OPERATION OF INSTRUMENTS AND CONTROLS - Keys and Doors -> Keys for Your Toyota Prius 4 Door First Generation (1997-2003)

Keys  
A transponder chip for the hybrid vehicle  
immobiliser system has been filled in the  
head of the master and sub keys. These  
chips are required for the system to func-  
tion correctly, so be careful not to lose  
these keys. If you make your own dupli-  
cate key, you will not be able to cancel  
the system or start the hybrid system.  
To protect items locked in the trunk when  
someone else parks your vehicle for you  
(such as an attendant or valet), leave the  
sub key with them.  
Since the doors and trunk can be locked  
without a key, you should always carry a  
spare master key in case you accidentally  
lock your keys inside the vehicle.  
Your vehicle is supplied with two kinds  
of keys.  
NOTICE  
When using a key containing a trans-  
ponder chip, observe the following  
precautions:  
1. Master key (black)—This key works in  
every lock. Your Toyota dealer will  
need it to make you a new key with  
builtin transponder chip.  
z When starting the hybrid system,  
do not use the key with a key ring  
resting on the key grip and do not  
press the key ring against the key  
grip. Doing so may prevent the hy-  
brid system from starting.  
2. Sub key (gray)—This key will not work  
in the trunk.  
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z Do not cover the key grip with any  
material that cuts off electromagnet-  
ic waves.  
z Do not knock the key hard against  
other objects.  
z Do not leave the key exposed to  
high temperatures for a long period,  
such as on the dashboard or hood  
under direct sunlight.  
z Do not put the key in water or  
wash it in an ultrasonic washer.  
z Do not use the key with electromag-  
netic materials.  
z When starting the hybrid system,  
do not use the key in proximity  
with other transponder keys (includ-  
ing keys of other vehicles) and do  
not press other key plates against  
the key grip. Doing so may prevent  
the hybrid system from starting or,  
may cause the hybrid system to  
stop soon after it starts. If this hap-  
pens, remove the key once and  
then insert it again after taking off  
other transponder keys (including  
keys of other vehicles) from the  
ring or while gripping or covering  
them with your hand to start the  
hybrid system.  
z Do not bend the key grip.  
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