Losing or needing to replace your Toyota Prius key fob can be a hassle, often accompanied by hefty dealership fees for reprogramming. Fortunately, for many Prius owners, programming a new key fob can be done right at home with a simple DIY procedure. This guide provides clear, step-by-step instructions to program your Prius key fob, saving you time and money.
This guide is specifically for Gen II Prius vehicles and focuses on programming brand new, genuine Toyota key fobs purchased from authorized dealers. Using aftermarket or second-hand fobs, especially those from online marketplaces like eBay, may not guarantee full Smart Key System (SKS) functionality. While this procedure is believed to be accurate and reliable, always double-check compatibility with your specific Prius model and year.
This guide outlines three distinct procedures based on your key fob type and Prius model features:
Procedure A: Programming for Engine Start/Stop (All Key Fobs)
This initial procedure is essential for all new key fobs, regardless of whether they have a black or chrome logo or if your Prius has Smart Key System (SKS) functionality. This ensures your new fob can start and stop your Prius when inserted into the key port.
1. Initial Setup:
- Get inside your Prius and close all doors.
- Unlock all doors.
- Ensure your Prius is completely turned off.
2. Insert and Remove Old Fob Sequence:
- Insert your existing, working key fob into the key slot and remove it.
- Repeat this insert and remove action four more times (for a total of five).
- On the fifth insertion, leave the old fob in the slot.
3. Door Cycling:
- Open and close the driver’s side door six times.
4. Remove Old Fob and Enter Programming Mode:
- Take out the old fob from the slot.
- Your Prius should now be in key fob programming mode. The red anti-theft light on the dashboard will remain illuminated.
5. Program New Fob:
- Insert your new, unprogrammed key fob into the slot.
- Leave the new fob in the slot for a full minute.
- Observe the blinking red anti-theft light on the dashboard. It will stop flashing and turn off when the new fob is successfully programmed for start/stop functionality.
6. Completion of Start/Stop Programming:
- Remove the new key fob from the slot.
- You have now completed the basic start/stop engine programming for your new fob.
Next Steps:
- If your Prius has Smart Key System (SKS) and you have a chrome logo key fob, proceed to PROCEDURE B to program remote lock/unlock and SKS functions.
- If your Prius does not have SKS or you have a black logo key fob, proceed to PROCEDURE C for remote lock/unlock programming.
Procedure B: Programming Chrome Logo Key Fobs for SKS Functionality
This procedure is specifically for chrome logo key fobs on Prius models equipped with the Smart Key System (SKS). Follow these steps to program remote lock/unlock and smart key functionality.
1. Initial Door and Fob Setup:
- Open the driver’s side door and leave it open. Ensure the driver’s door is unlocked.
- Keep all other doors unlocked or locked – it does not matter for this step.
- Ensure there is no key fob currently in the key slot.
2. Insert and Remove Old Fob (Rapid Sequence):
- Within 5 seconds, insert your old, working fob into the slot and remove it twice.
3. Door Cycling (Double Cycle):
- Within 40 seconds of step 2, close and then open the driver’s door twice.
4. Insert and Remove Old Fob (Single Cycle):
- Within 40 seconds of step 3, insert and remove your old fob once.
5. Door Cycling (Second Double Cycle):
- Within 40 seconds of step 4, close and then open the driver’s door twice again.
6. Insert Old Fob and Close Door:
- Insert your old fob into the slot and close the driver’s door.
7. Power Button Sequence (No Brake):
- Without pressing the brake pedal, press the power button once, wait a second, press it again, wait another second, and press it a third time to turn the car back off.
8. Remove Old Fob and Enter “Add Mode”:
- Remove the old fob from the slot.
- Your Prius should now be in “add mode” for key fob programming.
- Within 3 seconds, the car should automatically lock and unlock the doors once (or possibly multiple times depending on your exact model) to confirm it has entered add mode.
- If the doors do not cycle, return to step 1 and repeat the procedure. If the doors cycle, proceed to step 9.
9. Programming the New and Old Key Fobs:
- These steps (9a – 9c) should be started within 40 seconds of completing step 8.
