Online Sources for Gen 2 Prius Key Fob
March 18, 2024 11:32 AM Subscribe
I would like to buy a key fob for my 2008 Gen 2 Toyota Prius, and I'd like to do it online if possible. I can't figure out what is legit and what isn't online.
The tl;dr here is: if I must, I will go spend $175 on a fob and $175 on programming it, but if a little extra knowledge would allow me to get an OEM fob for less and program it for less, that would be very nice.
The longer version:
1. Last time I bought a fob I did so in person at a dealership, and it cost $175 and the dealership sucked. I am wondering if I can get one that is (a) cheaper (but still OEM) and/or (b) avoid going into a dealership. Otherwise, my main concern is that it work, i.e. that SmartKey works and I don't have to put the fob into the little slot to start my car.
2. There are all sorts of sources online that claim to provide OEM, but some don't seem believable. There are prices that range from $75 to $200 which seems pretty wide, and makes me not confident that they are apples-to-apples.
3. I would totally buy used if used was fine, but is it?
4. Are there any known credible ebay shops or other online shops for this?
5. Do I really need to go pay $150 to have it programmed by a locksmith or is there some kind of very great YouTube video that allows me to do it myself?
6. I know there's a difference between Gen 2 "black logo" and "silver logo" fobs but all the Reddit and forum advice on this is exceptionally chatty and contradictory and frustrating.
The tl;dr here is: if I must, I will go spend $175 on a fob and $175 on programming it, but if a little extra knowledge would allow me to get an OEM fob for less and program it for less, that would be very nice.
The longer version:
1. Last time I bought a fob I did so in person at a dealership, and it cost $175 and the dealership sucked. I am wondering if I can get one that is (a) cheaper (but still OEM) and/or (b) avoid going into a dealership. Otherwise, my main concern is that it work, i.e. that SmartKey works and I don't have to put the fob into the little slot to start my car.
2. There are all sorts of sources online that claim to provide OEM, but some don't seem believable. There are prices that range from $75 to $200 which seems pretty wide, and makes me not confident that they are apples-to-apples.
3. I would totally buy used if used was fine, but is it?
4. Are there any known credible ebay shops or other online shops for this?
5. Do I really need to go pay $150 to have it programmed by a locksmith or is there some kind of very great YouTube video that allows me to do it myself?
6. I know there's a difference between Gen 2 "black logo" and "silver logo" fobs but all the Reddit and forum advice on this is exceptionally chatty and contradictory and frustrating.
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They note that you need a key that's never been programmed. I have bought what I think to be OEM keys from Ebay but I think they were refurbished, so that, I don't think will work for you. You might be able to buy a blank key fob from a dealer's parts office, but I didn't immediately see any online.
There's a review on this key that makes me think it'll work even though it's not OEM. I think as long as the FCC ID on your current key fob matches what you buy it should work (I guessed your FCC ID for the link above, so you should double check).
posted by gregr at 5:10 PM on March 18, 2024