It’s a pretty common assumption when your Toyota key won’t work that the battery is dead. But for a lot of those driving in Melbourne (like in Richmond or Dandenong), there might be more behind it.
From a faulty chip to broken buttons to a worn-out remote, you may need more than just a battery change to fix yours. It’s very rare, but sometimes people will need to consider a Toyota key replacement service to get things back in order.
Here is what to look for, when to sound the alarm and call in the Toyota key replacement service.
1. Try the Basics First
Begin by pushing the lock or unlock button on your car’s proximity key. If nothing works, the battery may be dead — these are usually CR2032 and cost around $5–$10.
But if you see the lights flash and doors fail to unlock, the issue may be a dud signal from the fob, or a receiver problem in the car.
There are some locksmiths that can do that for you and check signal strength right there as well.
2. How to Replace Your Battery: The Correct Way
Open the key fob with a small screwdriver. Fit a new battery with the correct polarity.
If it still doesn’t have any effect, you’re likely looking at worn internal parts — especially if your vehicle is old enough to remember why we all hate Toyotas: their mechanicals’ tenacity to continue operation regardless of the environment in which they find themselves in, and a 2010 Yaris can’t escape that tradition.
In general, the cost of repairs falls somewhere between $100 and $300.
3. Check the Transponder Chip
Most Toyota keys have a chip that communicates with your car’s engine immobiliser.
If the car starts but the remote does not unlock the doors, this chip likely works, and the remote likely does not work.
If your car doesn’t start at all, the chip may need reprogramming, which runs about $100 to $400.
Chips can become damaged over humid Melbourne winters, particularly if the key has been exposed to moisture.
4. Look for Damage
After a few years of use, keys can stop working. Look for cracks or signs of water damage.
If you’ve dropped the key recently, that may well explain the problem — even if it looks fine from the outside.
If necessary, a professional can test both the key and the car’s receiver unit.
5. Try a Spare or Manual Unlock
Try your spare key and see if it’s just the main fob.
And, if your spare is functional, you probably need to repair your main key or replace the remote.
Still no luck? One of the possible causes of the issue is either the ignition or the immobiliser. A mobile locksmith in Melbourne can come to you to look at the problem and fix it.
6. Check the Battery and Receiver of the Car
On occasion, the vehicle itself is the issue, rather than the key.
In the event that the battery is out of juice, your vehicle will not respond to the key.
Check the battery on the car (you should see 12.6V or more) or take it to the mechanic.
Other problems, such as a bad receiver, may be more expensive ($500 to $1,500) and generally require additional testing.
7. Get Help from a Licensed Pro
If none of the above gets you back to freedom, a registered Toyota car key replacement service should be called.
They are able to cut new keys, reprogram a chip and even test your system using special equipment.
Oftentimes, this will be cheaper than using a dealer — you should look to save up to 50%.
A qualified technician offering 24/7 car key replacement for your Toyota may also be able to provide you with a warranty and on-location assistance for newer models such as the Prius or Land Cruiser.
Move on the Road with Confidence
There is every chance that one of these professionals is going to be the one to help you out, and you’re not going to be left high and dry being locked out of your car with the best chance of a quick fix or even a full replacement of a key – Toyota car key replacement especially, is in good hands – with a licensed technician for your Toyota car key replacement being far and away your best bet.
Have your key organized now and keep your Toyota on the go in Melbourne.
