Can You Unlock Your Car With A Dead Key Fob
Yes! Having a dead battery in your car key fob does not mean that you are left stranded. Car manufacturers have foreseen this situation and built-in fail-safes to ensure you can unlock your car even in such a situation.
Heres what you should do:
- All car manufacturers include a mechanical key in the cars key fob. This can be accessed by sliding/pressing a small button usually located on the side of the key fob, which will remove the fob cover.
- Once you get the mechanical key out of the fob, insert it into the key slot and turn it to unlock/lock your car.
Mechanical keys are usually included in the key fobs of all major car manufacturers like Honda, Kia, Toyota, Mercedes, Ford, etc.
How To Start Prius With A Dead Key Fob
In the event that your key fob dies and you cannot start your car, there is a way to start your car without the key fob. However, before starting the car the worry should be on how to unlock it. To unlock the Toyota Prius with a dead key fob, you will need to use the physical key that is inside the key fob.
To start the car, insert the key into the ignition and turn it to the ON position. Next, press and hold the power button for at least five seconds. The car should now be in accessory mode and you can start the engine.
Is It Safe To Drive With The Key Fob Battery Low Warning Light On
Yes, it is safe to drive with the key fob battery low warning light on. However, you will not be able to use any of the remote functions of the key fob, such as unlocking the doors or opening the trunk.
The key battery low warning does not affect the operation of the car and you will still be able to start and drive your Prius as normal.
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What Happens If Your Prius Key Battery Dies
In case your Prius key battery dies, the vehicle can still be started by using the physical key. However, you will not be able to use any of the remote functions of the key fob, such as unlocking the doors or opening the trunk.
Sometimes, the smart key system may also become disabled if the key fob battery is completely dead. In this case, you will need to take your Prius to a Toyota dealership in order to have the system reset.
How Often Should I Replace My Key Battery
It is recommended that you replace your key battery every two years. This will ensure that your key always has enough power to unlock and start your car.
You can find replacement batteries at most auto parts stores or online. Once you have changed the key battery, make sure to dispose of the old one properly.
If your key fob is still not working after replacing the battery, then you may need to take it to a Toyota dealership or a locksmith for further assistance.
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Do I Need To Reprogram The Key Fob After Changing The Battery
Typically, you do not need to reprogram the key fob after changing the battery. However, if youve replaced not just the batteries but also some of the internal wiring and electronics, you may need to reprogram it by pairing it with your vehicle once again.
The usual sequence for reprogramming your car battery is as follows:
- Put the key into the ignition
- Turn the key into the ON position and then turn it back to the LOCK position.
- Do this several times until you hear a chiming sound
- Press the lock and unlock position on your key fob to reprogram it. This should ensure the correct functions are saved and that the vehicle will respond the next time you use it.
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What Happens When The Key Fob Battery Is Low
Typically, a key fob with a low battery starts exhibiting some or all of the following symptoms:
- The fob may become less responsive or unresponsive over time.
- It may not lock/unlock your car easily and may start losing its range. You may have to get closer for the keyless entry function to work.
- In cars with a push-button start, the car may not recognize a key fob when the battery is weak
Key Battery Low Meaning
The Key Battery Low message on your Toyota Prius indicates that the key battery is running low and needs to be replaced. The key battery is what allows you to unlock and start your car.
When the key battery is not replaced, eventually the key will stop working entirely. This means that you will not be able to unlock or start your car. Therefore, it is important to replace the key battery as soon as you receive the warning message.
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Toyota Prius Key Battery Low Warning Message
Receiving a warning message about the key battery being low on your Toyota Prius can be alarming. This can be a bit of a scare if youre not sure what to do about it. We will discuss what to do if your key battery is low and many more.
The Prius computer checks the output voltage of the cars fobs battery while the key is in use. The warning light on the dash will come on when the voltage reaches a certain threshold, prompting you to change the batteries. This warns you that its time to replace the keyfob battery.
You can find replacement batteries at most auto parts stores or online. Once you have changed the key battery, make sure to dispose of the old one properly.
How To Replace Toyota Prius Key Battery
Since we already know that the only solution to the key battery warning message in the Toyota Prius is to replace the key batteries. Lets go ahead and see how we can replace the key batteries.
The first step is to open the key fob. You can do this by gently prying open the back cover with a flathead screwdriver. Once the back cover is off, you will see the battery compartment.
In the next step, you will need to remove the old battery. You can do this by gently prying it out with a flathead screwdriver. Once the old battery is out, you can insert the new battery in its place.
After inserting the new battery, you will need to close the back cover of the key fob. Make sure that the back cover is snapped in place properly.
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How To Unlock And Start Your Toyota Prius With A Dead Key Fob
Every modern automobile can be unlocked and then started even if its key fob is dead a doornail. Automakers use a variety of methods to ensure that when the battery dies you are not left stranded. The methods vary a bit from automaker to automaker, but with all Toyota vehicles, the method to unlock and then start the vehicle is the same. We will demonstrate using the Prius as our example.
