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key fob battery issues

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Technical Discussion' started by kalamazandy, May 14, 2018.

  1. kalamazandy

    kalamazandy New Member

    Joined:
    Oct 30, 2017
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    Location:
    Kalamazoo, MI
    Vehicle:
    2011 Prius
    Model:
    II
    I have 2 fobs. I got the low battery warning, so ordered new batteries and replaced both. I got it used from dealer, so no idea how old they were.

    About a week later, low battery. A few days later it seemed to be dead. Switched fob....because I can be lazy at times. That one is saying low battery.

    Great! So maybe the batteries I got from amazon were not great. I went to target and paid for one off their shelf. A couple weeks later.....Low battery warning.

    So I'm at the end of my troubleshooting skills here. Clearly, I've tried the obvious solutions. There's no way the batteries should be lasting less than a month. All the buttons click ok, and seem to work. It doesn't seem a button is stuck down. I thought of that as well. It's clean on the inside, and there doesn't seem to be any obstructions.

    The only thing I could think of is I usually have the key next to my wallet, which contains my work door fob. And some credit cards have some wireless tech built in. So it makes sense that it could cause interference but that shouldn't Kill a battery....right?


    Let me know if you feel I've missed something, even better if you know an actual solution. I don't really need to be buying a 6 dollar battery every month.
     
    #1 kalamazandy, May 14, 2018
  2. ReDave

    ReDave Member

    Joined:
    Jul 27, 2011
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    Location:
    Central California, Sierra/Sequoia Foothills
    Vehicle:
    2019 Prius Prime
    Model:
    Prime Advanced
    I"m not sure, i also order batteries from amazon, we've had 2 Gen 3 Prius s
    They usually last at least 2 years, and... i often keep the fob in the car while in the garage, which 'they' have said would drain the battery faster....

    Not sure about the RFID chip idea, [that is what it is, right?]

    i don't keep it with my wallet, and it often is alone, but i have a work badge that uses a chip, and they are often together, but not all the time....
     
    #2 ReDave, May 15, 2018
  3. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

    Joined:
    May 11, 2005
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    Location:
    boston
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius Plug-in
    Model:
    Plug-in Base
    you might be on to something. try isolating the fob when not driving, and see if it lasts any longer.
    you could also purchase a volt meter to measure the batteries. 3.3v when new.
     
    #3 bisco, May 15, 2018
  4. RandomThoughts

    RandomThoughts New Member

    Joined:
    May 23, 2018
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    Location:
    yes
    Vehicle:
    2011 Prius
    Model:
    II
    Hello!

    My first thought is... is there a fob kept close to the car? Maybe it is in a bedroom or something that is close to the garage, and it is in constant contact with it? That'll drain it for certain. Just a thought..

    Also, keep it away from other fobs, or any other magnetic cards for any reason. It is a key, but it gets fouled up easily from outside sources.

    Or, is there another Toyota out there close to you? Their fobs could be interfering, as I've seen it happen.

    But the biggest, easiest thing I've ever seen is make certain your fob is no-where around your vehicle, as they talk to one another constantly and drain your battery.

    I hope you find the answer you are looking for...
     
    #4 RandomThoughts, May 23, 2018
    Last edited: May 23, 2018
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