Is your 2007 Prius key fob refusing to cooperate? It can be frustrating when your remote fails to unlock your doors using the push-buttons. You might find yourself having to resort to the physical metal key to gain entry. Let’s explore some common reasons why your 2007 Prius key fob might not be working and how you can troubleshoot the issue.
First, let’s differentiate between a completely unresponsive remote and one with partial functionality. If you’re unable to unlock your doors even with the push-buttons on your key fob, and the metal key is your only entry method, we need to investigate further.
However, if your push-buttons are working to unlock the car, but the Smart Key System (SKS) – which allows you to unlock the car by simply touching the door handle with the fob in your pocket – is not functioning, check the SKS enable button. This button is located below and to the left of your steering column. Ensure this button is in the “out” position. When pushed “in,” it disables the SKS, and you would need to insert your fob into the docking slot to start the car.
If the metal key is your only way to unlock your 2007 Prius, and the car won’t start even when the fob is in the docking slot, a likely culprit is a drained 12V battery. Accidentally leaving an interior light on, especially the cargo area light due to an improperly closed hatch, is a common cause of battery drain.
In this scenario, jump-starting your Prius might be necessary. After a successful jump start, driving for about 30 minutes without turning off the car should recharge the battery sufficiently. Before attempting a jump start, it’s crucial to double-check the correct polarity to avoid damaging the inverter or blowing fuses. You can utilize the jump starting lug located in the fuse/relay box under the hood, rather than directly connecting to the smaller 12V battery.
By systematically checking these potential issues, you can often diagnose why your 2007 Prius key fob is not working and get back on the road quickly.