Unlock Your Prius With a Dead Key FobThe first thing you will need to do is look closely at your key fob. There should be a little button along the side. Depress that button and then pull on the end of the key fob as shown in the image above. A metal key will be revealed magically. That key then goes into the lock on the driver’s door old-school style and you then turn it and open the door.
Why Our Key Services
Your vehicle gets you reliably where you need to be, but without a working key fob, getting around is a lot more difficult. Some newer vehicles won’t even start without one. Whether youve misplaced your keys, you need a new key cut, your existing fob is damaged, or you just want a spare, have your key fob repaired, re-powered or replaced at Batteries Plus Bulbs.Our experts will help you with a simple battery replacement or give you a whole new keyless entry replacement if yours stops working. Contact us online or come visit a store near you for fast service even without an appointment.
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What Are The Symptoms Of A Bad Or Failing Key Fob Battery
There are several symptoms that may indicate that your key fob battery is bad or failing. These include:
- The key fob not working at all
- The key fob only working intermittently
- The key fob working, but the range is shorter than usual
- The key fob buttons feel sticky or unresponsive
In case you are experiencing any of these symptoms, then it is time to replace your key fob battery.
How Do I Change The Battery On A Toyota Prius Key Fob
The key fob for my Toyota Prius is starting to die, and Iâm not quite sure what to do. How can I change the battery on my key fob?
standard 2032 batterysmall screwdrivernail filePanasonic 1632 batteryremove the mechanical keyinsert the mechanical key into the shallow slot next to the key holder and twistreplace the batteryreassemble the key fob
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How To Change A Prius Smart Key Battery
Considering that a replacement smart key for a Prius can cost anywhere up to, and over $100, were going to show you a step-by-step guide on how to change the battery in one. If you have problems with yours, then this might be a good place to start. It’s not guaranteed to fix your problems, but considering a new battery is much cheaper than a new key, its worth trying before investing in a new one.
What Youll Need
Before you start taking things apart, there are a few things youll need. Firstly, the replacement battery. This is a 2032 button cell battery. Invest in a good brand, they do tend to last longer. And even though it isnt too tricky to change, the less often you have to do this the better. A four-pack of these from Amazon will set you back just over $7.
Secondly, youll need a micro Phillips screwdriver. If you dont have one, I recommend this kit from Amazon. Its similar to a kit I bought for repairing iPhones and it has everything you need. The screwdrivers are magnetic, so the screws will attach to them. It makes the job a lot easier and the whole kit is less than $7.
Not really necessary, but incredibly useful is a magnetic tray. Use this for keeping the screws in. Again, you can get one from Amazon for around $7. You can use anything to keep the screws together, but I have in the past knocked dishes over and thrown screws everywhere, never to be seen again. Just a handy pointer.
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How To Change The Battery Of A Honda Key Fob
To replace the battery of a Honda key fob, ensure you first buy a replacement CR2025 battery. It will cost you between $2-4 dollars for a pair of batteries.
- Slide the button to release the physical key
- Pry the key fob open into two halves using a finger or screwdriver at the seams
- Pop out the old battery and replace it with the new one
- Take care to insert the new battery in the same orientation as before, with the correct and signs in place.
- Test the battery for any issues and ensure it is in proper working condition
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How Long Does The Key Fob Battery Last
The lifespan of a key fob battery depends on how often you use it. If you use the remote functions of your key fob regularly, then the battery will need to be replaced more often.
On average, a key fob battery will last for about two years. However, if you do not use the remote functions of your key fob often, then the battery may last for longer.
What Is A Key Fob
A key fob sometimes called a remote keyless system is a handheld device that allows you to lock and unlock your vehicle remotely. It consists of a remote control and RFID antenna that is connected to your cars locking system. Some key fobs have a retractable physical key with which you can lock/unlock your car manually as well.
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How Far Can A Prius Go Without The Key Fob
The distance that a Prius can be driven without the key fob differs between the different model years. For Prius models from 2004 to 2009, the car can be driven for up to about 200 yards before it will need the key fob.
For models 2010 and newer, the car will only drive for about 25 yards without the key fob. Therefore, if you are planning on driving your Prius without the key fob, it is important to know which model year you have.7
Can You Drive With A Dead Key Fob
No auto manufacturer is going to pin everything on the key fob working all the time. Therefore, even if your battery dies, you can still use the fob to drive the car.
- Despite most cars going keyless, several of them still have a key slot usually located on the steering column. It will typically be covered by a plastic cover which you can pop off. Once you insert the physical key into it, you can easily turn on the car and drive away.
- Some cars begin ignition with the START button, which switches on the car only if the key is detected. With a dead battery, the car may not recognize the key fob and hence the START button may be unresponsive. In such cases, you can use the fob itself to push the START button, which will switch on the car.
- Some vehicles like Fords have a slot on the steering column where you can insert the fob, which will start the vehicle.
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Can You Replace A Key Fob Battery Yourself
You can replace the battery in your key fob by following these steps: