Is your 2012 Lexus key fob starting to feel a bit sluggish? Are you finding yourself having to press the buttons multiple times to lock or unlock your doors? It might be time for a battery replacement. Don’t worry, this isn’t a trip to the dealership or a complicated repair. Replacing the battery in your 2012 Lexus key fob is a simple task you can easily handle yourself in just a few minutes. This guide will walk you through the process and get your key fob working like new again.
Replacing your key fob battery is a routine maintenance task for any car owner. Just like the battery in your wristwatch or your TV remote, the battery in your Lexus key fob will eventually need to be replaced. Ignoring the signs of a weak battery can lead to inconvenience and frustration. Common symptoms of a dying 2012 Lexus key fob battery include:
- Reduced Range: You need to be closer to your car than usual for the key fob to work.
- Intermittent Functionality: Sometimes the buttons work, and sometimes they don’t.
- Weak Signal Indicator: Some Lexus models may display a warning message on the dashboard indicating a low key fob battery.
Before you head to the dealership or a repair shop, consider the DIY approach. It’s cost-effective, quick, and requires minimal tools. Let’s dive into how you can easily perform a 2012 Lexus Key Fob Battery Replacement at home.
Tools You’ll Need for a 2012 Lexus Key Fob Battery Replacement
Fortunately, you won’t need a garage full of tools for this simple task. For a 2012 Lexus key fob battery replacement, you’ll generally need just a few items:
- A small flathead screwdriver: This will be used to gently pry open the key fob casing. A precision screwdriver set is ideal, but even a small eyeglass repair screwdriver can work.
- A new CR2032 battery: This is the standard battery type for most Lexus key fobs, including many 2012 models. You can find these batteries at most drugstores, supermarkets, and online retailers. It’s always a good idea to double-check your owner’s manual or the old battery to confirm the exact type.
- A soft cloth (optional): This can be used to protect the key fob casing from scratches while you’re prying it open.
Alt Text: Tools needed for Lexus key fob battery replacement including a small flathead screwdriver and a CR2032 battery.
Step-by-Step Guide: Replacing Your 2012 Lexus Key Fob Battery
Now that you have your tools and new battery, let’s walk through the steps to replace your 2012 Lexus key fob battery:
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Locate the Notch to Open the Fob: Examine your Lexus key fob closely. You should find a small notch or indentation on the side or bottom of the fob. This is where you’ll insert the flathead screwdriver to begin opening the casing.
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Carefully Pry Open the Casing: Insert the tip of your flathead screwdriver into the notch. Gently twist the screwdriver to pry the two halves of the key fob casing apart. Be patient and apply steady, even pressure. You may hear a click as the casing starts to separate. If you’re having trouble, try inserting the screwdriver at a slightly different angle or position along the notch. Avoid using excessive force, as you don’t want to damage the plastic casing. The soft cloth can be placed between the screwdriver and the casing to prevent scratches.
Alt Text: Opening a Lexus key fob casing using a small flathead screwdriver to access the battery compartment.
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Identify the Battery and its Orientation: Once the key fob casing is open, you’ll see the circuit board and the battery. Take note of how the battery is positioned in the compartment. Usually, the positive (+) side of the battery will be facing upwards. This is important to remember when you install the new battery.
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Remove the Old Battery: Gently remove the old battery from its compartment. In some cases, it might be held in place by small clips. You can use your fingertip or the very tip of the screwdriver to carefully nudge it out.
Alt Text: Removing the depleted CR2032 battery from the internal compartment of a Lexus key fob.
- Install the New Battery: Take your new CR2032 battery and insert it into the battery compartment, making sure to match the orientation of the old battery (positive side up in most cases). Press down firmly to ensure it’s securely in place.
Alt Text: Inserting a new CR2032 battery into the correct position inside the Lexus key fob.
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Reassemble the Key Fob Casing: Carefully align the two halves of the key fob casing and press them back together until they snap securely into place. Ensure there are no gaps and that the casing is fully closed.
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Test Your Key Fob: Once the key fob is reassembled, test it to make sure it’s working correctly. Try locking and unlocking your car doors, and if your car has a remote start feature, test that as well. If everything is working as expected, you’ve successfully completed your 2012 Lexus key fob battery replacement!
Dealing with Stripped Screws: A Note of Caution
While the 2012 Lexus key fob battery replacement is usually straightforward, there’s a small chance you might encounter issues, such as stripped screws, as mentioned in the original forum post. In some key fob designs, tiny screws hold the casing together instead of clips. If these screws are overtightened or become corroded, they can be difficult to remove.
If you encounter stripped screws and are unable to open the key fob yourself, it’s best to seek professional help. While the original poster in the forum considered going to the dealership, as Herbie suggested, a watch repair shop or mobile phone repair service might be a more convenient and cost-effective alternative. These specialists often have the tools and expertise to handle delicate repairs like removing stripped screws from small devices.
However, for most 2012 Lexus key fobs, the battery replacement process is clip-based and screw-free, making it a truly DIY-friendly task.
Battery Type Confirmation for Your 2012 Lexus Key Fob
While CR2032 batteries are commonly used in Lexus key fobs, it’s always best to double-check the specific battery type required for your 2012 Lexus model. You can find this information in your Lexus owner’s manual, or by carefully examining the old battery once you open the key fob casing. Using the correct battery type ensures optimal performance and longevity for your key fob.
Conclusion
Replacing the battery in your 2012 Lexus key fob is a simple and satisfying DIY project. By following these steps, you can restore your key fob’s functionality and avoid unnecessary trips to the dealership or repair shops. Keep an eye out for the signs of a weak battery, and with a fresh CR2032 battery and a few minutes of your time, your Lexus key fob will be back in top shape, ready to serve you reliably.
