Unlocking The Prius: Starting Without The Key

If you're in a pinch and need to start your Toyota Prius without a key, there are a few methods you can try. Firstly, check if your Prius model has a physical slot for a key, as some older models do. If so, you can use the metal key hidden inside the key fob to unlock the driver's door and turn the key in the ignition. If your model doesn't have a slot, you can try holding the dead key fob close to the start button and pressing it. Alternatively, you can touch and hold the fob to the start button, using it to depress the button. If your Prius has a smart key deactivation switch, ensure it hasn't been activated, as this will prevent the vehicle from starting.

Hold the dead key fob close to the start button

If you're trying to start a Prius with a dead key fob, don't worry—you won't be left stranded. Here's what you need to do:

Hold the dead key fob as close to the start button as possible. This will activate the start button. You can then push the start button, and the vehicle will start and run. If this doesn't work, try touching and holding the fob to the start button for a moment, then push the start button, using the fob to depress the start button.

If your Prius has a slot in the dashboard for the fob, you can slide the fob into the slot, and the car will start, dead battery or not. If your Prius doesn't have a slot, you can try holding the fob in front of the ignition and pushing the start button.

If all else fails, you can always replace the battery in your key fob. You can do this yourself by using the hidden key inside the fob as a lever to separate the plastic cover. Check your owner's manual for more information on starting your Prius with a dead key fob, as instructions may vary slightly depending on your model.

Touch and hold the fob to the start button

If your Prius key fob is dead, you can still start your car by holding the fob against the start button. This works because when the battery in the smart key is beginning to die, you can start the car by holding it closer to the power button on the dashboard. The sensor for the key is located near the ignition, so this will reduce the distance the signal must travel.

If you are still unable to start your car, try holding the fob against the start button and then pushing the start button. This will allow the chip inside the key fob to communicate with the push-start computer.

If this method works, you should replace the battery in your smart key as soon as possible. You can replace the battery inside your fob yourself. The plastic cover can be separated using the same hidden key that you used to unlock your car. Check your owner's manual for more details.

Use the hidden key to replace the plastic cover

To replace the plastic cover of your Prius key fob, you will first need to access the hidden key inside the fob. Start by locating a small button along the side of the key fob. Depress this button and then gently pull on the end of the key fob to reveal the hidden metal key.

Now that you have the hidden key, you can use it to carefully pry open the plastic cover of the key fob. Insert the hidden key into the slit between the two halves of the key fob and gently apply force to pop the cover open. Be careful not to damage the internal components of the key fob during this process.

Once the cover is open, you can proceed to replace the battery or make any necessary repairs. When you're done, simply snap the two halves of the cover back together, ensuring that they are properly aligned and securely fastened.

If your key fob has screws, you will need a small screwdriver to open it. Carefully remove the screws and separate the two halves of the key fob to access the internal components. Remember to keep the screws in a safe place so you can put them back later.

It is important to handle the key fob with care and be gentle when prying it open to avoid damaging the internal circuitry. If you are unsure about the process, it is always best to consult a professional or refer to a reliable online guide.

Check the owner's manual for keyless start instructions

The owner's manual for a Prius will contain detailed instructions on how to start the car using a keyless start system. This is a safety feature that ensures the car doesn't lurch forward or backward when the electrical engine comes on.

Firstly, the driver must press their foot firmly on the brake. Then, if the car is equipped with a smart key, this should be held close to the power button on the dashboard. The sensor for the key is located near the ignition, so this will reduce the distance the signal must travel. The power button should then be pressed and held for a second, until a beep is heard. The display on the dashboard will then show the words "Welcome to Prius" before the car is ready to be driven.

If the car fails to start, the driver should check that the floor mat hasn't become bunched up beneath the pedal and that there are no other obstructions preventing the brake pedal from being fully depressed. If the smart key has a low battery, the driver should hold it closer to the power button and replace the battery as soon as possible.

The owner's manual will also contain information on whether the vehicle has a smart key deactivation switch, which may have been pressed by accident. If so, the switch can be reactivated by pressing it again.

Jump-start the Prius by connecting the red jumper cable lead to the positive terminal

Jump-starting a Prius is not much different from jump-starting a gas-powered vehicle. To jump-start a Prius, you will need jumper cables, an assisting vehicle, and a solid metallic point.

Before you start, make sure both vehicles are parked with their engines off. Then, follow these steps:

Step 1: Open the hood and locate the fuse box

Open your car's hood and look under the fuse box cover to find the jump start terminal. The fuse box is located on the driver's side near the headlight at the front of the engine bay. It is housed under a black, plastic cover.

Step 2: Connect the red jumper cable to the positive terminal

Remove the fuse box cover by releasing the clips on the side. Set the cover aside as you will need to replace it later. Inside the fuse box, you will find a positive terminal marked with a "+" symbol and surrounded by red plastic. This is where you will connect the red jumper cable lead. Make sure the connection is secure.

Step 3: Connect the red cable to the assisting vehicle

Connect the other end of the red jumper cable to the positive terminal on the assisting vehicle.

Step 4: Connect the black cable to a bolt on the Prius

Since there is no ground terminal inside the Prius fuse box, you will need to ground the black cable on a bolt that is attached to the body of the car. Look for a bolt that is not painted to ensure a strong connection.

Step 5: Connect the black cable to the assisting vehicle

Connect the other end of the black cable to the negative terminal on the assisting vehicle's battery. Be careful, as touching the ends of the cables together will create sparks once both cables are connected to the assisting vehicle's battery.

Step 6: Start the engine of the assisting vehicle

Start the engine of the assisting vehicle and let it run for a few minutes to charge the Prius' battery.

Step 7: Start the Prius

Get back into the Prius and attempt to start the engine. If the Prius doesn't start, you may need to wait a little longer for the battery to charge. Make sure the connections are secure if the charge doesn't seem to be working.

Step 8: Disconnect the jumper cables

Once the Prius is running, disconnect the jumper cables in the reverse order of how they were connected.

Frequently asked questions