How to Change the Battery in a Toyota Key Fob 2024 – 7 Easy and Simple Steps

Change the Battery in a Toyota Key Fob

Wondering How to Change the Battery in a Toyota Key Fob? Using a key fob to unlock the car allows you to get into the car super quickly.

However, there may come times when the system may not respond. There is no need to panic!

Most likely, your key fob battery needs to be replaced. A professional is not needed for this, and you can get the job done by yourself.

Our extensive guide will tell, you how to change the battery in a Toyota key fob!

What is a Key Fob?

A key fob is basically a small electronic device used in place of a key. It is designed to initiate an action with a press of a button.

You can use a key fob to unlock doors or even to start a car. As soon as the button on the key fob is pressed, the wireless systems associated with it are triggered.

Here you can look up the best cold air intake for your Toyota Tacoma & Tundra.

How Do Key Fobs Work?

How Do Key Fobs Work

The Key Fobs are programmed to open doors or any other action. The door consists of a reader, and the key fobs use radio waves for communication with the reader.

Radiofrequency identification (RFID) is utilized for the identification. This system operates as an electronic barcode.

Now, when the key fob is in the proximity of the reader, it opens the door. This is because the reader grants access to whoever has the key fob.

How to Change the Car Key Battery of Toyota?

Anyone can do the programming of the Toyota key fob easily. You need first to insert the new key that you intend to program into the ignition.

Next, turn the ignition ON. After around 8-13 seconds, you will notice that the security light will go on. It will be on for around 3 seconds.

The security light is an indication of the programming of the new key. If the security light doesn’t go on, then the key has not been programmed.

It is now time to look at the step-by-step guide of how to change the battery of the Toyota key fob.

Materials Required for Battery Replacement

  • A new battery
  • A thin object
  • Cotton swabs

How do You Open the Key Fob on a Toyota?

Newer Toyota Models

In the newer Toyota car models, You can use the hidden key. You can put the hidden key in a slot specifically designed to have the key fob case opened.

Older Toyota Models

When it comes to older Toyota models, you can unlock the case of the key fob by using a thin object. You can also use a screwdriver.

Steps of How to Change the Battery in a Toyota Key Fob

How to Change the Battery in a Toyota Key Fob

Without further ado, let’s have a look at the steps.

Step 1: Removing the Metal Ignition Key

The first thing you need to do is take out the metal ignition key from the key fob. You can do this by pressing a button on the side or the bottom of the key fob. Make sure to place it in a safe place.

Step 2: Opening the Key Fob

In the newer models, you can use the hidden key to open the key fob. In the older models, You can use any thin object to open the key fob. You can gently use a screwdriver to get this job done.

Step 3: Removing the Circuit Board

Once you have opened the key fob, you will then need to remove the circuit board carefully.

Step 4: Removing the Old Battery

At the back of the green circuit board, you will find the single-round battery. This needs to be replaced so you can gently remove it from the circuit.

Gently clean the circuit with a cotton swab and get rid of any dirt or debris deposited. There shouldn’t be any in the first place, but you can clean it if there is.

Step 5: Replacing the Old Battery with a New One

Next, you need to put the new battery in place of the old one. You can discard the old battery because you don’t need it anymore.

Step 6: Reassembling the Key Fob

Once you have replaced the battery, you are now all set to reassemble the key fob.

Step 7: Putting the Metal Key Back

Lastly, it would be best if you put the metal key back in the key fob.

By following these 7 steps, you will have successfully replaced the key fob battery.

Find out the best bull bar for a great look and protection.

Common Problems Related to Key Fob of Toyota

How to Change the Battery in a Toyota Key Fob

Even though key fobs are much more convenient and safer than typical car keys, they have a few common problems.

01. Dead batteries

The first and most common problem with the key fobs is that their batteries die over time.

Even though the batteries last for a decent period of 3-4 years, they may die sooner.

Solution

You will have to buy a new battery and then replace it with the older one.

02. Misaligned buttons

Another widespread problem that most people face when it comes to key fobs is the misalignment of buttons. You may be pressing the unlock button and may not see the action happening.

Solution

In the case of misaligned buttons, you need to open the key fob.

Once you have opened the key fob, clean the buttons, and get rid of any debris or dirt that may be deposited, and align the buttons. After aligning the buttons, reassemble the key fob, and it should work fine.

03. Broken Contacts

The key fobs go through a lot of physical abuse because they go everywhere with us.

Sometimes, they may even fall. So, there is certainly a chance of broken contacts in the remote. In case of broken contacts, the key fob may stop working.

Solution

To fix this problem, you will have to open the key fob. After looking at it, you will find out whether the internal contacts have been broken or not.

If some are seen broken then, they will have to be soldered back in place. The contacts of the buttons can be broken as well.

So, soldering them back in place will fix the problem.

04. Wet key fob

If the key fob has been mistakenly dropped in water or any other liquid, this will certainly be a problem. The key fob may end up broken if you don’t act quickly.

Solution

To overcome this problem, you will have to dry out the key fob as soon as possible.

Start by opening the key fob and then using a dry wipe to absorb maximum water.

