Programming a new key fob for your 2009 Toyota Prius might seem daunting, but it’s actually a straightforward process you can accomplish at home. This guide provides a comprehensive, step-by-step procedure to program a genuine Toyota key fob for your 2009 Prius. Whether you need to program a basic key fob for engine start/stop or a more advanced Smart Key fob with remote lock/unlock and Smart Key System (SKS) functionality, we’ve got you covered.
It’s crucial to understand that this guide is specifically for brand new key fobs purchased from a Toyota dealer. Aftermarket fobs or used fobs from online marketplaces like eBay may not be compatible with the full functionality of your 2009 Toyota Prius, particularly the Smart Key System. For optimal performance and to ensure successful programming, always opt for a genuine Toyota key fob from an authorized dealer.
This guide is tailored for Gen II Prius models (2004-2009). Often referred to as the “chicken dance” due to the sequence of actions, this method is proven and reliable. Follow these instructions carefully to program your new 2009 Toyota Prius key fob successfully.
Procedure A: Programming for Engine Start/Stop (All Fobs)
This initial procedure is essential for all new key fobs, regardless of whether they are black or chrome logo fobs and regardless of SKS functionality. This step ensures your new fob can start and stop your 2009 Toyota Prius when inserted into the key port.
Step 1: Prepare Your Prius
Get inside your 2009 Toyota Prius, ensuring all doors are closed and unlocked. Verify that your car is completely turned off.
Step 2: Engage Programming Sequence with Old Fob
Take your old, working key fob (the one currently functioning with your Prius). Insert it into the key slot and remove it four times in quick succession. On the fifth insertion, leave the old fob inserted in the slot.
Step 3: Door Cycling
Open and close the driver’s side door six times.
Step 4: Enter Programming Mode
Remove the old key fob from the slot. At this point, your 2009 Toyota Prius should be in key fob programming mode. You’ll notice the red anti-theft light on the dashboard remaining illuminated (not flashing).
Step 5: Program New Fob – Start/Stop Function
Insert your new, unprogrammed key fob into the slot and leave it there for a full minute. Observe the red anti-theft light on your dashboard. It will be blinking initially. When the anti-theft light stops flashing and turns off completely, the start/stop programming for your new fob is complete.
Step 6: Finalize Procedure A
Remove the new key fob from the slot. You have now successfully programmed the START/STOP function for your new 2009 Toyota Prius key fob.
A typical Toyota Prius key fob, similar to those used in the 2009 model, highlighting the physical interface for key insertion.
Next Steps:
- If your new key fob is a CHROME LOGO fob and your 2009 Prius has the Smart Key System (SKS) functionality, proceed to PROCEDURE B to program remote lock/unlock and Smart Key functions.
- If your new key fob is a BLACK LOGO fob and your 2009 Prius DOES NOT have Smart Key System (SKS) functionality, proceed to PROCEDURE C to program remote lock/unlock functions.
Procedure B: Programming Chrome Logo Fobs with Smart Key System (SKS)
This procedure is specifically for programming chrome logo key fobs to enable remote lock/unlock and Smart Key functionality on 2009 Toyota Prius models equipped with the Smart Key System.
Step 1: Initial Setup for SKS Programming
Open the driver’s side door and leave it open. Ensure no key fob is inserted in the slot and that the driver’s door is unlocked. The status of other doors (locked or unlocked) doesn’t matter.
Step 2: Old Fob Insertion Sequence (Part 1)
Within 5 seconds of completing Step 1, take your old, working key fob and insert it into the key slot and remove it twice.
Step 3: Door Cycling (Part 1)
Within 40 seconds of completing Step 2, close and then open the driver’s side door twice.
Step 4: Old Fob Insertion Sequence (Part 2)
Within 40 seconds of completing Step 3, insert your old key fob into the slot and remove it once.
Step 5: Door Cycling (Part 2)
Within 40 seconds of completing Step 4, close and then open the driver’s side door twice again.
Step 6: Old Fob Insertion and Door Closure
Insert your old key fob into the slot and close the driver’s side door.
Step 7: Power Button Sequence (No Brake)
Without pressing the brake pedal, press the power button on your 2009 Toyota Prius. Wait for one second, press it again, wait another second, and then press it a third time to turn the car back off.
Step 8: Remove Old Fob and Enter “Add Mode”
Remove the old key fob from the 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 may vary slightly depending on your specific 2009 Prius model, but it should cycle at least once. If the doors do not cycle, return to Step 1 and repeat Procedure B. If the doors cycle, proceed to Step 9.
