Keys for toyota Prius

infinityjrc, Nov 18, 8:39am
Hi I have just bought a second hand one and there is only a single key I was thinking that i should have a second key; can anyone tell me where is the best place to get a transponder key for it I am on the North shore but i am told these keys can cost hundreds of dollars, which I can't afford.

amberjandal, Nov 18, 9:09am
A Toyota Dealer is the only place , the key will need coding and Toyota Dealers are the only ones who can do that.

boojum, Nov 18, 9:29am
1998 Prius or 2012 Prius or something in between!

motorboy2011, Nov 18, 9:33am
Just get 2 copy's of it and duct tape the real key with the chip in it onto the steering colum under the plastic covers

a.woodrow, Nov 18, 10:12am
that wont work, they aren't a key as such, they are a transponder that you have to insert into a slot in the dash

motorboy2011, Nov 18, 10:19am
Ah bugger!

mm12345, Nov 18, 10:25am
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Transponder-Key-Blank-Fits-Toyota-Scion-/290801910225!pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&fits=Model%3APrius&hash=item43b52501d1&vxp=mtr

For about NZ$25, it's worth a try.
AFAIK programming involves obscure sequences of pressing brake pedals, accelerator pedal etc.
Plus, you need to get the key cut at a Mr Minute.

mm12345, Nov 18, 10:25am
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Transponder-Key-Blank-Fits-Toyota-Scion-/290801910225!pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&fits=Model%3APrius&hash=item43b52501d1&vxp=mtr For about NZ$25, it's worth a try.
AFAIK programming involves obscure sequences of pressing brake pedals, accelerator pedal etc.

Edit - perhaps this:
http://www.ehow.com/how_5054034_program-toyota-transponder-chip-key.html
Plus, you need to get the key cut at a Mr Minute.

gadgit3, Nov 18, 6:15pm
what people don't relize is there are at least 6 different transponder chip sets for toyota. You can't just buy any out toyota key and sign it on. it must match protocal. And the method for programing you posted works on UK Avensis only. Most toyota models use the drivers door pin switch and door loc switch to sign keys on. but I just use the IT tech tool to sign keys on far easyer and only takes a min rether then the 5 to 8 mins it takes the other way.
Also 2000 onward prius is a fob not a key required.

mm12345, Nov 18, 8:06pm
^^^
It's mentioned on the Ebay site about the different types of key, the door switch method is mentioned also in the other instructions.I's absurd that RFID tags which cost a few cents each to make are being sold for hundreds of dollars by car makers, worse that they're charging more than double what people in the US are complaining about. Is the "IT Tech" tool you mention something like this!:
http://www.amazon.com/Toyota-Smart-Keymaker-OBD-Chip/dp/B008MH97ZC

gadgit3, Nov 18, 8:48pm
Nah it's the Toyota Scan Tool used for trouble codes, reprograming and live data.

infinityjrc, Nov 18, 10:13pm
Hi thanks I dont understand much of the discussion however is the bottom line that I have to go to Toyota and pay an arm anda leg for a spare key!

mm12345, Nov 18, 11:06pm
That could be a yes, or a no, or a maybe.
I'd be tempted to try anything to avoid paying exorbitant "Toyota Tax" on a new key.Perhaps take a good photo of the key, and ask one of the sellers of the transponder keys on Ebay if they've got blanks which will work and if it's able to be programmed by the owner.

Edit:
I see that the Prius you bought is an old 2001, so perhaps the replacement key difficulty may not be a dire as for newer models.You should also phone a Toyota dealership, just in case the cost isn't as ridiculously high as rumoured.