Introduction: DIY Toyota Prius Key Fob

Today I'm going to finally replace my Toyota Prius 2007 Key Fob.

Cost and Time DIY: $25 and 25 minutes.

Cost and Time if I went the dealer: $200 to $500 and 3 to 6 hours.

You can easily do the math, but it was also faster and fun!

Tools Needed:

Tiny Screw Driver Kit

Prius Key Fob Replacement

Original Prius Key Fob

Crazy Glue (optional)

Step 1: Crack It Open Like a Pearl

Okay I just cracked it open like a clam. But instead of a pearl, we see the inner workings of the Prius Key Fob!

It is important to note that this encasement is glued together and it does take force to gently rip it apart. I know that sounds like an oxymoron, but it is true. Take your mini screw driver and wedge it on the seam, then rotate it like a mini crowbar. Repeat this all the way around the case until it cracks apart. This is mostly a one way journey as far as the case is concerned.

Step 2: Behold the Inside of the Key Fob

Behold the two key components of the Prius Key Fob!

On the left we have the radio frequency controller that unlocks the doors, locks the doors, and sounds the alarm. On the right we have from what I read some sort of mini RFID that is required to start the car. This is very important and I cannot emphasize this enough. You must have both parts to have a complete Prius Key Fob.

This is the part where you must be gentle, but they do easily come out. Again use your mini screw kit to act as a mini crowbar. Be careful not to damage any of these parts, they will be inserted into the new new Prius Key Fob.

Step 3: Completed and Compare to the Original

Voila, you have your new Toyota Prius Key Fob.

I do not have any connection with these replacement kits, but I wanted to share the experience. The original easily gives in to wear and tear. Let's see how long the new replacement case lasts.

Be sure to notice that the generic replacement doesn't have any logos on it, but so far the plastic appears to be of a superior grade. The original has this soft plastic that eventually starts to far apart and get almost gummy. My alarm button completely fell off and the other buttons were heading for a similar fate.

This is the probably the first time I have ever said this, "China created a quality product over Japan."