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Conditions affecting operation
The smart entry & start system, wireless remote control and immobilizer sys-
tem use weak radio waves. In the following situations, the communication
between the electronic key and the vehicle may be affected, preventing the
smart entry & start system, wireless remote control and immobilizer system
from operating properly. (Ways of coping: P. 519)
When the electronic key battery is depleted
Near a TV tower, electric power plant, gas station, radio station, large dis-
play, airport or other facility that generates strong radio waves or electri-
cal noise
When carrying a portable radio, cellular phone, cordless phone or other
wireless communication devices
When the electronic key is in contact with, or is covered by the following
metallic objects
• Cards to which aluminum foil is attached
• Cigarette boxes that have aluminum foil inside
• Metallic wallets or bags
• Coins
• Hand warmers made of metal
• Media such as CDs and DVDs
When other wireless key (that emit radio waves) is being used nearby
When carrying the electronic key together with the following devices that
emit radio waves
• Another vehicle’s electronic key or a wireless key that emits radio
waves
• Personal computers or personal digital assistants (PDAs)
• Digital audio players
• Portable game systems
If window tint with a metallic content or metallic objects are attached to
the rear window
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Note for the entry function
Even when the electronic key is within the effective range (detection
areas), the system may not operate properly in the following cases:
• The electronic key is too close to the window or outside door handle,
near the ground, or in a high place when the doors are locked or
unlocked.
• The electronic key is on the instrument panel, luggage cover, floor, or in
the door pockets or glove box when the hybrid system is started or
“POWER” switch modes are changed.
Do not leave the electronic key on top of the instrument panel or near the
door pockets when exiting the vehicle. Depending on the radio wave
reception conditions, it may be detected by the antenna outside the cabin
and the door will become lockable from the outside, possibly trapping the
electronic key inside the vehicle.
As long as the electronic key is within the effective range, the doors may
be locked or unlocked by anyone.
Even if the electronic key is not inside the vehicle, it may be possible to
start the hybrid system if the electronic key is near the window.
The doors may unlock 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 door will automatically be locked after
approximately 30 seconds if the doors are not opened and closed.)
If the wireless remote control is used to lock the doors when the elec-
tronic key is near the vehicle, there is a possibility that the door may not
be unlocked by the entry function. (Use the wireless remote control to
unlock the doors.)
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Note for locking the doors
Touching the door lock sensor while wearing gloves may delay or prevent
lock operation. Remove the gloves and touch the lock sensor again.
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 2 m (6 ft.) or more separate from the vehicle while the vehi-
cle 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 buzzer will sound outside the vehicle. To turn off the
alarm, lock all the doors.
The lock sensor may not work properly if it comes into contact with ice,
snow, mud, etc. Clean the lock sensor and attempt to operate it again, or
use the lock sensor on the lower part of the door handle.
Fingernails may scrape against the door during operation of the door
handle. Be careful not to injure fingernails or damage the surface of the
door.
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Note for the unlocking function
A sudden approach to the effective range or door handle may prevent the
doors from being unlocked. In this case, return the door handle to the
original position and check that the doors unlock before pulling the door
handle again.
Gripping the door handle when wearing a glove may not unlock the door.
Remove the gloves and touch the sensor on the back of the door handle
again.
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 2 m (6 ft.) or more separate from the vehicle while the vehi-
cle is being washed. (Take care to ensure that the key is not stolen.)
If there is another electronic key in the detection area, it may take slightly
longer to unlock the doors after the door handle is gripped.
Fingernails may scrape against the door during operation of the door
handle. Be careful not to injure fingernails or damage the surface of the
door.
When the vehicle is not driven for extended periods
To prevent theft of the vehicle, do not leave the electronic key within 2 m
(6 ft.) of the vehicle.
The smart entry & start system can be deactivated in advance. (P. 554)
To operate the system properly
Make sure to carry the electronic key when operating the system. Do not get
the electronic key too close to the vehicle when operating the system from
the outside of the vehicle.
Depending on the position and holding condition of the electronic key, the
key may not be detected correctly and the system may not operate properly.
(The door lock prevention may not operate.)
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If the smart entry & start system does not operate properly
Locking and unlocking the doors: Use the mechanical key. (P. 519)
Starting the hybrid system: P. 520
Electronic key battery depletion
The standard battery life is 1 to 2 years.
As the electronic key always receives radio waves, the battery will
become depleted even if the electronic key is not used. The following
symptoms indicate that the electronic key battery may be depleted.
Replace the battery when necessary. (P. 430)
• The smart entry & start system or the wireless remote control does not
operate.
• The detection area becomes smaller.
• The LED indicator on the key surface does not turn on.
To avoid serious deterioration, do not leave the electronic key within 1 m
(3 ft.) of the following electrical appliances that produce a magnetic field:
•TVs
• Personal computers
• Cellular phones, cordless phones and battery chargers
• Recharging cellular phones or cordless phones
• Induction cookers
• Table lamps
When the electronic key battery is fully depleted
P. 430
Customization
Settings (e.g. smart entry & start system) can be changed.
(Customizable features P. 554)
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Certification for the smart entry & start system
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79 1-3. Opening, closing and locking the doors
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80 1-3. Opening, closing and locking the doors
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