MEP7557

My RX just turned 3 Years old the end of May. I still have the original batteries in the key FOB's, guess I should break down and get new ones. Anybody have them longer?

side note:

Just ordered a new mod for the RX. I will post when it comes in and I get it installed. I have been wanting to do this mod since I bought the RX. They just lowered the price on it.....

kitlz

Just wondering, how do you know they're original? Lexus is supposed to change them starting with the 10K service IIRC. I replace mine once a year, both fobs too even though only one is used.

Will be anxiously waiting to see your new mod. Take lots of pictures.

MEP7557

If they changed them, they never informed me or charged me. I did ask the other day if they offered free batteries for the key FOB's, they said no.

I always post pictures.....I know the rules.

RGSW

I thot the dealer changed the fob battery at the 15K inspection? My last battery was low at about 16 months and I purchased a replacement at Walgreen and installed it myself IAW the owner's manual. I did not last as long as I thot it would?

RX330inFL

In the Owner's Manual it does state that they are supposed to Replace Smart Key battery at the 18 month / 15K mile servicing. One would think these batteries would last longer than that. Should be a lithium CR1632. Wondering if they are buying bulk from China to install in these or if they are using a brand name like Panasonic. They are not expensive though they can sometimes be hard to find when you want one. Am loathe to purchase online as you have no control over quality and expiration dates.

Also, if you replace these yourself please remember that they contain lithium and should not be just tossed in the trash. Please dispose of properly at places like Best Buy, Lowes, or other locations which have electronics recycling stations. Most are usually located near the Customer Service areas.

http://drivers.lexus.com/t3Portal/do...aintenance.pdf

http://drivers.lexus.com/t3Portal/do.../sec_04_03.pdf

kitlz

The dealer might not necessarily tell you the battery was changed if it's part of a service. Maybe check your RO. Not that I don't believe you. It could certainly happen if you only use one fob.

Yes, pictures plus step-by-step installation instructions

tfischer

I'm way out of warranty on my cars, but when I detect that the range is decreasing, I replace the batteries. For the fobs that I use all the time, 1.5 to 2 years is about the interval; for the non-used fobs, they seem to operate pretty well even at the 3 or 4 year mark. Changing them every year is, I think, too frequent, although the expense is not great, and that will certainly insure that you always have maximum range.

dctex99

Take it from a battery person and a Jeweler of 45 years; SONY batteries are best for watches AND remotes; I now buy on ebay with no problem; plenty of legit sellers with life dates on packages!!!

MEP7557

OK checked my invoices and no battery change. When I went in for 15k to have the tires rotated I declined the 15k service. I do change between the 2 key FOB's. I did notice the other day the range of operation is dropping.
New batteries are in my future.

kitlz

Makes sense now. Two fobs used part time over three years. No 15K service? Drive much? I think you should spring for new batteries. I may go ahead and change mine again since I used the fob for remote start often this past winter. Figured out how to extend the range quite a bit

MEP7557

I only have 22k on the RX after 3 years. They should be salivating at trade in time.

kitlz

25K @ 3 1/2 years, drool pool at trade in time for me But I still change the batteries once a year.

sightdev

four years and two months with 50k+ on same fob battery. Most of the OEM fob batteries lasted 5+ years for all of my vehicles so I will change it when it's actually "low" enough.

MEP7557

Ok it's official, the RX actually told me today the Key FOB battery was low. I guess I've been told.

Anita, amazing you and I are like gold at trade in time. I am going to wait for the complete redo though.

BertL

As a side note, Anita/MEP: I think I have you both beat... My 2006 RX400h had just 25509 miles on it when I traded it in June 2012 (7.5 years after purchase), and my 2013 RX450h just flipped 4400 miles at 1 year old next week ...and they are hand washed nearly every week with no hard winters or nasty salt on the roads they travel on to boot. Now, I don't want to call them garage queens, but working from home like a hermit the last few years, and now being retired does make them used on mostly short trips around town. Not good for MPG with a hybrid, but great for the new owner one day.