2007 Toyota Prius Key Fob Programming: Step-by-Step Guide

Losing or needing to replace your key fob for your 2007 Toyota Prius can be inconvenient. Fortunately, programming a new key fob for your 2007 Toyota Prius can often be done at home, saving you a trip to the dealership. This guide provides a detailed, step-by-step procedure to program a new, genuine Toyota key fob for your Gen II Prius.

Important Disclaimer: This programming procedure is specifically for brand new key fobs purchased from a Toyota dealer or authorized Toyota parts retailer online. Key fobs from third-party sellers, especially those found on sites like eBay, are frequently used or factory rejects and may not be programmable for full Smart Key System (SKS) functionality. While some dealerships might sell through eBay, ensure you are purchasing from a verified, genuine Toyota source.

This guide is exclusively for second-generation (Gen II) Toyota Prius models. This programming method is sometimes informally called the “chicken dance” due to the sequence of actions required.

We are confident in the accuracy and reliability of this procedure. However, if you encounter any issues or believe there are inaccuracies, please let us know.

Action steps are indicated in BOLD TEXT for clarity.

PROCEDURE A: Initial Programming for Engine Start/Stop (All Fobs)

This procedure is essential for all new key fobs, regardless of whether they are black or chrome logo fobs or if your Prius has Smart Key System (SKS) functionality. Completing these steps will program the basic engine start/stop function when the fob is inserted into the key port.

Enter your 2007 Toyota Prius, close all doors, and ensure all doors are unlocked. Verify the car is completely turned off.
Take your old, working key fob and insert it into the key slot. Remove it immediately. Repeat this insert and remove action four times in quick succession. On the fifth insertion, leave the old key fob inserted in the slot.
Open and close the driver’s side door six times.
Remove the old key fob from the key slot. At this point, your Prius should be in key fob programming mode. You will typically see the red anti-theft light remain illuminated (not flashing).
Insert your new, unprogrammed key fob into the key slot and leave it there for one full minute. Observe the red anti-theft light on your dashboard. It will be blinking. Wait until the blinking stops and the light goes completely off. This indicates the basic start/stop programming is complete.
Remove the new key fob from the slot. The START/STOP engine function programming is now finished.
- If your Prius has Smart Key System (SKS) and you have a chrome logo key fob, proceed to PROCEDURE B to program remote door lock/unlock and Smart Key functionality.
- If your Prius does NOT have Smart Key System (SKS) or you have a black logo key fob, proceed to PROCEDURE C to program remote door lock/unlock functionality.

PROCEDURE B: Programming Chrome Logo Key Fobs for SKS Functionality

This procedure is specifically for chrome logo key fobs on 2007 Toyota Prius vehicles equipped with the Smart Key System (SKS). These steps will enable remote door lock/unlock and the convenience of SMART KEY functionality (keyless entry and start).

Open the driver’s side door and leave it open. Ensure no key fob is in the key slot. Confirm that the driver’s door is unlocked. The other doors can be either locked or unlocked; it does not affect the procedure. Complete the next step within 5 seconds.
Insert your old, working key fob into the key slot and remove it twice in rapid succession. Complete steps 3 and 4 within 40 seconds of completing step 2.
Close and then open the driver’s side door twice.
Insert the old key fob into the key slot and remove it once. Complete steps 5, 6, 7, and 8 within 40 seconds of completing step 4.
Close and open the driver’s side door twice again.
Insert the old key fob into the key slot and close the driver’s door.
Without pressing the brake pedal, press the power button on your Prius. Wait for one second, press it again, wait another second, and then press it a third time to turn the car back off. This sequence should be done without starting the engine.
Remove the old key fob from the key 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 to confirm it has entered add mode. The exact number of lock/unlock cycles can vary slightly depending on the specific Prius model, but it should cycle at least once. If the doors do not cycle, return to step 1 and repeat the procedure. If the doors cycle, proceed to step 9.

