[loumango]

I purchased a 2001 Toyota minivan in 2000. I had it for 15 years. During that time, I never had to replace the FOB batteries in either of the units. I have had a 2006 Toyota minivan for 11 years now and have never had to replace the FOB batteries either.

I purchased my 2016 Sonata PHEV in January 2016. I was amazed this morning when I turned off the engine and received a message that my Smart key Battery was low and needed to be replaced! I am amazed that the battery is going out after only 2-1/2 years. I dug out my owner's manual. According to the manual, the Smart Key takes what looks to be a very common battery (CR2032). I went ahead and ordered the batteries from Amazon. It is interesting as according to Amazon site, the batteries can't be shipped via air so it takes 4 or 5 days to receive them.

Are others finding that the Smart Key Batteries last only a couple of years? From now on, I will make a point to go ahead and replace them every couple of years.

 

[JKK]

You can get those common batteries at any market or drug store or hardware store, etc.

 

[JaxIII]

A "SmartKey" uses alot more battery power than a regular locking fob. Also even more intriguing is I always get my batteries through Amazon Prime in 2 days

 

[loumango]

I purchased a 2001 Toyota minivan in 2000. I had it for 15 years. During that time, I never had to replace the FOB batteries in either of the units. I have had a 2006 Toyota minivan for 11 years now and have never had to replace the FOB batteries either.

I purchased my 2016 Sonata PHEV in January 2016. I was amazed this morning when I turned off the engine and received a message that my Smart key Battery was low and needed to be replaced! I am amazed that the battery is going out after only 2-1/2 years. I dug out my owner's manual. According to the manual, the Smart Key takes what looks to be a very common battery (CR2032). I went ahead and ordered the batteries from Amazon. It is interesting as according to Amazon site, the batteries can't be shipped via air so it takes 4 or 5 days to receive them.

Are others finding that the Smart Key Batteries last only a couple of years? From now on, I will make a point to go ahead and replace them every couple of years.

Just wanted to conclude this post with the actual replacement of the batteries in my smart keys. I went onto YouTube and watched videos showing how to replace the batteries. The physical key pulls out and then you can use the one end of it to pry open the shell. The small end fits into the indent area and then you rotate the key and the shell opens. Once you have the shell into two halves, you take off a rubber seal and then under it, you pull out a circuit board. This exposes the battery. You take note of its orientation so you can insert the new battery with the correct side up.

YouTube also has videos detailing what you can do if you are stuck with a dead smartkey. The manual key can be inserted into a slot on the drivers side door. To start the car, you use the smart key (rather than your finger) to push the start button.

Once I replaced both batteries (it was great how much easier replacing the second one was compared to the first), I then went out to the car with just one key to make certain it was functioning properly. I then tested out the other key.

Has anyone else had to replace the battery in their smart key?

 

[bdahl385]

Has anyone else had to replace the battery in their smart key?

I just took delivery of a CPO 2016 HSH in mid May, Car had 14.5k miles on it. Dealer added a 2nd FOB as part of the CPO process as the original car at trade in came with only 1 key as the orig owner must have lost one.

Anyways, after driving home with the car, the next day when I drove it I also had the dashboard message light telling me that the remote battery needed replacement. It was the older / original FOB - not the new one. So I guess 2 years is typical for the lifespan on these.

I also buy these 5-10 at a time from Amazon Prime as these batteries are used in a lot of my electronics besides the FOB's. I always get them 2nd day delivery. But of course this depends on your location and who you buy them from during the Amazon checkout.

 

[solman98]

Still have the original batteries in both the 14 Elantra and the 16 Tucson. The Smart system does use more power than just a standard fob that only transmits when you push the button.

 

[MButkus]

There seems to be variations on how to open the fob to replace the battery. I almost broke my 2014 fob looking at those YouTube videos. You do not put a screwdriver into the key part. My 2014: Remove key, then opposite that key hole there are two tabs. Between these two tabs is a small space. That's were the screwdriver goes and it pops right open. A 2032 battery and my wife's car will now recognize the fob when you walk up to it. I replaced both fob batteries. Her's would only open the door unless you pressed the button. Been working fine for a few weeks now.

 

[Treehugger5]

To start the car, you use the smart key (rather than your finger) to push the start button.


What does this mean? I'm a moron.

 

[phftw]

Push the remote into the start button.

 

[Treehugger5]

Push the remote into the start button.

Technology... I'm sure there's a logical explanation of why this would make a difference, but I'm perplexed...

 

[NXR71]

I'm guessing there is an RFID chip or equivalent in the remote as a backup. When it's in close proximity to the pushbutton, which doubles as an RFID reader, it validates the RFID chip and allows the car to start.

But this is only a guess. I scanned mine for an NFC chip but it did not find one.