If you press the “Pre-Start CHK” button, you’ll see a Help window showing you the procedure (see Pic8). You should probably read this forum posting to the end so you know what’s coming. The rest of the steps are timed so be ready. Keep your OLD working key fob inside the Prius. Following the instructions on the next screen, place the NEW unpaired key fob outside of the Prius. In my case, I have 2 key fobs paired and I can pair an additional 5. The next window tells you how many key fobs are currently paired to your Prius and how many more key fobs you can pair. You will now see a popup window with a checklist.
Then choose “Smart Code Registration” and click the green arrow on the bottom right to continue. In the next screen, click Utility on the left. So choose the selection that sounds like what you need to program your key fob. Depending on your version (or maybe your vehicle), you may see different names for these features. Select “Smart Key” and click the green arrow on the bottom right. After waiting about a minute, you’ll encounter a selection screen.
I assume that refers to the functionality to lock your doors by touching that area on your driver door handle. Input your vehicle information into the pop-up window. Then press “Connect to Vehicle” on the top left. Connect the other end of the cable to the OBDII port under your steering wheel. Connect the Mini-VCI cable to your laptop.
Also, I had to install 2 drivers in Windows Device Manager (not just 1). For example, it would tell me to run a file called “Setup.exe” when it was really something like “TIS SETUP.EXE”. My version came with instructions that were not very precise. Then go ahead and install Techstream software onto your laptop.
Many listings for less than $20 are only selling the cable plus “drivers” on a CD (which is NOT the Techstream software). Make sure what you’re buying is a physical cable AND the Techstream software.
Mini-VCI cable & Techstream software – I bought my version from eBay for $35 from someone with 1000+ rating and 100% positive feedback.But if you have to buy an old laptop to do this, then maybe the cheapest/best avenue for you is to go to an automotive locksmith. Fortunately, I had one lying around, but I assume you could buy one for less than $100 if you had to. I’ve heard that it’s preferable to have 32-bit Windows, but I used Windows 7 64-bit and that worked for me. Old laptop that has USB and running Windows.Other options would be to go to an automotive locksmith, go to your Toyota dealership, or buy an expensive tool (like AUTEL). Officially, this costs over $1,000 (link to flyer) but you can buy a pirated version on eBay for less than $40. This is proprietary software that Toyota service technicians use to work on Toyota vehicles. The cheapest way to program a new key fob to work in your Prius is with the Toyota Techstream software. Starting with Gen3, there is no chicken dance. Google it if you don't know what I'm talking about. I am certainly not a pro, but I've tried to impart what I know below.įor Gen2, you can program a key fob using the chicken dance. I used Techstream version 13.00.022 so my steps and pics may be different from your version. I didn’t see anything like this when I searched through the forums so I figured I’d write one up, since I have to program my key fob anyway.