9a: Program Old/Master Fob:
- Press and hold the LOCK and UNLOCK buttons simultaneously on your OLD/MASTER fob for a couple of seconds.
- The door locks should cycle once to confirm. If no cycle occurs, replace the CR 2032 battery in your old fob and try again from step 9a.
9b: Program New Fob:
- Press and hold both the LOCK and UNLOCK buttons simultaneously on your NEW fob for about 1.5 seconds.
- Some users report needing to repeat this step twice. If the first attempt doesn’t show success, try it again, executing this step two times.
9c: Finalize New Fob Programming:
- Within three seconds of step 9b, press the LOCK button on the NEW fob.
- If successful, the door locks will cycle once to indicate successful programming. This lock/unlock cycle might take a few moments, so be patient. If no cycle occurs after a minute, proceed to step 10 and test the SKS functions.
9d: Program Additional New Fobs (Optional):
- If you need to program another new key fob, repeat steps 9a, 9b, and 9c for each additional new fob.
10. Exit Programming Mode:
- To end the programming session, simply open and then close the driver’s door or insert any fob into the key slot.
Testing SKS Functionality:
- After completing Procedure B, test the Smart Key System functionality of your new chrome logo key fob. This includes proximity unlocking/locking by touching the door handle and push-button start without inserting the fob.
Procedure C: Programming Black Logo Key Fobs for Non-SKS Models
This procedure is for black logo key fobs and Prius models that are not equipped with Smart Key System (SKS) functionality. Follow these steps to program remote lock/unlock functions.
1. Initial Door and Fob Setup:
- Open the driver’s door and leave it open. Ensure all doors are unlocked.
- Make sure there is no key fob in the key slot.
2. Insert and Remove Old Fob (Rapid Sequence):
- Within 5 seconds, insert your old, working fob into the slot and remove it twice.
3. Door Cycling (Double Cycle):
- Close and then open the driver’s door twice.
4. Insert and Remove Old Fob (Single Cycle):
- Insert and remove your old fob once.
5. Door Cycling (Second Double Cycle):
- Close and then open the driver’s door twice again.
6. Insert Old Fob and Close Door:
- Insert your old fob into the slot and close the driver’s door.
7. Power Button Sequence (No Brake):
- Without pressing the brake pedal, press the power button once, wait a second, press it again, wait another second, and press it a third time to turn the car back off.
8. Remove Old Fob and Enter “Add Mode”:
- Remove the old fob from the slot.
- You are now in “add mode” for key fob programming.
9. Confirmation of “Add Mode”:
- The car should automatically lock and unlock the doors twice to verify it is in add mode.
10. Program New Fob (Button Hold):
- **Press and hold both buttons (LOCK and UNLOCK) on the new fob simultaneously for about 1.5 seconds.**11. Finalize New Fob Programming (Lock Button Press):
- **Within 3 seconds of step 10, press just the LOCK button on the new fob.**12. Verification of Successful Programming:
- **The car should respond with one quick lock/unlock cycle to confirm successful programming.**
- If the car responds with two lock/unlock cycles, it indicates programming failure. Try the procedure again, ensure your fob is compatible, or you might have too many fobs already programmed to your Prius.13. Exit Programming Mode:
- **To end the programming session, simply open and then close the driver's door or insert any fob into the key slot.**Important Considerations:
- Genuine Toyota Fobs: This procedure is designed for brand new, genuine Toyota key fobs purchased from authorized dealers. Aftermarket or used fobs may not be compatible.
- Practice Run: Before attempting to program your new fob, it’s highly recommended to do a “dry run” of the steps to familiarize yourself with the sequences and timing.
- Part Numbers: For reference, here are the OEM part numbers for Prius key fobs:
- OEM Fob Part # for Smart Access (SKS): 89994-47061
- OEM Fob Part # for Non-Smart Access: 89070-47180
By following these procedures carefully, you can successfully program your new Prius key fob and regain full keyless entry and start functionality. Remember to always verify compatibility with your specific Prius model and year and purchase genuine Toyota parts for optimal performance.
