Bichon

Went to open the car this morning, and was greeted by a locked door. Peering at the little red light on the fob while pushing the unlock button confirmed that the battery was toast. Fortunately, I was at home, and able to grab the spare.

I'm still trying to figure out what killed the battery, which worked just fine yesterday. The only thing I can figure is that I left they key in my pants pocket overnight (which I did) and something heavy enough to press the button was laying on it (don't think so, but who knows?)

Just a heads up, the battery, a CR1632, is not available at Radio Shack, CVS, or any of the local jewelry stores. Finally bit the bullet and drove over to the dealer. The parts guy handed me the battery and asked me where I bought the car. When I told him that it was at his dealership, he told me to have a nice day, i.e., no charge. Kudos to the dealer on that one.

Kermee

iTrader: (1)

Dang. Sorry to hear.

CR1632's are definitely harder to find than it's larger brother, the CR2032. If you've ever wondered what the #'s mean:

CR1632 is 16mm wide, 3.2mm in depth while the CR2032 is 20mm wide, 3.2mm in depth.

They should of just used CR2032's but I guess that would be too easy.

Cheers,
Kermee

Bichon

Thanks, wasn't familiar with the battery code. I did lots of Googling trying to find what kind of devices use that battery. The only thing I could find was the 2001+ Saabs. Since the Saab dealer is no closer than the Lexus place, that wasn't much help.

kensteele

Wow, that was early. I would hope the battery would at least last all year. Let us know how long your second or next one lasts.

Did you take the dead remote and see if you could start the car? Would have been interesting to know what would have happened since this is the way you could find yourself when you get back to your car in the airport parking lot.

Rockville

would know what to do in that instance. Many others would not. If you are forced to pry the cover off the door handle be very careful. It doesn't go back on very gracefully. Then aim your dead key fob right in front of the start button until you see the green light and fire her up. Most dealers will warranty the batteries if the car is that new so I'm glad you didn't go out and buy one at a battery store. Good post. I'm glad it was a knowledgable Club Lexus regular that didn't get flustered.

Rock

Langdell

I took the battery out of my spare to (hopefully) keep it fresh longer so I don't find myself with two dead keyfobs. When I took delivery, I asked my saleslady about doing this. She is sort of the grandmotherly type and not the most technologically oriented, and her response was, "Oh, I wouldn't open it yourself. I would only let the service department change the battery. It's very complex." Once I got home, I found the bit in the owner's manual--under "do-it-yourself"--about popping the keyfob open to change the battery. I think I managed O.K.

P.S. I also read in the manual or somewhere the warning that keeping your keyfob too close to a cell phone can drain the battery. If true, that's a problem given that most people carry both their phone and their car key on their persons.

is4me2

Pardon me if this is an ignorant question since I don't have my car yet (Saturday can't come soon enough ) but say Bichon was at work and he is going home for the night and he goes to get in the car, if the battery on the fob is dead, will you not be able to press the button on the door handle to get in? Will there not be enough "juice" in the fob to open the door? Are we supposed to be carrying around "spare" batteries then, since there is no "key" to open the door?

Langdell

There actually is a mechanical key to open the door in just such an emergency. It is normally stored in the keyfob and slides out. There is a hidden keyhole on the door that you can use after prying off the little plastic piece that covers it. Then (supposedly) you can start the car by holding the keyfob right next to the start button.

I hope I never have to test these emergency plans, but I will be prepared if I do!

tqlla3k

iTrader: (1)

But then, how could they charge $25 for a battery that you could get at CVS for 2.99

is4me2

Alrighty then...thanks Langdell.....maybe I should ask them to throw in a spare battery when I pick up the car.

Kermee

iTrader: (1)

Kind of off-topic but if you want to try:

#1. Take off the key-hole cover.
#2. Take out the physical key from the key-fob.
#3. Turn once and back to unlock the driver's side door.
#4. Turn a second time (clockwise) and hold it for about 5 seconds.



Cheers,
Kermee

bagwell

batteries.com $2.99 $1.49 shipping





OR
apexbattery.com $7.50...shipping sucks tho...GROUP BUY???!!! free shipping over $50.

bagwell

BATTGG = 20% off discount code at BATTERIES.COM oh, also gives you FREE SHIPPING

mcfly

Damn it man, you're 2 minutes too late! Ah well, I'll eat the 80 cents.

Langdell

How about 5 batteries for $5.24 shipped?
http://cgi.ebay.com/5-PANASONIC-CR16...QQcmdZViewItem