Hybrid Technology Unique topics related to the 2010 - 2015 RX450H model hybrid drivetrain and other features/options found only on the RX450H. Please use the main forum for discussion about shared components with other third generation RX models.

New key fob battery needed?

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 12-11-13, 04:20 PM
  #1  
Aptosuser
Driver
Thread Starter
 
Aptosuser's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: Monterey Bay Area, CA
Posts: 197
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default New key fob battery needed?

While our "new" '10 Lexus only had 15,000 miles on it when we bought it last month, the key fobs had three years on 'em. This afternoon I had some trouble locking the car. So I tried to "reboot" it by turning it on and off. Initially, the dash flashed a message that the key was not recognized. After I pushed the start button a couple of times again, the car did start. I'm wondering if it's time to replace the key fob's battery.
Old 12-11-13, 05:12 PM
  #2  
RXSF
Moderator
 
RXSF's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: San Francisco, CA
Posts: 12,050
Likes: 0
Received 73 Likes on 44 Posts
Default

I thought there was supposed to be a low battery message on the dash to alert you.

Was your phone anywhere near the key? I know that my iPhone interferes with my key. If placed next to each other, i get the "Key not detected" message
Old 12-12-13, 05:27 AM
  #3  
DunWkg
Racer
 
DunWkg's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: Iowa
Posts: 1,626
Received 27 Likes on 23 Posts
Default

The Scheduled Maintenance Log says "Replace Smart Key battery" at 18 months or 15,000 miles.

Guess you're there and beyond !!
Old 12-12-13, 06:37 AM
  #4  
RX330inFL
Lead Lap
 
RX330inFL's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2006
Location: FL
Posts: 3,999
Likes: 0
Received 27 Likes on 25 Posts
Default

Do yourself a favor and go to the local large box retailer (Walmart, Staples, Office Depot...) and pick yourself up three (3) CR1632 lithium button batteries. Replace all three at the same time.

http://drivers.lexus.com/t3Portal/do.../sec_04_03.pdf

http://drivers.lexus.com/t3Portal/do.../sec_01-02.pdf
Old 12-12-13, 06:54 AM
  #5  
OKSTANCE
Lead Lap
 
OKSTANCE's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: OK
Posts: 702
Likes: 0
Received 2 Likes on 2 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by DunWkg
"Replace Smart Key battery" at 18 months or 15,000 miles.

Guess you're there and beyond !!

THIS
Old 12-13-13, 01:58 PM
  #6  
hybridlexy
Rookie
 
hybridlexy's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: 63124
Posts: 59
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

oh yes, very easy!
pop out the valet key, and you will notice a small rectangular shaped slot. using the actual end of the valet key, slide the end into the slot and simply twist! this will pop the key open into two parts - change out the battery!

good luck!
Old 12-15-13, 03:09 PM
  #7  
Aptosuser
Driver
Thread Starter
 
Aptosuser's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: Monterey Bay Area, CA
Posts: 197
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

I visited Radio Shack today and bought a set of 3 new batteries and switched them out with the old ones. I only have two fobs so I now have one to spare. (I should've checked Amazon first, actually; I could've bought five Panasonic batteries there for half the price of the Radio Shack batteries) Now I'm wondering whether my iPhone, which was in the same pocket as the fob, and was on, was interfering with it -- which could explain why it worked better out of my pocket.
Old 01-15-14, 08:51 PM
  #8  
jtran714
Driver School Candidate
 
jtran714's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2014
Location: CA
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

Did you ever get this resolved?
Old 01-20-14, 09:03 AM
  #9  
Aptosuser
Driver
Thread Starter
 
Aptosuser's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: Monterey Bay Area, CA
Posts: 197
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by jtran714
Did you ever get this resolved?
Yes. I got a fresh battery, but I think my iPhone may have been running interference.
Old 01-20-14, 12:03 PM
  #10  
cflutist
Driver
 
cflutist's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2014
Location: CA
Posts: 148
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Default

Originally Posted by Aptosuser
Yes. I got a fresh battery, but I think my iPhone may have been running interference.
On page 62 of my manual it says that the fob uses weak radio waves and that communication between it and the vehicle may occur when carrying it with a portable radio, cellular phone, cordless phone or other wireless communicaton devices. They also mention PDAs, digital audio players (iPods) and portable game systems.

On page 65 they say to not leave it within 3 ft of the following that produce a magnetic field:
TVs
Personal computers
Cellular phones, cordless phones and battery chargers
Induction cookers (thank god mine is halogen)
Table lamps.

Cheryl
2014 RX 450h AWD
Old 01-27-14, 08:51 AM
  #11  
Aptosuser
Driver
Thread Starter
 
Aptosuser's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: Monterey Bay Area, CA
Posts: 197
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

I think keeping the phone and fob in separate pockets helps.
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
louczar
RX - 3rd Gen (2010-2015)
14
02-28-19 07:33 AM
FLYAIRWHIT
ES - 5th Gen (2007-2012)
2
07-27-15 05:17 AM
marty99
SC430 - 2nd Gen (2001-2010)
7
09-25-13 10:24 AM
axis350
IS - 2nd Gen (2006-2013)
6
03-10-11 12:18 PM



Quick Reply: New key fob battery needed?



All times are GMT -7. The time now is 11:30 AM.