Toyota Key Fob Battery Dead, Spare Key or Keys Locked in the Car?

Toyota cars in Singapore

Toyota is one of the most common car brands on Singapore roads, from family Corolla Altis and Camry sedans to Alphard and Vellfire MPVs and Hiace vans used by businesses. We work on Toyota models including the Corolla Altis, Camry, Corolla Cross, C-HR, Prius, Alphard, Vellfire and Hiace vans.

A typical Toyota call

This is the kind of Toyota call we often get: A driver loads groceries into the boot of a Corolla Altis at an HDB multi-storey carpark, sets the key down on the shopping bags, and closes the boot. The car locks itself. We open the driver's door with non-destructive tools, the key comes out of the boot, and the driver decides it's time to get a spare fob cloned.

What's different about Toyota keys

Many newer Toyotas have Smart Entry & Start, so the car can lock with the key nowhere near your hand. MPVs like the Alphard and Vellfire add power sliding doors, and a key left in a door pocket is easy to lock in. Newer Toyotas mostly use a smart key: you keep it in your pocket, the doors unlock when you touch the handle, and you press a button to start. Older models use a remote key with a metal blade. Most Toyota smart keys hide a small mechanical key inside the fob for emergencies.

Toyota key fob battery dead? How to get in and start

1. Get in: Toyota hides a mechanical key in the smart key: slide the release and it comes out. On some models the driver's keyhole is behind a cap at the end of the handle; lever it off gently with the key.
2. Start the car: Hold the Toyota emblem side of the smart key against the POWER or ENGINE START STOP switch. A buzzer or light confirms it's been read, then press the switch again with your foot on the brake.

Details vary by year, so check your manual. Still stuck? Call us. Key locked inside instead? See keys locked in the car.

Toyota key fob battery replacement

Most Toyota fobs take a 3V coin cell (often CR2032 or CR2025): copy the type printed on the old one and fit the new cell the same way up. Not working after the swap? See key fob not working after a battery change; if the backup start above works, the Toyota fob itself is fine.

Toyota spare key

Down to one Toyota key? We clone Toyota remote key fobs from a working key, after checking your NRIC against the log card. We don't clone smart (keyless) keys. Cloning costs S$100–S$1,000 depending on the car, so WhatsApp 9224 9224 the model, year and a key photo to confirm first.

Tips for Toyota owners

• If your smart key battery is dying, many Toyotas still start if you hold the fob against the start button. Check your manual for your model.
• Slide out the hidden mechanical key now and learn where the hidden keyhole on the driver's door is, before you need it.
• Businesses running Hiace vans should keep a spare fob at the office, as one lost key can stop a delivery day.

Independent locksmith, not affiliated with Toyota. All prices.

Related: Honda · Lexus · Nissan · spare key fob cloning · all car brands