Is your 2007 Toyota Prius key fob starting to act up? You might have noticed that you need to be closer to your car for it to unlock, or perhaps the security indicator light is flashing on your dashboard after you turn off the engine. These are common signs that your Prius key fob battery is getting weak and needs replacing. Don’t worry, this is a straightforward task you can easily do yourself in just a few minutes. Replacing the key fob battery in your 2007 Prius is a simple piece of maintenance that ensures you won’t get stranded due to a dead key fob. Since there’s no traditional key to start your Prius, a functional key fob battery is essential. This guide will walk you through each step to replace your 2007 Prius key fob battery quickly and efficiently.
Before you begin, it’s always a good idea to be aware of basic safety precautions. While this is a simple battery replacement, take a moment to ensure you’re working in a clean, well-lit area.
Tools You’ll Need:
- Small Philips head screwdriver (Precision #0 recommended)
- Thin flat-head screwdriver or paperclip
Parts Needed:
- CR2032 Battery – This is the standard battery size for most Toyota Prius key fobs, including the 2007 model.
- Remove the Emergency Key: Locate the small release button or lever on your 2007 Prius key fob. With the buttons facing upwards, slide the spring-loaded release (usually indicated in red in diagrams) to the left. While holding it in this position, pull the emergency key straight up and out of the key fob. This key is a backup and not needed for starting the car in normal circumstances, but removing it gives you access to the key fob casing.
- Open the Key Fob Casing: Now, flip the key fob over so the buttons are facing downwards. You’ll see another spring-loaded section, similar to where you removed the emergency key. Slide this spring-loaded holder to the right (again, often marked in red in illustrations). While sliding it to the right, gently push the back panel of the key fob upwards (as indicated by the blue arrow in images). This back panel should slide off relatively easily, revealing the inside of your 2007 Prius key fob. If you encounter slight resistance, try using a rubber glove to improve your grip on the fob for better leverage.
- Access the Battery: Once the back panel is removed, you will see the battery compartment. There will be four small screws securing a cover plate over the battery. Use your Philips #0 screwdriver to carefully remove these four screws (circled in red in the image). After removing the screws, you can use a paperclip or a thin flat-head screwdriver to gently pry up the edge of the battery cover plate. The blue arrow in the image shows a good spot to insert your tool to pry open the cover. Be gentle to avoid damaging the plastic casing.
- Replace the Old Battery: With the battery cover plate removed, you’ll now see the CR2032 battery. Take note of the orientation of the old battery before removing it. Typically, the positive (+) side of the battery faces upwards, towards the cover panel. Carefully remove the old battery and insert the new CR2032 battery in the same orientation, ensuring the positive (+) side is facing up.
Reassembly:
Assembly is simply the reverse of the disassembly process.
- Place the battery cover plate back over the battery compartment.
- Reinstall the four small Philips head screws to secure the cover plate.
- Slide the back panel of the key fob back into place until it clicks or sits flush.
- Finally, slide the emergency key back into its slot until it clicks securely.
Testing Your Key Fob:
Once you’ve reassembled your 2007 Prius key fob with the new CR2032 battery, test it to ensure it’s working correctly. Try locking and unlocking your car from a reasonable distance to confirm the new battery has resolved the issue. The flashing security light on your dashboard should also no longer appear after shutting off the car if the weak battery was the cause.
Lifespan and Battery Type:
The original batteries in Toyota Prius key fobs, like those in the 2007 model, are often Panasonic CR2032 batteries. You can expect a battery lifespan of roughly 3 to 5 years under normal usage conditions. Keeping a spare CR2032 battery on hand is a good idea to avoid unexpected key fob battery failures.
By following these steps, you’ve successfully completed a 2007 Prius Key Fob Battery Replacement, saving yourself time and potentially money compared to going to a dealership for this minor maintenance task. You’re now equipped to handle this common Prius maintenance item and keep your key fob working reliably.
Resources:
- Toyota Prius Owner’s Manual
- Prius Key FOB Transmitter by Luscious Garage
- Random YouTube video on FOB battery replacement
