Is your 2007 Prius key fob looking worn out, cracked, or simply not functioning as well as it used to? Instead of spending a significant amount on a brand new key fob replacement at the dealership, you can easily and affordably refresh your existing key fob by replacing just the housing. This guide will walk you through the simple steps to replace your 2007 Prius key fob housing, saving you time and money.
What You’ll Need for Your Key Fob Housing Replacement
Before you begin, gather these essential tools and materials to ensure a smooth and efficient key fob housing replacement:
- Replacement Key Fob Housing: Purchase a low-cost, compatible key fob housing online. Websites like eBay are great resources to find affordable options. Look for the cheapest key fob available, as you’ll only be using the housing. Don’t worry about the logo or color, as the internal components are what matter.
- Small Phillips Head Screwdriver: You’ll need this to remove the tiny screws inside your key fob.
- Needle Nose Pliers: These are useful for gently splitting the key fob case.
- Dull Blade or Thin Pry Tool: A butter knife or a plastic pry tool will help separate the case halves without causing damage.
- Adhesive (Optional): While not always necessary, a bit of glue can help secure the new housing. Regular white glue can work, but be mindful not to use super glue if you might need to open it again in the future.
Step-by-Step Guide to Replacing Your 2007 Prius Key Fob Housing
Follow these detailed steps to safely and effectively replace your 2007 Prius key fob housing:
Step 1: Disassembling Your Old Key Fob
First, you’ll need to open your existing key fob. Begin by removing the mechanical key. Locate the latch that secures the mechanical key – this same latch also holds the sliding panel (usually with the Toyota logo) in place. Slide this panel off to access the screws underneath.
Next, you will see four small screws securing the battery compartment. Use your Phillips head screwdriver to carefully remove these screws. Once the screws are out, you can remove the battery cover and the battery itself. Set these aside safely.
Now, to split the case, insert the tips of your needle nose pliers into the slot where the mechanical key was housed. Gently spread the pliers to start separating the two halves of the key fob case. The adhesive used in the original fob is usually not very strong.
Once you’ve created a small opening, insert a dull blade or thin pry tool into the gap. Carefully work the blade around the entire seam of the key fob to fully separate the two halves of the case. Take your time to avoid cracking or damaging the plastic.
Step 2: Extracting Internal Components
With the case open, you’ll see the internal components: a circuit board and a transponder chip. The transponder is a small, black chip, approximately 1/2 inch long by 1/8 inch square. It’s typically located in the half of the case that held the battery, near the lock button area.
Carefully remove both the circuit board and the transponder chip from the old housing. These components are usually press-fit into the case and might have a little residue from the case sealant. You may need to use a sharp knife or miniature screwdriver to gently pry them out. Be careful not to damage the circuit board or the transponder during this process.
Step 3: Preparing the New Key Fob Housing
Take your new replacement key fob housing. It might have some residual glue from its original assembly. If you notice any glue, carefully remove it to ensure a clean space for your components.
Step 4: Transferring Components and Reassembling
Now, transfer the circuit board and transponder chip from your old remote into the new key fob housing. Ensure they are properly seated in the new housing, mimicking their placement in the original case.
Once the internal components are in place, carefully reassemble the new key fob housing. Press the two halves together firmly until they snap closed. If you wish, you can use a small amount of glue to further secure the case. Remember to use a non-permanent adhesive if you think you might need to open it again in the future.
Programming and Additional Keys
In most cases, transferring the components to a new housing does not require reprogramming, as you are using the original electronics. However, if you used a completely new or used key fob for parts, you might want to program the transponder part of a used remote. You can find instructions for programming a non-SKS (Smart Key System) key fob for your Prius online, such as on PriusChat forums. You can then keep the original, now-housed-in-new-shell remote as your primary key, and the newly programmed remote as a spare or emergency key.
Conclusion
Replacing your 2007 Prius key fob housing is a straightforward DIY project that can save you a significant amount of money compared to buying a new key fob. By following these simple steps, you can refresh your key fob, improve its appearance, and ensure it functions reliably for years to come. Enjoy the satisfaction of a successful DIY repair and the savings you’ve achieved!
