Is your 2009 Toyota Prius key fob suddenly not working? It can be frustrating when your key fob fails to unlock your doors or start your car. Before you panic, let’s explore some common issues and quick fixes you can try right now.
First, let’s figure out exactly what’s not working. Are you able to unlock your doors using the push-buttons on your key fob, or are you completely locked out and forced to use the physical metal key to open the driver’s side door?
If the push-buttons on your remote are still working to unlock the doors, but the Smart Key System (SKS) isn’t functioning, there’s a simple check you can perform. Look under the steering column, to the left. You’ll find a button there – this is the SKS enable/disable button. Sometimes, this button can be accidentally bumped. For your SKS to work correctly, this button needs to be in the “out” position. If it’s pushed “in,” the SKS is turned off, and you’ll need to insert your key fob into the docking slot to start the car. Make sure this button is in the “out” position and test your key fob again.
However, if you can only get into your 2009 Prius using the metal key, and the car won’t start even when you insert the fob into the docking slot, the most likely culprit is a dead 12V battery. Leaving an interior light on, or not fully closing the hatch, can drain your battery. A jump start is usually the solution. After jump-starting, drive your Prius for about 30 minutes without turning it off to allow the battery to recharge. Before you shut off the engine, double-check that you haven’t left anything on that could have drained the battery.
Important Jump Start Warning: Before attempting a jump start, always double-check the correct polarity of your jumper cables. Incorrect polarity can seriously damage your Prius’s expensive inverter and blow fuses. You don’t need to connect directly to the small 12V battery in the back; you can use the designated jump start terminal located in the fuse box under the hood for easier and safer access.
By following these troubleshooting steps, you can often resolve a non-working key fob issue on your 2009 Toyota Prius quickly and easily. If these steps don’t solve the problem, it might be time to consult a professional mechanic for further diagnosis.
