Is your 2004 Toyota Prius key fob starting to act up? You’re not alone. Many Prius owners experience issues with their key fob battery after a few years. Symptoms like reduced range, beeping after turning off the car, or the security key icon flashing on your dashboard all indicate a likely culprit: a dying key fob battery. The good news is, replacing it is a simple task you can easily do yourself. This guide will walk you through the process of a 2004 Toyota Prius key fob battery replacement, saving you time and potentially money. Since your Prius relies entirely on this electronic key for starting, addressing this issue promptly is crucial.
Tools and Parts You’ll Need
Before you begin, gather these simple tools and a replacement battery:
- Precision Phillips Head Screwdriver: A #0 size is ideal for the small screws in your key fob.
- Small Flat-Head Screwdriver or Paperclip: For gently prying open the battery compartment.
- CR2032 Battery: This is the standard battery type for your 2004 Toyota Prius key fob.
Step-by-Step Guide: Replacing Your 2004 Toyota Prius Key Fob Battery
Follow these straightforward steps to replace your 2004 Toyota Prius key fob battery:
Step 1: Remove the Emergency Key
Begin by locating the spring-loaded holder on your key fob, positioned at the top when the buttons are facing upwards. Slide this holder to the left (as indicated by the red arrow in the image). While holding it in this position, pull the emergency key straight up and out (following the blue arrow). This key is a backup and needs to be removed to access the key fob casing.
Step 2: Open the Key Fob Casing
Next, flip the key fob over so the buttons are facing downwards. Locate the spring-loaded holder again, and this time, slide it to the right (red arrow). While sliding, gently push the back panel upwards (blue arrow). This back panel should slide off relatively easily, revealing the internal components of the key fob. If you encounter resistance, try using a rubber glove to improve your grip on the fob for better leverage.
Step 3: Access the Battery Compartment
With the back panel removed, you will see the internal circuit board and battery compartment. Identify the four small screws circled in red in the image. Using your Phillips #0 screwdriver, carefully remove these four screws. Once the screws are removed, you’ll need to detach the battery cover plate. Use a paperclip or a thin flat-head screwdriver to gently pry up this plate. The blue arrow in the image indicates a good starting point for prying.
Step 4: Replace the Old Battery with a New CR2032
Now you can access the old CR2032 battery. Take note of its orientation before removing it. The positive (+) side should be facing upwards, towards the cover panel. Remove the old battery and insert the new CR2032 battery in the same orientation, ensuring the positive (+) side is facing up. Once the new battery is in place, reassemble the key fob by reversing the disassembly steps. This means replacing the battery cover plate, securing it with the four screws, sliding the back panel back into place until it clicks, and finally, re-inserting the emergency key.
You’re All Set!
Replacing the battery in your 2004 Toyota Prius key fob is a quick and simple maintenance task. By following these steps, you can restore your key fob’s functionality and avoid potential inconvenience. If you continue to experience issues after replacing the battery, or if you are uncomfortable performing this replacement yourself, it’s always recommended to consult your Toyota Prius owner’s manual or seek assistance from a qualified automotive technician.
