Key fob battery

[AndrueC]

So I got my second warning on the dash today so decided to change it. Was quite easy. Remove the physical key then look where it was and you will see a slot. Stick a flat headed screw driver in there, twist and the fob opens. It needs a CR2032 but luckily I have a few of those spare anyway.

Somebody here mentioned that the Battery should be replaced on every service. Well it seems like my dealer didn't. Anyway the Battery lasted 2.5 years and it was easy enough to change.

[Swanthecat]

I think it it changed every major service so every 2 years. I’m a bit surprised it only lasts this long because my old Ford with keyless i.e the fob emits a signal, lasted significantly longer than this. Also was surprised to see the brake fluid also replaced in the major service. God only knows why Toyota’s fluid only apparently lasts this long. 5K miles on my car from new

[FROSTYBALLS]

As regards brake fluid, two year!y changes are common with a few manufacturers. The cars we've had  over the past 18 years - 10 from Mazda, Toyota and Hyundai - have all required brake fluid changes at two years.

[Swanthecat]

Ford test the boiling point to assess the amount of water absorbed. Which by the way even after 5 years in my old car was well below the limit. Just looks to me they have found another way to make a customer consumable out of a long-lasting material. Surprising move in these days of sustainability 

[frazthewise]

Yes, like changing plugs when it is unnecessary? 

[FROSTYBALLS]

Obviously Toyota consider these two actions are necessary, and what Ford do isn't relevant to Toyota servicing.

[Swanthecat]

5 hours ago, FROSTYBALLS said:

Obviously Toyota consider these two actions are necessary, and what Ford do isn't relevant to Toyota servicing.

Or are good money spinners. 

[Roy124]

Or a litre of washer fluid when the bottle was brim full. A standard item on the service but at least they gave me the bottle. 

[TonyHSD]

I usually change batteries in both key fobs at the same time, one I use every day the other stays in a cola can as spare, the one I use Battery lasts longer than the spare one?! Don’t know why, but since last year I have a new Battery with long expiry date on blister next to the spare key, not installed yet just in case I need to use will install and then use, plus I always keep one or two spare batteries inside the car 😉👍🔋

[Red_Corolla]

Bi-annual brake fluid changes are a standard scheduled maintenance procedure on any vehicle that uses hygroscopic mineral fluid (i.e. DOT 4 or 5.1). It needs doing by time interval, mileage is irrelevant. Doing this diligently can prevent a lot of expensive trouble with seized caliper pistons or cylinder failures in later years. The fluid is dirt cheap but it does take a bit of time to replace it properly.

Testing the boiling point at the reservoir is a complete cop-out. It's down at the business end inside the calipers where you need the fluid to be in good condition, not the stuff in the reservoir that never sees any action. Same thing with coolant - refractometer tests are only useful for checking the freezing point, but they don't tell you anything about the effectiveness of the corrosion inhibitors. 

 

[twintopp]

i`ve been told that the brake fluid absorbs moisture and thus affects the boiling point and possible braking ability

[Mooly]

On 10/18/2021 at 8:45 AM, TonyHSD said:

I usually change batteries in both key fobs at the same time, one I use every day the other stays in a cola can as spare, the one I use battery lasts longer than the spare one?! Don’t know why, but since last year I have a new battery with long expiry date on blister next to the spare key, not installed yet just in case I need to use will install and then use, plus I always keep one or two spare batteries inside the car 😉👍🔋

I might be able to explain that one for you and I've noticed that effect to. My spare key which lives in a wardrobe often wouldn't work and the reason is something 'passivation' which is the cell developing a high internal resistance due to an insulating layer building internally where the anode of the cell contacts the case. The voltage will measure just fine but it sags under load. All you need to do is use it occasionally to prevent and remove this layer. I just keep my finger on the buttons for 4 or 5 seconds every few weeks... perfect.

Page #6 here

https://data.energizer.com/pdfs/lithiumcoin_appman.pdf