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Toyota offers a slew of features on their vehicles to make life and driving more convenient. While many people enjoy simple pleasures like automatic power windows, locks that open and close at the click of a button, and even keyless start, many of these features rely on a small device. Your Toyota key fob is an important tool for working your vehicle. Because having this convenient technology right at your fingertips is part of the Toyota experience, we want to ensure these features are accessible to you.
Whether you are purchasing a new fob, need to reprogram your current one, or just replaced a battery, you may need to reprogram your fob at some point so it works with your vehicle. Learn how to safely open a key fob and the steps necessary to reprogram your Toyota key fob.
What Is a Toyota Key Fob?
A Toyota key fob is the small handheld remote device that controls keyless entry to your vehicle and often the security system. It is usually paired with your vehicle’s key and programmed to work with your vehicle only. They typically have a chip and an antenna inside, which transmits information to your vehicle. The typical key fob has a plastic casing and provides a number of advantages. Some key features of a typical key fob include:
- Convenience.
- Security.
- Small and easy to carry.
- Battery operated.
- Reliable.
- Reprogrammable.
How To Open a Key Fob
If you’ve had your Toyota key fob for a while and it suddenly stopped working, or if you think it is not reacting as quickly as it should, you may need to change the battery. You’ll want to learn how to open the key fob properly to replace your battery and keep the casing intact. For newer key fobs, there is a hidden metal key included on your key fob. There is a special slot on the key fob specifically designed to open your key fob. With older key fobs, you’ll need to locate a flat metal tool to fit in the notch at the bottom of the key fob. A screwdriver, flat blade, penny, or paper clip often works. Turn your chosen tool clockwise until the key fob opens.
Steps to Change the Battery
Once your key fob is open, you’ll want to be careful with the small parts. Make sure you are on a clear and clean, flat surface. This will ensure that no tiny pieces go missing and no extra dust particles fall into your key fob and damage the components. Take the following steps to replace your battery:
- Lift the small circuit board covering the battery.
- Pay attention to the battery’s location and placement within the key fob. If possible, snap a quick photo as a reference for when you put the key fob back together.
- Identify the type of battery your key fob uses. The majority of Toyota key fobs use a CR2032 battery. Some fobs may use the CR2025 battery instead. Check your key fob or call our friendly service department, just to be sure.
- With your replacement battery at the ready, remove the old one and place the new one in its spot. Check your image for the proper placement.
- Carefully situate the circuit board back over the battery.
- Align the two pieces of your key fob case and snap them back together.
- Press the buttons on your key fob to ensure it is working properly. If you don’t hear your vehicle respond, repeat the above steps.
- Double check to ensure the battery placement and that all wires are making contact where they should be. Also, be sure when you snap your key fob back together that there are no wires being crimped in the process.
- You may need to program your Toyota key fob if everything checks out.
How to Program a Toyota Key Fob
Whether you have purchased a replacement Toyota key fob or just replaced the battery in your existing key fob, you may find that you need to reprogram it to work properly with your vehicle. Some people like having a second or duplicate key fob on hand in case one isn’t working properly and you don’t have time to switch out the battery. A duplicate key fob as a back-up can come in handy if you have a rushed morning or are out and about when your battery begins to fail.
Contact our parts department to help you identify, order, and secure the right key fob for your type of Toyota. Follow these steps to sync your key fob with your vehicle.
- Open your driver’s seat door and sit inside. Be sure that all doors are closed.
- Insert your key in the ignition and turn it from “off” to “on.”
- Wait one to five seconds and repeat the same process.
- Remove your key from the ignition.
- Within 40 seconds, close and open the driver’s side door twice.
- Insert and remove the key from the ignition one more time. (Be sure you complete this within the 40-second timeframe.)
- This should enter you in the remote programming mode.
- You’ll hear the door locks cycle or engage to indicate that the programming was successful.
- Your remote should now be synced with your vehicle.
- Test it by locking and unlocking the power door locks using your key fob.
- If it doesn’t respond, repeat the entire process again.
- You can also call schedule a service with us to get in-person help.
So there you have it. We have just shared with you the fundamental steps to take to open and program your Toyota key fob. The key fob is a crucial tool that can unlock your Toyota and help you utilize many features that make owning a Toyota unique. Whether your old key fob got some water damage or you are just needing to replace the battery, don’t get stuck without a key. Keep a duplicate on hand to avoid an emergency. Leave us a message with questions you may have, or let us know about your reprogramming experience.
Keys by John Loo is licensed with CC BY 2.0
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