Does anyone have experience with the life of the battery in the keyless entry fob? I have a little over a year on the car and don't want to get caught with a dead battery in the control, but I don't want to throw away a battery that might be good for another year. I figure if it does go out it will be in the middle of the night and I will have left the owner's manual at home.

TIA, Dave

 

are you concerned about not being able to getting into the car and starting it up with a dead key battery?

 

That's it exactly. The procedure seems simple enough, I'd just rather eliminate the need of using it.

 

well if your key battery dies u can still get in the car and start it. use the physical key to unlock the door and put the fob next to the start button and push it

 

change it every 2 years... that's a safe bet

 

It also depends on where you keep your key. I park my car at a garage in the city and they used to leave the keys in the car while it's parked. This actually drains the battery as the car and the key constantly communicate and the car stays in ready mode to start (also draining the car battery). They have since stopped leaving they keys in cars (I think some got stolen). But in the 6 months I parked there, my battery in the FOB was almost drained, dealer changed it for me when i brought it in for service.

 

I believe the only way the key will work by putting it close to the start button is when the battery still has enough voltage to do the same job at 1 inch as it does at 10ft. But if the battery has dropped below that threshold - nothing will work.

I was told the batteries last from 3 - 5 years, and I have been advise to change them every year. Some dealerships do that for you.

Not sure if this applies, but the battery that has operated my old Highlander entry/security key fob just died after 10 years of excellent service.

The life span data seems to be all over the place. There is even a post here about some one that had his battery die (and left him stranded) when the car was new.

 

It is supposed to be done as part of the 15,000 mile service.

 

In my 430 GS the batteries lasted exactly two years.

RP

 

I was just told by the dealer last night, when picking up my CT, that the two (2) key fobs also need to be separated at least 6 ft. minimum, otherwise they will communicate with one another & drain the battery. He recommended 10 ft. min to be sure.