Chosen Solution
My smart key fob for a 2008 Prius no longer works as a remote. The physical key opens the door and when the fob is placed in the slot on the dash the car starts. I replaced the worn shell and the fob continued to worked for about 2 months. Then died. I’ve taken it to an auto locksmith. Opening the shell they witnessed the red light flashing on the circuit board when a button was pressed. They tried to reprogram the fob to no avail. Then they attempted to program a new fob. This also did not work. I was told it might be a bad fuse in the car. On a chart I located two fuses that work with the smart system, but both also monitor power for number of other systems all of which are operating normally. I was told this has to go to Toyota. Any suggestions?
Replacing the fob’s battery has solved the problem of a fob that stops “broadcasting” for me. I’ve replaced it a couple of times over the years. The battery seems to last for 2 to 4 years in my experience. You need a tiny phillips screwdriver to open the case. Depending on where you carry the fob, the outside may be encrusted with lint that shouldn’t be spilled inside. You can buy the little battery at any hardware store. If you have any small flashlights or other items that use this type of battery they are much less expensive at sciplus.com . I never had any little red lights inside so maybe your problem is something more complicated.
