when key fob batt is dead

and won't open the door, use key insert, open door and hold fob close to starter button and truck will start, at least it did for me yesterday

 

Battery is easy to change. Pull out the key and split the cases using the key in the slot. Pop in a new 2032 and snap together the cases. Job Done

 

Just the like manual states

 

Well, now I know there are two of us that actually read the manual.

 

Just like the dealer told me when I bought the truck

 

I downloaded one a couple weeks before I bought my truck to see what cool stuff was gonna be on it.

Book version that came with the truck is still wrapped in plastic.

https://www.toyota.com/t3Portal/document/om-s/OM04017U/pdf/OM04017U.pdf

 

I use the toyotaowners app, which has the manual and a nice little tab with dashboard lights. Just click a light and it tells you what it means. Its actually pretty cool.

 

read the what now ?

 

The truck gives you a heads up that the key fob battery is low when you turn the truck off. It will show on the display. I would assume that this is a warning well in advance of the key fob battery actually going dead.

 

And don't buy the cheap chines 2032 batteries on Amazon. I did that once, they each lasted about 2 weeks before the low batter warning came again.. and then lasted another 3 weeks until dead. Astoundingly ridiculous.

 

It you hold the lock button while hitting the unlock button twice it "turns off" the key. It puts it in battery saver mode, but also turns off the signal. I do it every night so someone doesn't spoof the signal - there's been a lot of Tacoma thefts doing this.

 

I just keep a 2-pack of spare 2032's in the center console. I was a bit paranoid about the fob battery dying on a road trip, leaving me stranded. That is, until I read the manual and learned the ol' push button proximity trick.

 

dang, key battery is dead...
I know, Ill just replace the battery...
--opens remote--
ok, I dont have this battery..
Ill just drive to the store... oh, right, key battery is dead...
good thing I can put the remote next to the push button and it starts.

 

And the 20+ threads over the past 4 years on the same thing.

 

Wife is paranoid with her Rav key, she has the dealer change it about every oil change, they don’t charge labor thankfully

 

Can always test it herself at home. Just take the battery out and use the fob to push the start button.

 

Typical life for them is 2-5 years, but its terrifying for some people.

They give low battery warnings on the newer models long before they die.

 

The center display notified me when the key fob battery was needing replaced

 

Here is a video showing how easy it is to change the fob battery.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aTfVUaZw7x4

 

I just purchased the MESO minimalist key fob to get a smaller profile. There is no place to store the key. I thought the key was only for the glove box. I need to read the manual and put the key back on my minimalist key chain!!