Alt text: Close up of a hand inserting a Toyota Prius key fob into the key port located on the steering column, illustrating the first step in key fob programming procedure.

Steps 9a, 9b, and 9c should be initiated within 40 seconds of completing step 8.
Programming the NEW Key Fob:
- 9a: Press and hold the Lock and Unlock buttons simultaneously on your OLD/MASTER key fob. Hold them down for a couple of seconds. The door locks should cycle once. If you do not get this lock cycle, it might indicate a low battery in your old key fob (CR 2032 battery). Replace the battery in your old fob and try step 9a again.
- 9b: Immediately after step 9a, press and hold both the Lock and Unlock buttons simultaneously on your NEW key fob. Hold for about 1.5 seconds. Some users have reported needing to repeat this step twice for successful programming. If it doesn’t work the first time, try executing step 9b twice.
- 9c: Within three seconds of step 9b, press the Lock button on your NEW key fob. If the programming is successful, the door locks will cycle once to confirm. Be patient; the lock/unlock cycle might not be instantaneous. Wait for a minute before assuming it hasn’t worked. If you wait for over a minute and there is no lock/unlock cycle, proceed to step 10 and test the SKS functions of your new fob to see if they are working despite the lack of confirmation.
- 9d: If you need to program additional new key fobs, repeat steps 9a, 9b, and 9c for each additional new fob. Once you have programmed all desired new fobs, proceed to step 10 to exit programming mode.
To exit key fob programming mode, simply open and then close the driver’s door, or insert any key fob into the key slot.

PROCEDURE C: Programming Black Logo Key Fobs for Non-SKS Functionality

This procedure is for black logo key fobs on 2007 Toyota Prius models that are not equipped with the Smart Key System (SKS). These steps will program the remote door lock/unlock functionality.

Open the driver’s side door with no key fob in the key slot, and ensure all doors are unlocked.
Insert your old, working key fob into the key slot and remove it twice within 5 seconds.
Close and then open the driver’s side door twice.
Insert the old key fob into the key slot and remove it once.
Close and open the driver’s side door twice again.
Insert the old key fob into the key slot and close the driver’s door.
Without pressing the brake pedal, press the power button on your Prius. Wait for one second, press it again, wait another second, and then press it a third time to turn the car back off. Do not start the engine.
Remove the old key fob from the key slot. Your Prius should now be in “add mode.”
The car should automatically lock and unlock the doors twice to confirm it has entered add mode.
Press and hold both buttons (Lock and Unlock) on your NEW key fob simultaneously for about 1.5 seconds.
Within 3 seconds of step 10, press just the Lock button on your NEW key fob.
The car should respond with one quick lock/unlock cycle to confirm successful programming of the new fob. If the car responds with two lock/unlock cycles, it indicates that the programming was unsuccessful. In this case, try the procedure again, ensure you are using a genuine new fob, or consider that you might have reached the maximum number of fobs that can be programmed to your Prius.
To exit programming mode, open and then close the driver’s door, or insert any key fob into the key slot.

Alt text: Dashboard view highlighting the blinking red security indicator light on a Toyota Prius, a key signal during the key fob programming sequence, typically indicating the system is in programming mode or recognizing key activity.

Genuine Toyota Prius Key Fob Part Numbers

Using genuine OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) parts is crucial for ensuring proper functionality and compatibility. Here are the OEM part numbers for 2007 Toyota Prius key fobs:

OEM Fob Part # for Smart Access (SKS): 89994-47061
OEM Fob Part # for Non-Smart Access (Non-SKS): 89070-47180

Pro Tip: It is highly recommended to practice these programming steps a few times (a “dry run”) before attempting to program your new key fob for the first time. This will help you become familiar with the sequence and timing, increasing your chances of successful programming on the first try.

Video Resource

For a visual guide, you may find this video helpful (Note: We did not create this video and are not responsible for its content):

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Further Assistance and Community Support

For additional information, troubleshooting tips, and community support, you can refer to this PriusChat forum thread:

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