Toyota Tacoma
Key Fob Battery Replacement Guide
How to change the battery in the key fob
remote control for a 3rd generation 2016 to 2021 Toyota Tacoma truck.
 2020 Tacoma Key Fob |
 Back Side of Fob |
 Button - Left Side |
| This automotive
maintenance tutorial was specifically written to assist owners of the third
generation (2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021 and probably also the 2022
and 2023 model years) Toyota Tacoma truck in changing a weak or dead battery
in the smart or "intelligent" key fob remote control for the keyless entry
system.
Owners of other Toyota or Lexus vehicles such as the Tundra, 4Runner, Hilux, Highlander, C-HR, Avalon, Camry, Corolla, Supra, Land Cruiser, Prius, RAV4, Mirai, Sequoia, Sienna, Yaris, CT 200h, ES 300h, RX 350, GX 460, LX 570, NX 300, RX 450h, UX 200 and UX 250h may also find these DIY instructions to be helpful. The compatible replacement coin cell (also known as a "button" or "watch") battery part number is CR2032 which is available from various manufacturers such as Panasonic, Energizer, Sony, Duracell and Maxell. The only tool needed to access and replace the battery is a small flat head screwdriver or a small plastic pry bar tool. The first step is to locate the button on the left side of the smart fob with the word "PUSH" written on it. |
||
|
|
||
 Slide Out Metal Key |
 Ignition Key Removed |
 Empty Slot |
| Push in the release
button on the side of the fob and slide the emergency / backup metal
ignition key out of its slot. Set the ignition key aside in a safe place. |
||
 Insert Flat Head |
 Twist Screwdriver |
 Two Halves Separated |
| Insert the flat
head screwdriver into the notch where the metal ignition key used to reside. Gently twist the screwdriver to pry apart the two halves of the plastic fob housing. Set the front cover of the fob with the rubber buttons aside. |
||
 Green Circuit Board |
 Remote Control Unit |
 Pry Out Old Party |
| Carefully remove
the green circuit board out of the rear cover of the fob. Turn over the remote control unit to access the battery holder. Use a small flat head screwdriver to gently pry out the old battery at the bottom of the remote control unit where there are two flexible metal retaining clips. Do NOT pry out the battery at the center of the remote control unit to avoid breaking the two plastic retaining tabs. |
||
 Old Battery Removed |
 Panasonic CR2032 3V |
 Empty Battery Socket |
| Avoid using
excessive force. The old battery should pop out relatively easily. The OEM (original equipment manufacturer) battery in this fob for this 2020 Tacoma TRD Sport was a Panasonic CR2032 3 volt coin cell. |
||
 "+" Positive Side Up |
 Push In New Battery |
 New Battery Installed |
| You'll notice that
the battery holder is marked with the part number CR2032 "3V" and "+ UP". Orientate the new CR2032 battery with the positive "+" side facing up towards you and the "-" negative side facing down into the socket. First, insert the battery into the top of the socket near the middle of the remote control unit. Then gently pop the battery into the bottom of the socket. Make sure the new battery is securely seated in the holder. The two metal retaining clips should be gripping over the top of the new battery. |
||
 Lower In Remote Unit |
 Remove In Rear Half |
 Line Up Front Half |
| Lower the remote
control unit with the battery socket facing down into the back cover of the
fob. Line up the front cover of the fob with the rubber buttons insert over the remote control unit. |
||
 Snap Together Fob |
 Flush Together |
 Key Fob Re-Assembled |
| Gently snap
together the fob. Make sure the front and rear halves are flush together at every edge. |
||
 Slide In Ignition Key |
 Backup Key Secured |
 Test New Fob Battery |
| Replace the backup
/ emergency metal ignition by sliding it into the slot. The key should "click" securely into place. To test the new battery, stand near your truck and press the "Unlock" and "Lock" buttons. If the new battery is working properly, you should see the parking lights flash and hear the door locks opening and closing. (You should not have to reprogram the key fob. Just changing the battery does not clear the original programming from the factory.) Be sure to write down the battery change in your vehicle's service records. Please
check out all of the
2016-2021 Toyota Tacoma DIY Repair & Maintenance Guides. |
||
If you found this guide to be helpful,
please consider making a small donation by clicking on the PayPal.com
"Donate" button located to the right of this paragraph. Thank you!
 (Note: I am not a registered charity. Donations are not tax deductible.) |