Key Battery Low on Your Toyota RAV4? Here’s How to Fix & Prevent It
If you are here, you probably have a dashboard warning for your Toyota RAV4 key fob. This is entirely normal, and no cause to worry. If you have had your new RAV4 for one or two years, you can expect the battery in your key fob to die. It is an inexpensive and easy fix, I promise you.
I will cover the basics of replacing your key fob battery, the cost, size, and maintenance.
Symptoms of a Low Key Fob Battery on a Toyota RAV4
When you see that key fob warning, there are three main symptoms you can expect to occur. Nothing too serious, but it’s a pain when your fob isn’t working as it should, and you’ll want to get it taken care of as soon as possible.
1. A message will appear stating, “Key Battery Low Replace Key Battery.”
This message will appear on your dashboard’s multi-information display. It’ll say something like “key battery low, replace the key battery,” which means just what it says. Nothing to worry about, just a sign to run a quick errand to pick up a new key battery.
2. The smart key system and wireless remote control will not function properly.
Another symptom of a low key fob battery is if the key not working as it should. The key may struggle to lock and unlock the doors. The car may also not detect the key in order to start it (if you have a smart key system).
3. The operation range will be reduced.
With a low battery, you may be unable to unlock or start your RAV4 from the distance you are used to. It may only work at close distances.
How to Replace the Car Key Battery on a Toyota RAV4
To get started, you will need two things:
If you have a smart key, be sure to remove the mechanical key before you begin.
Follow this video or the written instructions below:
Step 1 – Remove the Cover
Hold the key with the buttons facing down and locate the key ring at the bottom. In the middle of the key ring, you will find a little notch that can be pried open with your screwdriver or something similar.
Step 2 – Remove the Circular Red Piece
When the back cover is off, you will see a circular red rubber piece with a small notch in the middle to help grab it. Pull it off.
Step 3 – Remove the Old Battery
Now the battery is visible, and there’s another notch at the top so you can fit your screwdriver between it and pop it out.
Step 4 – Install the New Battery
Grab your new battery and make sure the plus side is up, opposite the logo. One edge will go in first, then snap into place.
Step 5 – Replace the Components
Place the rubber piece back on the back cover, then the mechanical key.
Now you’re all set!
Toyota RAV4 Key Battery Size
The key fob battery is a small, round, and flat lithium battery. It is sometimes referred to as a “coin battery” because it resembles the shape and size of a coin.
Toyota uses this battery for their key fobs because they are widely available. Amazon has them for about $3 a piece, and they can be found at big-name stores, hardware stores, and auto parts stores.
The key fob battery type for a Toyota RAV4 is CR2032.
Key Battery Replacement Cost
Thankfully replacing your key fob battery is a very cheap repair. For about $5, you can buy several key fob batteries online, at an auto parts store, or a dealership. It’s easy to do yourself, but your Toyota dealership or local auto parts so may help you replace it for free (after you purchase the batteries).
Maintenance and Care of the Key Battery
Though a battery is likely to last one or two years, there are a few ways to maintain and care for the key battery to ensure it lasts as long as possible.
- For smart keys, you can enable battery-saver mode. Hold the lock button down and press the unlock button twice. The indicator light on your key should flash four times.
- Keep the key roughly three feet away from any big electrical appliances that could have a magnetic field, like TVs and microwaves, and speakers.
- Keep water away from the fob, which could damage the battery system.
Time to Order Your New Battery
You should be feeling confident enough to go ahead and order a battery for your key fob.
After watching the helpful video and reading through the instructions, hopefully, you have found out how easy it is to replace your key fob battery and get that dashboard light to turn off. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out.