Is your 2012 Prius key fob not working as reliably as it used to? A common issue with key fobs, especially in models like the 2012 Toyota Prius, is a low or dead battery. Fortunately, replacing the battery in your 2012 Prius key fob is a straightforward process you can easily do yourself, saving you time and money compared to visiting a dealership.
Before assuming there’s a more complex problem with your 2012 Prius key fob, consider the simple solution: battery replacement. Symptoms of a weakening 2012 Prius Key Fob Battery can include a decreased operating range, meaning you need to be closer to your Prius for the remote lock or unlock to function. You might also notice intermittent operation, where the buttons sometimes work and sometimes don’t. In some cases, your Prius dashboard may even display a warning message indicating a low key fob battery.
The good news is that replacing the 2012 Prius key fob battery is a task you can accomplish with minimal tools and effort. You’ll need a small Phillips head screwdriver, often called a jeweler’s screwdriver, to open the key fob casing. The battery you’ll need is a CR2032 button cell battery, which is widely available at drugstores, supermarkets, and online retailers.
To begin, locate the small lever or button on your 2012 Prius key fob that releases the mechanical key. Remove the physical key from the fob. Once the key is removed, look for a small slot or ridge on the back of the key fob, typically on the side with the Toyota logo. Using your finger or the tip of the mechanical key, gently pry or slide open the back cover of the key fob. It might require a bit of pressure, but avoid using excessive force to prevent damage to the casing.
With the back cover removed, you’ll see the internal components of your 2012 Prius key fob and the battery compartment. You should see four small Phillips head screws securing a small cover over the battery. Use your small Phillips head screwdriver to carefully remove these four screws. Keep these screws in a safe place, as they are quite small and easily lost.
After removing the screws and the cover, you will now have access to the old CR2032 battery. Take note of the battery’s orientation (positive side up or down) before removing it. You can use your fingertip or the tip of a pen to gently pry out the old battery. Install the new CR2032 battery, ensuring it is placed in the correct orientation as the old one.
Once the new battery is securely in place, replace the small cover and fasten it with the four Phillips head screws you removed earlier. Make sure the screws are snug but not overtightened. Finally, snap the back cover of the 2012 Prius key fob back into place until it clicks securely. Reinsert the mechanical key.
Test your 2012 Prius key fob to ensure it is now functioning correctly. The increased responsiveness and range should be immediately noticeable if a low battery was the issue. Replacing the 2012 Prius key fob battery is a simple maintenance task that can restore the convenience and reliability of your keyless entry system.
