Something most people never think about in our "keyless" world.
All of out new Lexus models come with a remote key, or a fob key to operate our "keyless" car. It is a little rectangular smooth object about the size of a matchbox( did I date myself since no one smokes anymore). This mechanical wonder opens your doors without a push of the button(for those of you who are nostalgic, you can push the button on the fob) just by touching the door handle with your fob in your pocket. The car "sees" the fob key and allows it through a wireless signal to let the car start when you push the start button.
Well what do you think enables this little fob to work like that? Electricity!!
Inside this marvel is a small round "watch" type battery. This tiny battery powers this remote fob key and transmits the necessary signals to your Lexus to allow it to do all those things.
So as with all things electrical that use batteries, this battery needs to be replaced from time to time to ensure proper operation. Lexus recommends that you replace the batteries in your remote fob keys approximately once a year. Now there are certain circumstances where you may need to replace them more often, and here are a few ides on how to handle the keys to avoid them going prematurely "dead".
If you park in your garage, don't leave the key in the car. The remote key is now constantly sending a signal to car letting it know it is within range. This is just like having an emergency flash light in your pantry closet but you left the light on. It drains the battery and now your remote key may not work. It might not happen over night but if you do this with regularity the battery may only last a couple of months instead of a year or so.
If you keep the spare in the house, keep it away from your microwave and other house hold items that transmit wireless waves (like a wireless modem, or other bluetooth type equipment). The fob can mistake these signals and think it is in the car and transmit a start signal.
Rallye Lexus will be incorporating fob battery replacement into it's one year/15,000 mile service as to make it more convenient and avoid any issues. Look for your new maintenance schedules soon.
