How To Change Battery in Lexus Key Fob? - Okey DoKey Locksmith
Replacing the battery in a Lexus remote or smart key is usually a quick job that can be done at home. When the battery becomes weak, you may notice reduced remote range, buttons that respond inconsistently, or a smart key that needs to be brought closer to the vehicle before it is detected.
Lexus has used several different coin-cell batteries over the years, including CR1616, CR1632, CR2016, and CR2032. The correct battery depends on the model, year, and remote design, so it is important to identify the battery before installing a replacement.
Contents
Before Replacing the Lexus Key Battery
Before opening the remote, determine which battery your Lexus key uses. Different Lexus remotes can look similar while using different battery sizes.
You will usually need only a small flat screwdriver or similar tool. On a Lexus smart key with a removable emergency key, the metal key may also be useful for opening the remote case, depending on its design.
Work carefully when separating the case. The plastic housing, internal circuit board, buttons, and battery contacts can be damaged if excessive force is used.
If the problem is a lost, damaged, or completely nonfunctional key rather than a weak battery, replacing the battery may not solve it. In that situation, see our Lexus key replacement information.
What Battery Does a Lexus Key Fob Use?
There is no single battery used in every Lexus remote. The original battery chart for these Lexus applications includes CR1616, CR1632, CR2016, and CR2032 coin-cell batteries.
For example, the source chart lists many 2018 and 2019 Lexus models with a CR2032 battery, while the GX 460 for those years is listed with a CR1632. Older applications in the chart include CR1616 and CR2016 batteries as well.
The safest approach is to open the remote and check the number printed on the existing battery before buying a replacement. Install the same battery type unless the owner's manual specifies otherwise.
Lexus Key Battery by Model & Year
The following table is based on the Lexus model-and-year battery information from the original guide. Because Lexus key designs can vary, verify the battery in your existing remote before replacement.
| Model Year | Model(s) | Battery |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | GX 460 | CR1632 |
| 2019 | ES 300h, ES 350, GS 300, GS 350, GS F, IS 300, IS 350, LC 500, LC 500h, LS 500, LS 500h, LX 570, NX 300, NX 300h, RC 300, RC 350, RC F, RX 350, RX 450h, RX 450hL, UX 200, UX 250h | CR2032 |
| 2018 | GX 460 | CR1632 |
| 2018 | ES 300h, ES 350, GS 300, GS 350, GS 450h, GS F, IS 300, IS 350, LC 500, LC 500h, LX 570, NX 300, NX 300h, RC 300, RC 350, RC F, RX 350, RX 450h, RX 450hL | CR2032 |
| 2017 | CT 200h, GX 460, LS 460 | CR1632 |
| 2017 | ES 300h, ES 350, GS 200t, GS 350, GS 450h, GS F, IS 200t, IS 300, IS 350, LX 570, NX 200t, NX 300h, RC 200t, RC 300, RC 350, RC F, RX 350, RX 450h | CR2032 |
| 2016 | CT 200h, GX 460, LS 460, LS 600h | CR1632 |
| 2016 | ES 300h, ES 350, GS 200t, GS 350, GS 450h, GS F, IS 200t, IS 300, IS 350, LX 570, NX 200t, NX 300h, RC 200t, RC 300, RC 350, RC F, RX 350, RX 450h | CR2032 |
| 2015 | CT 200h, GX 460, IS 250 C, IS 350 C, LS 460, LS 600h, LX 570, RX 350, RX 450h | CR1632 |
| 2015 | ES 300h, ES 350, GS 350, GS 450h, IS 250, IS 350, NX 200t, NX 300h, RC 350, RC F | CR2032 |
| 2014 | CT 200h, GX 460, IS 250 C, IS 350 C, IS F, LS 460, LS 600h, LX 570, RX 350, RX 450h | CR1632 |
| 2014 | ES 300h, ES 350, GS 350, GS 450h, IS 250, IS 350 | CR2032 |
| 2013 | CT 200h, GX 460, IS 250, IS 250 C, IS 350, IS 350 C, IS F, LS 460, LS 600h, LX 570, RX 350, RX 450h | CR1632 |
| 2013 | ES 300h, ES 350, GS 350, GS 450h | CR2032 |
| 2012 | CT 200h, ES 350, GS 350, GX 460, HS 250h, IS 250, IS 250 C, IS 350, IS 350 C, IS F, LS 460, LS 600h, LX 570, RX 350, RX 450h | CR1632 |
| 2012 | LFA | CR2016 |
| 2011 | CT 200h, ES 350, GS 350, GS 450h, GS 460, GX 460, HS 250h, IS 250, IS 250 C, IS 350, IS 350 C, IS F, LS 460, LS 600h, LX 570, RX 350, RX 450h | CR1632 |
| 2010 | SC 430 | CR1616 |
| 2010 | ES 350, GS 350, GS 450h, GS 460, GX 460, HS 250h, IS 250, IS 250 C, IS 350, IS 350 C, IS F, LS 460, LS 600h, LX 570, RX 350, RX 450h | CR1632 |
| 2009 | GX 470, SC 430 | CR1616 |
| 2009 | ES 350, GS 350, GS 450h, GS 460, IS 250, IS 350, IS F, LS 460, LS 600h, LX 570 | CR1632 |
| 2009 | RX 350 | CR2016 |
| 2008 | GX 470, SC 430 | CR1616 |
| 2008 | ES 350, GS 350, GS 450h, GS 460, IS 250, IS 350, IS F, LS 460, LS 600h, LX 570 | CR1632 |
| 2008 | RX 350, RX 400h | CR2016 |
| 2007 | GX 470, SC 430 | CR1616 |
| 2007 | ES 350, GS 350, GS 430, GS 450h, IS 250, IS 350, LS 460 | CR1632 |
| 2007 | LX 470, RX 350, RX 400h | CR2016 |
| 2006 | GX 470, SC 430 | CR1616 |
| 2006 | GS 300, GS 430, IS 250, IS 350 | CR1632 |
| 2006 | ES 330, LX 470, RX 330, RX 400h | CR2016 |
| 2006 | LS 430 | CR2032 |
| 2005 | GS 300, GS 430, GX 470, IS 300, LX 470, SC 430 | CR1616 |