If you feel that there are any impurities, then go ahead and use a cotton swab dipped in isopropyl alcohol to get rid of the impurities.

Then, try to dry it out as much as possible. After doing that, you can reassemble the fob and then try it out. It should most probably work.

Need to change the CV axles? Here are the best axles you can get.

Benefits of Using a Key Fob for Your Car

Benefits of Using a Key Fob for Your Car

01. Convenience

You don’t need to look for the key in your pocket and then use it to open the door. With a key fob, you can open the doors with just a push of a button.

02. Safety

Key Fob to ensure safety. It becomes difficult to steal the vehicle because the thief would need the key fob to have the doors open.

03. Saves time and energy

With a push of a button, people can have the doors unlocked so they can quickly get in the car. The key fob will save their time and energy through this.

Check out the best floor mat & liners for Toyota Sienna here.

Maintenance of Key Fobs

There is not much that you can do for the maintenance of the key fobs. The maintenance of the key fob is pretty simple.

Just make sure that they don’t fall a lot. Also, make sure that you replace the batteries after every 3 years so that you don’t have to face the trouble of dead batteries.

After about a year, check the alignment of the buttons as well. Also, clean any debris or dirt that may be deposited inside the key fob.

Dos and DON’Ts

  • When opening the key fob, make sure that something fragile is used. Don’t use sharp objects for opening the key fob.
  • Don’t use any liquid for cleaning the inside of the key fob. Use isopropyl alcohol only if there are any impurities. Always use a dry cotton swab for cleaning debris that may be deposited.
  • Reassemble the key fob carefully, and make sure that you put everything into place.
  • If you do not know to solder, then don’t try soldering the broken contacts.

Check out the luxurious seat covers for Toyota Prius here!

Some Common FAQ’s about Toyota Key Fob

Common FAQ’s about Toyota Key Fob

Range of the key fobs?

The range of key fobs can vary depending on the model and manufacturer. Typically, the range can be anywhere from 50 to 500 feet, but some key fobs have a range of up to 1,000 feet or more.

The range can also be affected by interference from other electronic devices or physical obstacles such as walls or metal objects.

It’s important to consult the manufacturer’s specifications for the key fob to determine the expected range and any potential limitations.

What do you do if the battery in the key fob expires?

If the battery in your key fob expires, you will need to replace it.

The process for replacing the battery varies depending on the make and model of your car but generally involves opening the key fob and removing the old battery, then inserting a new battery and reassembling the key fob.

It is important to make sure you use the correct type of battery, which is typically a small button cell battery.

You can consult your car’s owner’s manual or a local dealership or automotive shop for more specific instructions on how to replace the battery in your key fob.

What is the cost to change the key fob battery?

The battery replacement of a key fob is an inexpensive process. All you need to pay for is the new battery that you are going to get.

The battery may cost around $4-$9. It is a quick and easy process, so generally, professional help for it is not needed.

What size battery does the Toyota key fob take?

To find out the exact battery that the vehicle’s key fob takes, you must see the owner’s manual

However, the CR 2032 3V battery is the most commonly used in Toyota key fobs. So, if there is no owner’s manual, then you can certainly try this battery.

How long does a key fob battery last when operated regularly?

The lifespan of a key fob battery can vary depending on a variety of factors, including the type of battery, the frequency of use, and the age of the battery.

Generally, a key fob battery can last anywhere from 1 to 3 years when used regularly.

However, if the battery is exposed to extreme temperatures or is frequently used to unlock and lock doors from a long distance, its lifespan may be shorter.

It’s a good idea to keep track of the age of your key fob battery and replace it proactively before it dies completely, to avoid any inconvenience or potential lockouts.

Do you have to reprogram a key fob after replacing the battery?

Normally, you will not have to reprogram the key fob after replacing the battery because the code is stored in the system. The code should not be lost.

However, after the battery replacement, if the key fob is still not working, you will need to reprogram the fob because you might have forgotten the code.

How much does it cost to replace a quality Toyota key fob?

Due to the advancement of technology, the cost of key fobs has risen.

Getting a replacement for a quality Toyota key fob may be more expensive now than it was a few years ago.

The total cost of the replacement of the Toyota key fob depends upon the vehicle.

However, it can range from anywhere between $200-$600. Again, this depends upon the vehicle!

How to Change Battery in Toyota Key Fob?

After using the key fob for a decent amount of time, you will notice that the key fob is not unlocking the car door.

The signals will be shallow to catch from the transmitter. Hence, the action will not take place.

At this point, you will find out that the Toyota key fob needs a battery replacement. There is no other indicator. You will have to judge it by yourself.

Learn how to reset the throttle position sensor in Toyota here!

Verdict

The battery replacement process of a Toyota key fob is pretty simple and inexpensive. No professional help is needed for it as you can do it at home easily.

A new battery is needed, and then after opening the key fob, you can easily replace it.

There is no need for any complex tools as well. No more relying on a professional for the battery replacement of a key fob!

We hope that this guide will help you in acing the battery replacement!

About Us

Our story is one of passion, commitment, and a relentless pursuit of automotive excellence. Join us on this journey, where every detail is…