smart key not functioning on 2005 Prius

Most likely to keep from running the battery down (smartkey causes small 12v drain) the bodyshop turned it off with the switch located on the panel under the steering wheel marked 'smartkey, press the button one time.

there is a KEY button below the steering wheel, under the dashboard. try that first. i hit mine accidentally and that was the only reason it wasn't working!!!!

Our 2008 Toyota Prius' 12 volt battery needed to be replaced. But since then we've been having difficulty getting the electronic key to work. We have already changed that battery too but it takes several times to get the car started. Is this a common problem with the Prius? Or am I doing something wrong?

I had this problem with a 2001 Prius (which doesn't have the button below the steering wheel). Checked the batteries in each key and fuses etc., but couldn't find anything wrong. Then a day later it started working again. It must have been caused by radio interference. (A weather station I have that uses similar frequencies also stopped and started working at the same time.) I haven't found the culprit but the lesson to learn is to try moving your car if this happens.

I had no idea the button was there. This worked for me. My little girl must have kicked it when she was greeting me after coming home from work. =)

does the button need to be pushed in or out? both or just the right/left?

IPO 9hi 20l 20 8lji8