Imagine yourself stranded on the side of the road with a dead Prius battery and a key stuck inside the remote. The situation is not only frustrating but can also be potentially dangerous. Don’t panic! With a little patience and ingenuity, you can extract the Prius key from the remote without damaging it. In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through the simple steps to retrieve your key and get back on the road quickly and safely.
The first step is to locate the small button on the back of the remote. This button is typically recessed and may require a pen or sharp object to press. Once you have found the button, press and hold it while simultaneously pulling on the key. The key should slide out smoothly. If the key does not come out easily, try wiggling it gently while pulling. Do not use excessive force, as this could damage the key or the remote.
Once you have successfully extracted the Prius key from the remote, you can use it to unlock the vehicle and start the engine. If the battery is still dead, you will need to jump-start the car using a set of jumper cables. Once the car is running, you can replace the key in the remote and continue on your journey. Remember to keep a spare key in a safe place in case you experience this situation again in the future.
Identifying the Removable Key
The Prius keyless entry system is a convenient way to lock and unlock your vehicle without having to fumble with keys. However, there may be times when you need to remove the physical key from the remote, such as when you need to use it to manually open the trunk or door.
The removable key is typically located inside the remote, and you can access it by following these steps:
- Locate the small button on the side of the remote. This button is usually located near the top or bottom of the remote.
- Press and hold the button while simultaneously pulling the remote apart. The remote should come apart into two pieces, revealing the removable key.
- Remove the removable key from the remote. The key will be a small, metal key that is typically about 2 inches long.
Once you have removed the removable key, you can use it to manually open the trunk or door. To do this, simply insert the key into the keyhole and turn it. The trunk or door will then open.
It is important to note that the removable key is only for use in emergencies. You should not use it to regularly open the trunk or door, as this could damage the key or the lock.
Here is a table summarizing the steps for identifying the removable key:
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1 | Locate the small button on the side of the remote. |
| 2 | Press and hold the button while simultaneously pulling the remote apart. |
| 3 | Remove the removable key from the remote. |
Locating the Key Release Button
The key release button on a Prius remote is typically located on the back of the remote, near the bottom. It may be a small, round button, or it may be a longer, rectangular button. The button may be labeled with a key icon or with the words “Key Release.” If you cannot find the key release button on the back of the remote, it may be located on the side of the remote.
Once you have located the key release button, press it and hold it down. The key will pop out of the remote. If the key does not pop out, you may need to apply more pressure to the button. You may also need to wiggle the key back and forth while pressing the button.
Here is a step-by-step guide on how to locate the key release button on a Prius remote:
| Step | Instructions |
|---|---|
| 1 | Turn the Prius remote over so that the back is facing you. |
| 2 | Locate the key release button. It will be a small, round or rectangular button, typically located near the bottom of the remote. |
| 3 | Press and hold the key release button. The key will pop out of the remote. |
Removing the Key
Getting your Prius key out of the remote can be a bit tricky, but it’s possible with a little patience and the right tools. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
1. Remove the key from the ignition. If you’re having trouble removing the key, you may need to jiggle it back and forth while pulling it out.
2. Locate the small button on the back of the remote. This button is usually located near the bottom of the remote, and it may be covered by a small rubber flap.
3. Press and hold the button while pulling the key out of the remote. The key should slide out easily.
4. If the key is stuck, you may need to use a small screwdriver or other tool to pry it out. Be careful not to damage the remote or the key.
Option 1: Using a Small Screwdriver
|
Option 2: Using a Paperclip
|
5. Once the key is out of the remote, you can reinsert it into the ignition and start your car.
Sliding the Key Out of the Shell
Locate the small opening in the side of the fob, typically below the Toyota logo. This opening is for the emergency key release.
Insert the tip of a thin object, such as a paperclip or screwdriver, into the opening and gently push down.
Simultaneously, use your thumb to apply pressure on the front of the remote, pushing in the direction of the arrow marked on the fob. This will release the lock mechanism.