| 2005 | ES 330, RX 330 | CR2016 |
| 2005 | LS 430 | CR2032 |
| 2004 | GS 300, GS 430, GX 470, IS 300, LX 470, SC 430 | CR1616 |
| 2004 | ES 330, RX 330 | CR2016 |
| 2004 | LS 430 | CR2032 |
| 2003 | ES 300, GS 300, GS 430, GX 470, IS 300, LS 430, LX 470, RX 300, SC 430 | CR1616 |
| 2002 | ES 300, GS 300, GS 430, IS 300, LS 430, LX 470, RX 300, SC 430 | CR1616 |
| 2001 | ES 300, GS 300, GS 430, IS 300, LS 430, LX 470, RX 300 | CR1616 |
| 2000 | ES 300, GS 300, GS 400, LS 400, LX 470, RX 300, SC 300, SC 400 | CR1616 |
| 1999 | GS 300, GS 400, LS 400, LX 470, RX 300, SC 300, SC 400 | CR1616 |
| 1998 | GS 400, LS 400, LX 470, SC 300, SC 400 | CR1616 |
How to Change a Lexus Key Fob Battery
The original guide uses a simple three-step process: open the case at the side notch, replace the battery, and close the case.
1. Remove the Emergency Key If Equipped
If your Lexus smart key has a removable metal emergency key, release it from the fob. Depending on the remote design, the emergency key can also help separate the case.
2. Open the Lexus Remote
Locate the small notch along the edge of the remote. Insert a small flat screwdriver or the appropriate edge of the emergency key into the notch and gently twist to separate the case.
Do not force the housing apart. If it does not open easily, check that you are using the intended opening point.
3. Locate the Battery
Once the housing is open, locate the coin-cell battery. Before removing it, note the battery number and its positive and negative orientation.
4. Remove the Old Battery
Carefully lift the old battery from its holder without bending or damaging the battery contacts or circuit board.
5. Install the New Battery
Install a new battery of the same type as the original. Make sure it faces the same direction as the battery you removed and sits securely in the holder.
6. Close the Remote
Align the two halves of the Lexus remote housing and press them together until the case closes securely. Reinstall the emergency key if you removed it.
What to Do After Replacing the Battery
Test the lock, unlock, trunk, and other remote buttons that apply to your Lexus. If you have a Lexus smart key, also confirm that the vehicle recognizes the key normally.
A routine battery replacement is different from replacing the complete electronic key. If the same remote was working before its battery became weak, changing the battery does not mean you are creating a new key.
Lexus Remote Still Not Working After Battery Replacement?
If the Lexus remote still does not work, first make sure the battery is the correct size, is installed in the correct orientation, and is seated properly against the contacts.
If those items are correct, the problem may involve the remote housing, battery contacts, buttons, internal electronics, or another key-related issue rather than the battery itself.
A weak remote battery should also not be confused with a problem involving the vehicle's transponder or immobilizer system. Remote-control functions and engine-start authorization are related to different functions of the key.
If the key has been lost or the complete fob needs replacement, a car key replacement requires more than simply installing another coin-cell battery.
How to Replace a Lexus Remote Battery: Video
The original guide also includes this video showing the battery replacement process:
Lexus Key Battery FAQ
What battery does a Lexus key fob use?
It depends on the Lexus model, year, and remote. The applications in this guide use CR1616, CR1632, CR2016, or CR2032 batteries. Check the existing battery before ordering a replacement.
How do I know when my Lexus key battery is weak?
A weak battery may cause reduced remote range or intermittent operation. On a smart-key vehicle, you may also notice that the vehicle does not detect the key as reliably as before.
Can I replace a Lexus key fob battery myself?
Yes. For the remote styles covered by this guide, the battery can be accessed by carefully opening the case, removing the old coin-cell battery, and installing the correct replacement.
Do I need to program my Lexus key after changing the battery?
Changing the battery in the existing remote is not the same as replacing or programming a new Lexus key. If the remote does not operate after battery replacement, first check the battery type, orientation, and contacts before assuming that key programming is required.
Can I use a CR2032 instead of a CR1632?
Use the battery type specified for the remote. Coin-cell batteries with different numbers can have different physical dimensions and should not be treated as interchangeable simply because they are the same voltage.
What if my Lexus key is completely lost?
A battery replacement only applies when you still have the remote. If the key is lost, you will need a replacement key appropriate for your Lexus rather than a replacement battery. See Lexus key replacement for more information.
