DIY - Battery Replacement in Lexus Key
Rookie
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 58
Likes: 0
From: sc
Just did this on my 1992 LS400 (took the CR1216 battery). Total cost: $3.27 . Increased my range significantly! Can't even tell how far away it works because I can't hear the doors locking/unlocking after a certain distance.
Just a heads up, my old battery registered 3.04 volts, and the new one was 3.30 volts. Old range was spotty even up to 10 feet.
Just a heads up, my old battery registered 3.04 volts, and the new one was 3.30 volts. Old range was spotty even up to 10 feet.
Racer
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 1,472
Likes: 154
From: Kansas
Took my 92 to lexus for a battery since my one key had none. They put one in but nothing happened so after hearing what the cost would be to redo the system i said forget it. Bought another battery myself later but would work once every 20 or so tries. Funny how that same battery was 16 bucks at dealer but 3 bucks at interstate. Anyway put a viper remote entry for a hundred.
Pole Position
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 209
Likes: 0
From: Nova Scotia
Took my 92 to lexus for a battery since my one key had none. They put one in but nothing happened so after hearing what the cost would be to redo the system i said forget it. Bought another battery myself later but would work once every 20 or so tries. Funny how that same battery was 16 bucks at dealer but 3 bucks at interstate. Anyway put a viper remote entry for a hundred.
93 ls400
Rookie
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 58
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From: sc
My range is becoming hit or miss as well. One of these days I'm going to experiment with different key orientations and positions. For example, can I get longer range if I hold the key high above my head and point the metal tip towards the car? Or close to my side and angle the keyfob towards the ground?
Pole Position
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 209
Likes: 0
From: Nova Scotia
My range is becoming hit or miss as well. One of these days I'm going to experiment with different key orientations and positions. For example, can I get longer range if I hold the key high above my head and point the metal tip towards the car? Or close to my side and angle the keyfob towards the ground?
Done all that - prob look like an idiot standing there for minutes trying to get the door to unlock automatically when all i have to do is insert the key LOL
But I like things to work when they're supposed to - wish I could afford a 2010 LS!
Lead Lap
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 486
Likes: 3
From: IN
My range is becoming hit or miss as well. One of these days I'm going to experiment with different key orientations and positions. For example, can I get longer range if I hold the key high above my head and point the metal tip towards the car? Or close to my side and angle the keyfob towards the ground?
I have found on my '92 that pressing and holding in the button for a few seconds as I am walking towards the car, does the trick most of the time. A quick jab won't work. That assumes a fresh battery.
Driver
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 157
Likes: 0
From: ca
Thanks Dan.
This is for , well, "Do it yourself'ers" -- Some people just want to do it themselves regardless of what it is.
Though I agree getting the battery changed out in the key is generally not an expensive thing to do. (I have no idea if the dealership would charge you more than $5.. but I would be inclined to think yes.. )
Besides the battery needs to be changed what , once a decade? Maybe every 5-6 yrs to be safe?
I was going to grab a second gen key and show how to transfer the guts.. but it is the same procedure, it would be almost impossible not to follow these directions (or basically remove the screw hehe)-- and not figure it out.
Only danger is in mis-threading the screw, stripping the screw head (biggest thing I would imagine, due to size) -- and not allowing for the case to be closed and come to together seamlessly.
Remember anyone who is changing their batteries.. don't strip that screw.. if it doesn't move easily,.. do yourself a favor, and go beg, steal, or borrow the appropriate size screwdriver. -- Also just snug tight is all it needs, you overtighten now, next time you have to undo the key , it might come back to haunt you.
This is for , well, "Do it yourself'ers" -- Some people just want to do it themselves regardless of what it is.
Though I agree getting the battery changed out in the key is generally not an expensive thing to do. (I have no idea if the dealership would charge you more than $5.. but I would be inclined to think yes.. )
Besides the battery needs to be changed what , once a decade? Maybe every 5-6 yrs to be safe?
I was going to grab a second gen key and show how to transfer the guts.. but it is the same procedure, it would be almost impossible not to follow these directions (or basically remove the screw hehe)-- and not figure it out.
Only danger is in mis-threading the screw, stripping the screw head (biggest thing I would imagine, due to size) -- and not allowing for the case to be closed and come to together seamlessly.
Remember anyone who is changing their batteries.. don't strip that screw.. if it doesn't move easily,.. do yourself a favor, and go beg, steal, or borrow the appropriate size screwdriver. -- Also just snug tight is all it needs, you overtighten now, next time you have to undo the key , it might come back to haunt you.
Nice writeup, very imformative. You can follow those instructions or, you can go to any Radio Shack and purchase the battery ( same cost ) as anywhere else, and they will install the battery FREE. I have had it done and they were very careful in not breaking the case.
Dan....
Dan....
Ughhh... Any help? Or should i just go to the stealership?
Rookie
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 53
Likes: 0
From: Ga
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
From: NC
Key not working even with new battery
The key button stopped working on my 1995 GS300 key about a month ago and I saw this video on replacing the battery- which I did this am (thank you!)... but the key still doesn't open the doors. I then tried the two different versions of reprogramming the key listed on this forum, but neither did anything. Is there something I am overlooking (like a receiver problem I can fix)? I also wondered if this year and model has a different programming method? The dealer wants a min of $255 to replace the key (and they clearly did not want to do it for me).
Rookie
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 68
Likes: 0
From: MO
Sorry to bump such an old thread. I just wanted to confirm the battery for 98 LS400 is indeed CR1616. Maybe one of the mods can update the original post, since this thread is the first result that pops up on google if you search for "lexus ls400 key battery".