Slide the key out of the remote’s shell by gently pulling on the exposed portion of the emergency key.
Handle the key with care, as it is delicate and can easily be damaged.
To reinsert the key into the remote, align the key with the groove inside the shell and slide it back in until it clicks into place.
How To Get Prius Key Out Of Remote
Unlocking with the Key Fob
Press the button on the key fob once to unlock the driver’s door.
Unclip the Key
Locate the small button on the back of the key fob and press it to unclip the key.
Insert the Key into the Slot
Insert the key into the slot located on the bottom of the steering column.
Turn the Key to Start
Turn the key clockwise to start the vehicle.
Alternative Methods for Specific Prius Models
2010-2015 Prius
If the key fob battery is dead, you can use the mechanical key to unlock the door. Insert the key into the keyhole located on the driver’s side door handle and turn it clockwise to unlock the door.
2016-2022 Prius
If the key fob battery is dead, you can use the Toyota Smart Key System to unlock the door. Approach the vehicle with the key fob in your pocket or purse and touch the door handle. The door will automatically unlock.
2023 Prius
The 2023 Prius has a Digital Key feature that allows you to unlock the vehicle using your smartphone. Download the Toyota app and follow the instructions to set up the Digital Key. Once the Digital Key is set up, you can unlock the vehicle by holding your smartphone near the door handle.
| Model | Alternative Method |
|---|---|
| 2010-2015 Prius | Mechanical key |
| 2016-2022 Prius | Toyota Smart Key System |
| 2023 Prius | Digital Key |
Checking the Key Battery
If your Prius key fob is no longer working properly, the first step is to check the key battery. The key battery is located inside the fob, and it can be easily replaced. To check the key battery, follow these steps:
- Press the small button on the back of the key fob to release the key.
- Slide the key out of the fob.
- Locate the small battery compartment on the back of the key.
- Use a small screwdriver or coin to open the battery compartment.
- Remove the old battery and insert a new one. The new battery should be a CR2025 or CR2016 battery.
- Close the battery compartment and slide the key back into the fob.
- Test the key fob to make sure it is working properly.
If the key fob is still not working properly, the problem may be with the key fob itself or with the car’s immobilizer system. In this case, you will need to take the car to a qualified mechanic for diagnosis and repair.
Key Battery Replacement Cost
The cost of replacing a Prius key battery will vary depending on the year and model of your car. However, you can expect to pay between $5 and $20 for a new battery. You can also purchase a key fob battery replacement kit online for around $10.
How Long Does a Prius Key Battery Last?
The average lifespan of a Prius key battery is 3 to 5 years. However, the battery may last longer or shorter depending on how often you use the key fob. If you use the key fob frequently, the battery may need to be replaced more often.
How to Get Prius Key Out of Remote
Getting the key out of your Prius remote is a simple process that can be completed in just a few steps.
- Locate the small button on the back of the remote.
- Press and hold the button while sliding the key out.
- If the key does not slide out easily, you may need to wiggle it back and forth slightly while pressing the button.
Once the key is out, you can use it to unlock your Prius or start the engine.
People Also Ask
How do I replace the battery in my Prius remote?
To replace the battery in your Prius remote, you will need a small Phillips head screwdriver.
- Flip the remote over so that the back is facing you.
- Use the screwdriver to remove the two screws that hold the back in place.
- Carefully lift the back off the remote.
- Locate the battery and remove it from the holder.
- Insert a new battery into the holder, making sure that the positive and negative terminals are aligned correctly.
- Put the back of the remote back on and screw it in place.
How do I program my Prius remote?
To program your Prius remote, you will need to be inside the vehicle.
- Insert the key into the ignition and turn it to the “ON” position.
- Do not start the engine.
- Within 5 seconds, press the “LOCK” button on the remote 6 times.
- Within 10 seconds, press the “UNLOCK” button on the remote once.
- Within 10 seconds, press the “LOCK” button on the remote 2 times.
- Your remote is now programmed.
