smart key not functioning on 2005 Prius

Asked by fitztennis Feb 04, 2010 at 05:10 PM about the 2005 Toyota Prius

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

My 2005 Prius was in a bodyshop for 6 weeks.  Just got it back and smartkey not working - unable to start ignition or lock/unlock doors.
Dealer wanted $40 - 80 to investigate, so I just spent $6 for new battery for key fob.  That did not solve the problem.  I have to physically put key in slot to start ignition.
anyone know of a solution?
thanks!

7 Answers

425

Most likely to keep from running the battery down (smartkey causes small 12v drain) the bodyshop turned it off with the switch located on the panel under the steering wheel marked 'smartkey, press the button one time.

33 people found this helpful.
310

there is a KEY button below the steering wheel, under the dashboard. try that first. i hit mine accidentally and that was the only reason it wasn't working!!!!

31 people found this helpful.
255

Our 2008 Toyota Prius' 12 volt battery needed to be replaced. But since then we've been having difficulty getting the electronic key to work. We have already changed that battery too but it takes several times to get the car started. Is this a common problem with the Prius? Or am I doing something wrong?

20 people found this helpful.
20

I had this problem with a 2001 Prius (which doesn't have the button below the steering wheel). Checked the batteries in each key and fuses etc., but couldn't find anything wrong. Then a day later it started working again. It must have been caused by radio interference. (A weather station I have that uses similar frequencies also stopped and started working at the same time.) I haven't found the culprit but the lesson to learn is to try moving your car if this happens.

2 people found this helpful.
60

I had no idea the button was there. This worked for me. My little girl must have kicked it when she was greeting me after coming home from work. =)

6 people found this helpful.
260

does the button need to be pushed in or out? both or just the right/left?

26 people found this helpful.

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