Most remotes that come with vehicles are used only to unlock the doors and trunks. The Toyota Prius remote is different from most because it also serves as the ignition key. If the battery fails you will not be able to start the car. If the battery needs replacement the only way you will know is when you try to unlock the doors or start the car and nothing happens. Knowing how to change the battery yourself will save a great deal of time, money and aggravation.
Remove the valet key. At the top of the remote is a slide lock that moves side to side. Move the lock and pull on the small valet key.
Remove the faceplate. The part of the remote with the Toyota emblem slides off in the same direction as the valet key. Use one hand to hold the bottom of the remote while your other hand slides the cover off the main unit.
Remove the screws. Use a small Phillips screwdriver to take out the four screws holding in the square metal plate. Take the plate out and you will see the battery compartment.
Replace the battery. Remove the old battery and put the new battery in with the positive side up.
Replace the lid. Put the square metal plate back in place and secure it with the four screws.
Replace the faceplate. Slide the faceplate back onto the remote with the Toyota emblem facing up. When doing this keep the lock mechanism slid to the left.
Replace the valet key. Slide the valet key back into its compartment, being certain it is flush with the remote.
Test the remote. Check all of its features, including locking and unlocking the doors, hitting the panic alarm and starting the car.
