs only. Some independent locksmiths say the can work with a used fob. But, they need the car and the fob - so you will need to find one in your area.

 

Then that is not the correct FOB for the Prius. If it is not the correct FOB I doubt very much the car can be programmed to work with it.

 

Hokay. I've had this problem (lost fob) and had it solved, more or less, and have been paying attention to the threads since then.
My experience: Bought a new fob from the dealer. Thought they wanted too much for programming and, especially, cutting the mechanical key. Called around like a zany, found a local locksmith who could do the job (there were lots who couldn't). Gave him the working key, the new fob, he went under the dash with his PC and, in about ten minutes, had the new fob programmed. Went into his shop, grabbed out the mechanical key from the working key, the mechanical key from the new fob, and in about 5 minutes or so had the new key cut. Total cost: Maybe $100, which was about 1/3 of what the dealer wanted and a lot less than they wanted for even cutting the so-called "laser-cut" key. (It's a fancy key, but ignore the hype about it needing a laser - it's just a fancy milling machine).

What the guy said: He had had a recent software update on his paid-for locksmith software that allowed him to program the box in the car as well as the fob. Don't know how long he had the cutter for the key, assuming that said cutter was even that specialized for the Prius.

My one misstep: Bought an unprogrammed fob/key from a locksmith in Canada. Before buying said fob, sent pictures to the guy showing what my working fob looked like. What he sent me didn't look the same and wasn't programmable by local dealers; they suspect that it's for some $RANDOM Toyota, what type, they're not sure. The part numbers didn't match with what they had in their catalogs. Managed to get it returned.

What I've heard in the forums: A previously programmed fob can be rigged to work with a Prius. You just need a locksmith/dealer with the right software. Some dealers are more advanced than others, at least in the sense of taking an interest in their customers' welfare; others like the $$$ from selling/programming a really expensive fob and won't make it easy for you . As near as I can tell there are different locksmithing software packages out there with different capabilities.

Best way, in my mind, to handle this: Call up locksmiths first until you find one or more that can handle a programmed fob. If they don't know what you're talking about (and, back when I had to do this in 2010, there were quite a few who didn't), then don't go there. Then, once you know what they can handle, start looking for a fob.

If you do order a fob from Ebay, make sure it really matches the part number of the original fob. And looks the same. And includes a non-cut mechanical key. They are out there.. maybe. I suspect (haven't checked) that competition with the likes of Ebay may have caused dealer fob prices, especially the on-line guys, to come down somewhat.

Finally: If you're in the NJ area, I can probably look up the local guy who did mine, assuming that after two years his shop is still open. I understand that there's a locksmith out on Long Island in New York who's put his name up in the forums who can do this stuff and has, on the forums, personally said so. You'll have to search the forums to find him. If you're somewhere else, well, you've got a phone and the Yellow Pages, so go use them.

Good luck!

KBeck