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Truck says “key not found” when going to start even though I’m holding the key fab?

Discussion in '3rd Gen. Tacomas (2016-2023)' started by Celtic Hutcheson, Mar 5, 2020.

  1. Mar 5, 2020 at 1:29 PM
    #1
    Celtic Hutcheson

    Celtic Hutcheson [OP] Active Member

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    I have a 2017 Taco TRD 4x4. I had both my key fab batteries replaced by Toyota a few weeks ago. No matter what fab I’m using I’m still get random alerts on my dashboard saying “key battery low” or “key not found” although I’m holding the key fab in my hand while attempting to push the start button. Toyota dealership has no idea why it’s happening. Please help! Ideas??
     
    Last edited: Mar 5, 2020
  2. Mar 5, 2020 at 1:34 PM
    #2
    na8rboy

    na8rboy 18 DCLB Sport Cement

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    Hold key fob next to start to push button for a few minute, so it sync's.
     
    Celtic Hutcheson[OP] likes this.
  3. Mar 5, 2020 at 1:45 PM
    #3
    Dutchie56

    Dutchie56 Well-Known Member

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    Wow that sounds like a potentially nasty problem to have. How long do the batteries last? What if you are out in the middle of nowhere and the battery decides to run down...does it give any warning? I'm off to Death valley shortly and going way off the beaten track...not a problem I can afford to run into... Celtic Hutcheson, does it help if you yell at the darn thing?
     
  4. Mar 5, 2020 at 1:49 PM
    #4
    AKGSD

    AKGSD Warranty denied

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    I believe it does give a low battery warning

    Even if the batteries die, the manual key will open the door, and there should be a spot you can place the key that will enable start-up even if the fob is dead. As I’ve the M/T idk, but that’s how any push button start i’ve used has been
     
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  5. Mar 5, 2020 at 2:05 PM
    #5
    donkeykong

    donkeykong Active Member

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    There is no spot to insert any key if the battery dies to start the vehicle, yes the little key can open the door but NOT start the truck.. If that is the situation you can hold the "dead" fob against the push button and your truck will still sense the fob without any battery, it turns on to Acc mode then you can hit the button and start it.

    Edit: Found the video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L0erkzgXsA0&t=397s
     
  6. Mar 5, 2020 at 2:12 PM
    #6
    Canufixit

    Canufixit Well-Known Member

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    Just because "Toyota" changed your batteries - does not mean that they were nice and fresh. Could have been in the bin for years. First thing I'd do is change the batteries and get them from another source .... JMO
     
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  7. Mar 5, 2020 at 2:16 PM
    #7
    Celtic Hutcheson

    Celtic Hutcheson [OP] Active Member

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    The batteries are fine, just replaced them. The truck is just still giving an alert message at random times saying “key battery low” then at other random times “key not found”. I need to know if anyone else has had this issue and how to fix it?
     
  8. Mar 5, 2020 at 2:35 PM
    #8
    AKGSD

    AKGSD Warranty denied

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    Could be an antenna, ecu, wiring or fob issue. Does it do it with both your keys?
     
  9. Mar 5, 2020 at 2:41 PM
    #9
    Celtic Hutcheson

    Celtic Hutcheson [OP] Active Member

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    Yes, it does it with both and is just random. It will work fine for two weeks then one day tell me “key battery low” then two days later “key not found”, then works again for two weeks or so. It’s making me insane!
     
  10. Mar 5, 2020 at 2:48 PM
    #10
    Coronerrpm

    Coronerrpm Well-Known Member

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    Our dealership test the new battery as well as the remote. Some little gizmo that does both.
    Key will get you in truck. If battery is low on remote you press it to the push button start and it will start.
    if none of this is relevant then I really don’t know.
     
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  11. Mar 5, 2020 at 3:21 PM
    #11
    OregontoBajaCA

    OregontoBajaCA 2025 DC OR High Bread

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    Carry a couple of extra fob batteries in the center console. They don’t take up too much room.
     
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  12. Mar 5, 2020 at 3:29 PM
    #12
    Chew

    Chew Not so well known user

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    Is this truck completely stock, or are there any aftermarket electrical doodads added?
    Someone posted similar issue last week, and he believes his stereo or amp to his boomboombox is interfering with the reception to the fob.
     
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  13. Mar 5, 2020 at 4:15 PM
    #13
    Tnc

    Tnc Well-Known Member

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    Make sure the fob isn’t close to your cell phone. I’ve noticed if the fob is in my pocket with my cell phone it won’t work.
     
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  14. Mar 5, 2020 at 5:28 PM
    #14
    Dutchie56

    Dutchie56 Well-Known Member

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    Thanks for the helpful advice
     
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