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."

Comments

[PatrickB289]

where does the RFID piece go? Is it just sitting loosecinside?

[ecoben]

Look at step one the RFID chip has a place in the case.

[YasminE5]

Hey, so i was able to replace everything but the car won’t start unless the fob is inside of the insert place, is that just gonna be the life now... or did i miss a step to be able to start the car without inserting the fob?

[ecoben]

It should work in the key fob slot and anywhere in the car. Make sure you included the RFID chip.

[notVPMikePence]

I have replaced my battery in my FOB. Will this replacement and process correct for this or is the component(s) bad?

[ecoben]

Not sure i understand you comment but these steps are to replace the case.

[marcelt21]

Where did you buy replacement fob? and how much was it?

[ecoben]

I think I got it off ebay. I don't remember the seller. The cost should be under $20. Look for the cheapest price and go with a generic model. As long as the form factor looks like it matches you should be fine.

[Ryuko098]

The one I found was at Amazon for $13:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00YGBNIPI/ref=yo_ii_img?ie=UTF8&psc=1

There's a few other models, including some with a blank key.

[3366carlos]

thanks for the explanation. With my keys, since I don't like big plastic fobs, i used my dremmel tool to shave all unnecessary plastic around the FOB. Now my fob is much smaller and lighter.

[ecoben]

Does it still look classy?

[3366carlos]

no, it looks ugly but much smaller. its the one on my profile picture.

[3366carlos]

ok, so did you actually replace microchips? you just pulled the original chips from the original fob? how did you reinstall the chips in the new circuit card? did you solder them? pictures please. OR did you just replace the plastic case 'cuz the new one cracked? thanks.

[ecoben]

This replacement is purely esthetic, but you need to be careful at the same time too. I included all steps, pictures, and information. All the internal hardware is removed and reinstalled into the new case. This is also important if your keys are falling apart, as in my case. Soon I was going to be touching the hardware inside, which means it would be destroyed surely.

More importantly, what's up with your keys?