Sensitive Smart Key Door Handle

[imtan8]

I was washing my Sienna and each time water was touching the door sensor for the Smart Key system it would beep. I thought the sensor was hit or the remote was being used. So I did some research and reading the user manual and found this.

Page 46
- The doors may unlock or lock if a large amount of water splashes on the
door handle, such as in the rain or in a car wash when the electronic key
is within the effective range. (The doors will automatically be locked after
approximately 60 seconds if the doors are not opened and closed.

Page 47
* Note for locking the doors

- If the door handle becomes wet while the electronic key is within the
effective range, the door may lock and unlock repeatedly. Place the key
in a position 6 ft. (2 m) or more separate from the vehicle while the vehicle is being washed. (Take care to ensure that the key is not stolen.)

- If the electronic key is inside the vehicle and a door handle becomes wet
during a car wash, a message may be shown on the multi-information
display and a buzzer will sound outside the vehicle. To turn off the alarm,
lock all the doors.

[vinceman]

When you say unlock, is there a chance the sliding doors will slide open (full service carwash in my local carwash is left unattended while in the machine)?

[imtan8]

I don't think it will open the sliding door but it made a constant beeping till I opened and closed the door for it to stop. On car wash places most of the cars are left running/on so I don't think its effected.

[Biggoldfish]

Happens with the next-gen Prius handles as well.

[bullfrog23414]

Originally Posted by vinceman

When you say unlock, is there a chance the sliding doors will slide open (full service carwash in my local carwash is left unattended while in the machine)?

It won't open the sliding doors because you actually have to pull those handles to have the door unlock/open, unlike the front handles that you just have to touch.

I literally laughed aloud when I first read that part of the manual (ensure your keys aren't stolen).

With a lot of cars you have to push a button on the handle to use the smart key - looks like this is the one downfall of the "touch" rather than "push" system. Overall, I like the way the smart key works (touch), so it's a minor inconvenience.

[aston4]

When I read all these weird things i'm so glad I have a regular key.

[Biggoldfish]

Originally Posted by aston4

When I read all these weird things i'm so glad I have a regular key.

Me too but I have the power sliding side doors as part of a package.

[AML]

The Smart Key is a capacitive system. Anything that conducts electricity coming into contact with the sensors will set it off (if key is in range obviously).

[Biggoldfish]

IIRC, on the newer gen Priuses, you have to touch the top back of the driver's handle for it to unlock/disarm and both the handle's front top and bottom to lock/arm. Took a little getting used to.

[AML]

Originally Posted by Biggoldfish

IIRC, on the newer gen Priuses, you have to touch the top back of the driver's handle for it to unlock/disarm and both the handle's front top and bottom to lock/arm. Took a little getting used to.

It's actually the other way around. They replaced the design from a physical black button on the front side with a V-shaped capacitive touch indent on the top side for the locking/arming mechanism. Unlock remains the same requiring you to just grab the handle.

[Biggoldfish]

Originally Posted by AML

It's actually the other way around. They replaced the design from a physical black button on the front side with a V-shaped capacitive touch indent on the top side for the locking/arming mechanism. Unlock remains the same requiring you to just grab the handle.

So they DID improve on it! Glad to know.