I have a 2010. For the first 25,000 miles, I have been using one of the keyfobs. Today I got into the car, put my foot on the brake as I normally do, and then pressed start button. Nothing happened and I got a message that I had to hold the key up the start button. So I pushed the button on the key fob to release the key. Nothing happened. I tried various positions on the button, but couldn't get anything to happen. Finally, I had to get someone to take me home so that I could get the other keyfob. I admit that I do not have good manual dexterity. I would be grateful if any of you could explain to me how to release the key from the fob. I'd also like to know what my other hand should be doing --pulling at the key handle? In addition, I assume that I should take the non-working fob to my friendly Toyota dealer so that a new battery can be installed? I apologize if this question has been asked and answered before, but this really threw me into a tizzy. Thanks for your help.
Hold the entire key fob up to start button. The RFID unit should be in the fob body, not in that little mechanical key. To release the mechanical key, don't press the release button squarely, it won't work. Press in only the end away from the keychain loop. The other end of the button will rock or tilt out of the fob, releasing the key. Pull on the keychain loop, it may be stiff.
To release the key from the FOB, push the button on the side of the narrow side of the FOB having a small key icon and labeled push.
Fuzzy1, I held the entire fob up to the start button, but couldn't get anything to happen. That's why I then tried to get the mechanical key out,figuring maybe I had to hold the key alone up to the start button. Your instructions for getting the key out do work--thank you.
yes, fortunately the other fob still works. Still, I will have the battery in this fob replaced so that I always have a working backup. Thanks for your thoughts.
Even if your battery in the fob is dead it still should start the car. Holding the fob against the silver ring around the push button, then push the start button at the same time, car should start, if not see the dealer.
Thank you for that suggestion. It's possible that I did not push the start button, but instead thought that it was enough to hold the fob up. A question: in that case, when it is necessary to take out the mechanical key? What does the key do? thanks again!
the key unlocks the door if your locked out due to dead fob or 12v battery. a bit of wd40 on the key will help it slide in and out of the for easier if it is tight.
Thanks,that's really helpful. Does the door open just by sliding the key in, or is it necessary to turn it?
Assuming you bought new, I'm disappointed that it sounds like your salesman didn't show any of this to you when you picked up your car. My salesman showed me the mechanical key and the slot (on 2nd gens, not the OP's) if the fob battery dies.
Plus, depending upon how you have the FOB set up to lock and unlock the car remotely, two motions with the key to unlock will unlock all doors, providing you can get the key out of the fob.
One of my key fobs is eating up batteries every couple of days... the key fob is getting replaced under warranty, otherwise those keys, with programming cost over $300.
My son had a similar problem, but they lasted about a week. We found he was carrying his FOB and cell phone in the same pocket all the time. Stopped doing that and we haven't had to replace a battery in several months.