Step 9: Program New Fob and Verify SKS Functionality
9a: Program Old/Master Fob: Within 40 seconds of completing Step 8, press and hold both the Lock and Unlock buttons simultaneously on your OLD/MASTER key fob for a couple of seconds. You should observe the door locks cycle once. If this does not happen, it might be due to a weak CR 2032 battery in your old fob. Replace the battery and try Step 9a again.
9b: Program New Fob: Immediately after Step 9a, press and hold both the Lock and Unlock buttons simultaneously on your NEW key fob 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: Lock Button Verification: Within three seconds of Step 9b, press the Lock button on the NEW key fob. If the programming is successful, the door locks should cycle once to indicate confirmation. Be patient as the lock/unlock cycle might take a moment. If you wait for a reasonable time (up to a minute) and there’s no cycle, proceed to Step 10 and test the SKS functions of your new fob to see if they work. If SKS functions work despite no lock/unlock cycle during programming, it’s likely programmed correctly.
9d: Program Additional Fobs (Optional): If you need to program another new key fob, repeat steps 9a, 9b, and 9c for each additional new fob you want to program.
Step 10: Exit Programming Mode
To finalize the programming process and exit “add mode,” simply open and then close the driver’s door, or insert any key fob into the key slot.
A chrome logo Toyota Prius Smart Key Fob, designed for models with Smart Key System functionality, commonly used with 2009 Prius models.
Procedure C: Programming Black Logo Fobs without Smart Key System (Non-SKS)
This procedure is for programming black logo key fobs for 2009 Toyota Prius models that are not equipped with the Smart Key System (SKS). This will program the remote lock/unlock functions.
Step 1: Prepare for Non-SKS Programming
Open the driver’s door, ensuring no key fob is in the slot and all doors are unlocked.
Step 2: Old Fob Insertion Sequence (Part 1)
Within 5 seconds of completing Step 1, insert your old, working key fob into the key slot and remove it twice.
Step 3: Door Cycling (Part 1)
Close and then open the driver’s door twice.
Step 4: Old Fob Insertion Sequence (Part 2)
Insert your old key fob into the slot and remove it once.
Step 5: Door Cycling (Part 2)
Close and then open the driver’s door twice again.
Step 6: Old Fob Insertion and Door Closure
Insert your old key fob into the slot and close the driver’s door.
Step 7: Power Button Sequence (No Brake)
Without pressing the brake pedal, press the power button, wait a second, press it again, wait a second, and press it a third time to turn the car back off.
Step 8: Remove Old Fob and Enter “Add Mode”
Remove the old key fob from the slot. Your 2009 Prius should enter “add mode.”
Step 9: Verify “Add Mode”
Your 2009 Toyota Prius should automatically lock and unlock the doors twice to confirm it has successfully entered “add mode”. If it does not cycle the locks twice, repeat Procedure C from Step 1.
Step 10: Program New Fob – Button Press (Part 1)
Press and hold both buttons (Lock and Unlock) on the new black logo key fob simultaneously for about 1.5 seconds.
Step 11: Program New Fob – Button Press (Part 2)
Within 3 seconds of Step 10, press just the Lock button on the new key fob.
Step 12: Verification of Programming
Your 2009 Toyota Prius should respond with one quick lock/unlock cycle to confirm that the new key fob is successfully programmed. If the car responds with two lock/unlock cycles, it indicates that the programming was unsuccessful. In this case, try repeating Procedure C again. It’s also possible that the new key fob is faulty or that there are too many key fobs already programmed to your vehicle.
Step 13: Exit Programming Mode
To exit the programming mode, open and then close the driver’s door or insert any key fob into the key slot.
Important Notes and Tips:
- Practice Makes Perfect: It’s recommended to practice these steps a few times (a “dry run”) before actually attempting to program your key fob. This will help you become familiar with the sequence and timings.
- Genuine Toyota Fobs: Always use genuine OEM Toyota key fobs purchased from a dealer for the best results. Part numbers for reference:
- OEM Fob Part # for Smart Access (Chrome Logo/SKS): 89994-47061
- OEM Fob Part # for Non-Smart Access (Black Logo/Non-SKS): 89070-47180
- Battery Condition: Ensure the battery in your old, working key fob is in good condition, especially for Procedure B. A weak battery can sometimes interfere with the programming process. Consider replacing the CR 2032 battery in your old fob if you encounter issues.
- Troubleshooting: If you encounter difficulties, carefully re-read each step and ensure you are following the instructions precisely, particularly the timing aspects of each procedure. If problems persist, consult a Toyota dealership for assistance.
By following these detailed steps, you should be able to successfully program a new key fob for your 2009 Toyota Prius and regain full access and functionality.
