ONLY at Keith Pierson Toyota as low as 0% 36 months on Camry, Corolla and RAV4.
Your Toyota’s key fob is a useful device that allows you to easily perform functions such as locking and unlocking the doors and trunk of your car. If you own a newer model, you may also have the Toyota Smart Key system that facilitates keyless entry. Besides these common functions, your key fob can do some other things that you may not be aware of. Check out this helpful guide to make the most of your Toyota key fob.
What Are Some of the Lesser-Known Uses of a Toyota Key Fob?
The features available on Toyota key fobs may vary from one model to another. So you may or may not be able to use all the tricks listed below, but there’s no harm in giving them a try. Let’s take a look at some of the hidden features of your Toyota key fob.
Rolling All Four Windows Up and Down
If you own a Toyota Prius from 2016 onwards, you can use your key fob to unroll all your windows at once. This trick is especially handy when you want to let hot air out of the cabin on a scorching summer day. All you need to do is press and hold the unlock button, and you’ll see all four windows roll down simultaneously. When you’re ready to park your vehicle in a shady spot, simply press and hold the lock button to roll them right back up again.
Activating Power Saving Mode
Does your Toyota have the push-button start function? If it does, you may be able to put your key fob in power saving mode. Once this mode is activated, your key fob can’t send or receive radio waves, which ensures that its battery will last longer. This is a great trick to use when you don’t plan on driving your vehicle for days or weeks, such as when you’re busy working at home or going on a vacation. It can also help prevent thieves from stealing your car when it’s parked outside.
You can activate power saving mode on your Toyota key fob by pressing and holding the lock button until you see a red light flash once. Continue holding the lock button and press the unlock button twice, which will cause the light to flash three times. This means that your key fob has entered into power saving mode. If you want to turn off this so-called sleep mode, simply press any button to cancel.
Note that this Toyota key fob trick is unavailable on some Smart Key-equipped models. Check your owners manual to find out if it works on your vehicle.
How To Replace Your Key Fob Battery
If you find that your Toyota key fob isn’t working as it should, the culprit is more often than not a dead battery. Fortunately, it isn’t difficult to replace your key fob battery. Here’s how to do it.
Opening the Key Fob
Opening the key fob can be tricky, as you may break it if you aren’t careful. However, there’s a simple and safe way to do this. If you’re driving a newer Toyota vehicle, your key fob has a built-in metal key that can be inserted into a slot meant for opening the case. To gain access to this key, check the bottom of the fob for a small button and press it. This will release the key, which you can use to open the fob and replace the battery.
Older Toyota key fobs open differently. You’ll have to insert a thin tool, such as a paperclip, penny, or flat-head screwdriver, into the notch at the bottom of the fob. Then, turn the tool until the case pops open.
Replacing the Battery
Before you replace your key fob battery, make sure you know what type of battery you need to purchase. For most Toyota models, the key fob uses a CR2032 battery, which is readily available at big-box department stores or electronics stores. However, to be safe, it’s best that you get your replacement key fob battery from the service center of your local Toyota dealership. The factory-certified technicians at a dealership know what type of battery is compatible with your specific key fob, and they can also help you with the battery replacement.
If you prefer to take matters into your own hands, you’ll need one of the aforementioned flat tools to replace your Toyota key fob battery. After you’ve opened the key fob, you’ll see an electronic piece that can be easily removed. Place the fob on its back, and use the tool to remove the old battery from its slot. Then, install the new battery to complete the process.
Programming the Key Fob
Before you head back on the road, you need to take one additional step, which is programming your Toyota key fob. Doing this ensures that your fob is synced with your vehicle so that it will function as it should the next time you use it. Follow these steps to properly program your key fob:
- Get in your Toyota and close all the doors.
- Insert your car key into the ignition and turn it from “off” to “on.”
- Within five seconds, turn the key to the “off” position.
- Take the key out of the ignition.
- Open and close the driver-side door two times within 40 seconds.
- Insert your key into the ignition and then remove it.
If you manage to do everything within 40 seconds, your door locks will engage to indicate that you’ve successfully programmed your Toyota key fob.
Get Help With Your Toyota Key Fob From Keith Pierson Toyota
If you own a Toyota vehicle in Jacksonville, Florida, and need help with your key fob, get in touch with the knowledgeable and helpful team at Keith Pierson Toyota. Whether you want to learn how to use certain key fob functions or replace your key fob battery, we’re happy to provide you with any information or assistance you need. If you’ve lost your key fob, you can get an original equipment manufacturer replacement that matches your Toyota model from our well-stocked parts center. Contact us today to get the best Toyota key fob services in the Jacksonville area.
Keys by John Loo is licensed with CC BY 2.0
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