Keyless remote / battery question

[joshi]

We have a 2000 Camry. The original keyless remote/alarm batteries work fine in both remotes, but we are wondering how long the battteries generally last. We don't want to get stuck somewhere, unable to unlock the car because the batteries gave out. Do most of you replace these batteries every X years, or will they pretty much outlive the car?

IF you do need to replace them, a) is it a watch-type battery that you can buy at any store? b) Is it easy to do or should we have the shop do it? Any programming required? Wasn't sure if you have to reprogram the unit after swapping batteries, or if you can just pop out the old one and put in a new one like you would a watch battery. I couldn't find anything in the manual about it...

Thanks.

[88 LE]

It most likely uses a watch type battery (CR2032), 10A, or 23A.

No reprogramming required. Just pop out the old battery and replace.

[prnc_chrmng]

also, if your battery dies out, cant you unlock your car with your key?

[joshi]

Yes, could unlock with key, but I wouldn't know how to shut off the alarm in that event. It's a keyless with alarm.

How often do most people replace that battery?

[prnc_chrmng]

i replace the battery in my aftermarket alarm like every 3 months, and my OEM one....maybe once in 4 years. your alarm should probly go off after your start your car, or put your key in the ON posistion. maybe you should give it a try now so you know incase it should ever happen.

[Admiral]

there may be a kill switch too that you have to press while you try and start or it will just turn and nothing will happen. definately do what prnc_chrmng said and try it out now. also, all the alarm remotes i ever had used this weird sized battery. not a watch battery, it looks like a short AA battery. just unscrew it and check it out so you are prepared if you need ot be.

[prnc_chrmng]

Originally Posted by Admiral

also, all the alarm remotes i ever had used this weird sized battery. not a watch battery, it looks like a short AA battery. just unscrew it and check it out so you are prepared if you need ot be.

hmm iv only seen that weird one with my garage door opener. my OEM alarm remote uses a watch type batt.

[Mike Gerber]

We have never replaced either of the batteries in my wife's 98 XLE remotes. It came from the factory with the Toyota alarm system.

I replaced the battery in my aftermarket remote for my 94 twice. Once with a Radio Shack battery when I was on a trip and it when out. Then a year later, when it started acting up again and I took it apart and noticed that acid was leaking out of that Radio Shack battery. That was about 3 years ago and it is still working fine.

Mike

[joshi]

I took it to the dealer tonight and the guy replaced both of them for me. The batteries he used were Rayovac CR2032 lithiums, looked like a large watch battery. Hope it lasts as long as the first ones did... not sure what was in there before.