What Just Happened?
08-31-21, 12:26 PM
#31
Lexus Test Driver
If I remember correctly, I think that the manual for my RAV4 Hybrid says that fob batteries for cars with the keyless fobs/push button start should last for 1 to 1 1/2 years, and fob batteries for cars without push button start should last 1 1/2 to 2 years, but the fobs for my 2013 ES (with push button start) still had their original batteries when I traded the car 3 1/2 years after I got it. I sold my 2017 ES after 4 1/2 years of ownership, and I replaced its fob battery one time about a month or two before I sold it. I owned a 2005 GX (without push button start) for 15+ years. I changed its fob batteries only 2 times during that period of ownership.
09-01-21, 08:14 AM
#32
Pole Position
If I remember correctly, I think that the manual for my RAV4 Hybrid says that fob batteries for cars with the keyless fobs/push button start should last for 1 to 1 1/2 years, and fob batteries for cars without push button start should last 1 1/2 to 2 years, but the fobs for my 2013 ES (with push button start) still had their original batteries when I traded the car 3 1/2 years after I got it. I sold my 2017 ES after 4 1/2 years of ownership, and I replaced its fob battery one time about a month or two before I sold it. I owned a 2005 GX (without push button start) for 15+ years. I changed its fob batteries only 2 times during that period of ownership.
I suspect an annual battery change is overly cautious but batteries are cheap and its better to err on the side of caution. I think one would be safe to replace batteries every two or three years of "normal" use but my problem would be remembering to do so. Replacing it every January 1st would be a good practice/habit to avoid forgetting the age of the current batteries.
09-01-21, 09:09 AM
#33
Lexus Test Driver
I presume the more driving you do, the more the battery gets depleted as it's connected and drawing power the entire time the car is on.
09-01-21, 10:23 AM
#35
Lead Lap
I have never changed a FOB battery on any of our Toyota/Lexus cars with the push button start. I owned a Prius for 5 years, and most recently I owned an NX for just over 5 years. Never needed to replace a battery. I'm sure it depends on a combination of age and usage. While my wife and I were both working, we carpooled together so only one car was used on a typical day. I'm not trying to test the lifespan - I just don't ever think about them. I also just touch the door handle to enter or lock the car and if people are pressing the buttons to lock/unlock the car, the FOB batteries may expire more quickly.
I suspect an annual battery change is overly cautious but batteries are cheap and its better to err on the side of caution. I think one would be safe to replace batteries every two or three years of "normal" use but my problem would be remembering to do so. Replacing it every January 1st would be a good practice/habit to avoid forgetting the age of the current batteries.
I suspect an annual battery change is overly cautious but batteries are cheap and its better to err on the side of caution. I think one would be safe to replace batteries every two or three years of "normal" use but my problem would be remembering to do so. Replacing it every January 1st would be a good practice/habit to avoid forgetting the age of the current batteries.
What I've also done is to follow the procedure explained in the manual to put my second fob into "battery save mode". I'd like to think that doing so makes it likely that, if the battery in the primary fob does die, the second fob will still have enough battery power left to work for a while.
09-01-21, 11:45 AM
#36
Instructor
On my Mercedes I had to change the key fob battery about every 6-8 months. When I switched over the Audi it lasted a few months longer. It seems the communication between fob and German vehicles are rather chatty compare to Toyota.
09-01-21, 11:53 AM
#37
Lexus Test Driver
My daughter's Q5 fob battery goes bad in a year or less.
09-01-21, 03:55 PM
#38
Driver School Candidate
Went out to dinner last night. After dark, arrived back at friends home. Parked my 2021 350 ES in their driveway. Went in for coffee. We returned an hour or two later. Went to start the car. Nothin' happened. No crank, nothin'! Message came on directing me to hold by key fob in front of start button and then try starting engine. Started right up. What had I done wrong to cause this? Did I somehow have the headlights on manual and left them on? Car turned them off and this was the result? What the heck happened? What good did holding fob in front of start button do? It had been in my pocket where it always is when I use this car. Never any problem before.
09-01-21, 05:17 PM
#39
Went out to dinner last night. After dark, arrived back at friends home. Parked my 2021 350 ES in their driveway. Went in for coffee. We returned an hour or two later. Went to start the car. Nothin' happened. No crank, nothin'! Message came on directing me to hold by key fob in front of start button and then try starting engine. Started right up. What had I done wrong to cause this? Did I somehow have the headlights on manual and left them on? Car turned them off and this was the result? What the heck happened? What good did holding fob in front of start button do? It had been in my pocket where it always is when I use this car. Never any problem before.
09-13-21, 03:50 PM
#40
Driver School Candidate
Is it possible that the keyfob was 'sat on' for a while, thus activating a button for an extended amount of time and draining the battery? I'm just speculating on the battery drain part but I've had buttons inadvertently pressed in pocket before....
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