Is your 2004-2009 Toyota Prius key fob starting to act up? You might be experiencing reduced range, the car beeping after you turn it off, or even the security key icon flashing on your dashboard. These are common signs that your key fob battery is getting weak and needs replacing. Since the Prius relies on electronic key fobs and lacks a traditional mechanical key start, it’s crucial to address these warning signs promptly to avoid being stranded. Fortunately, changing the key fob battery on your 2004-2009 Toyota Prius is a straightforward DIY task that you can easily accomplish at home with a few simple tools. This guide will walk you through each step to ensure a smooth and successful 2004 Prius Key Fob Battery replacement.
Before you begin, please remember to take necessary safety precautions and refer to your vehicle’s owner’s manual for any specific warnings.
Tools You’ll Need:
- Precision Philips Head Screwdriver: A #0 Philips head screwdriver is essential for removing the small screws in the key fob.
- Thin Flat-Head Screwdriver or Paperclip: This will be used to gently pry open the key fob and remove the battery cover plate.
Parts Required:
- CR2032 Battery: You’ll need one CR2032 3V lithium battery. This is a widely available and inexpensive battery type. Panasonic is often the original manufacturer, but any reputable brand of CR2032 battery will work.
Step-by-Step Battery Replacement Guide
Let’s get started with replacing your 2004 prius key fob battery. Follow these simple steps:
1. Remove the Mechanical Key
To begin, locate the spring-loaded holder on your key fob. With the buttons 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 mechanical key upwards and out of the fob as shown by the blue arrow. Set the key aside in a safe place.
2. Open the Key Fob Casing
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 holding it to the right, 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.
3. Access the Battery Compartment
With the back panel removed, you will now see the battery cover plate secured by four small screws. Using your Philips #0 screwdriver, carefully remove these four screws circled in red in the image. Once the screws are removed, use a paperclip or a thin flat-head screwdriver to gently pry up the battery cover plate. The blue arrow in the image indicates a good point to insert your tool for prying.
4. Replace the Old Battery
Now you can access the old CR2032 battery. Carefully remove the old battery and take note of its orientation. It’s important to insert the new CR2032 battery in the same way, with the positive (+) side facing upwards towards the cover panel. Once you’ve correctly placed the new battery, assembly is simply the reverse of these steps. Replace the battery cover plate, tighten the four screws, slide the back panel back into place until it clicks, and finally, re-insert the mechanical key.
Final Steps and Tips
After completing these steps, your 2004-2009 Toyota Prius key fob should be working perfectly again. If you continue to experience issues, double-check that you have installed the CR2032 battery correctly and that the battery is new and fully charged. In most cases, replacing the battery will resolve common key fob problems. It’s a good idea to replace your Prius key fob battery every 3-5 years as a preventative measure to avoid unexpected issues.
Resources:
- Toyota Prius Owner’s Manual
- Prius Key FOB Transmitter – Luscious Garage
- Various YouTube tutorials on Prius key fob battery replacement.
