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Damaged Key Fob for a 2024 Toyota Highlander: What to Do Next

A damaged key fob can leave your 2024 Toyota Highlander intermittently unlocking, refusing to start, or triggering alarms unexpectedly. The right next step depends on whether the fob still communicates with the vehicle and whether there’s water or internal breakage. Below are safe, practical actions and realistic repair/replacement paths for the US-market Highlander.

Understanding Your Situation

Physical impact, crushed buttons, cracked housing, or moisture intrusion can break the fob’s internal circuit board, battery contacts, or buttons. Even if it “works sometimes,” damage can worsen quickly—especially after water exposure—leading to a no-start condition on push-button start models or unreliable locking/unlocking.

🚀 Immediate Steps to Take

  1. If the fob got wet: remove it from your keyring, dry the exterior, and do not press buttons; if possible, open the fob case and remove the battery to prevent shorting.
  2. Try the backup procedure: use the mechanical key to unlock the driver door if needed, and use the fob’s emergency/backup start method per your owner’s manual if the vehicle won’t recognize the fob.
  3. Secure access: if the fob is cracked or buttons are stuck, store it away from the vehicle (inside the home, not near the car) to avoid accidental unlocking; if you have a spare fob, use it instead until the damaged one is resolved.

Your Options

Replace the fob battery and inspect for simple contact issues

Cost: $5-$20 Time: Same day

If the fob was dropped and now works intermittently, the battery may be loose, depleted, or the battery contacts may be bent. Replacing the coin-cell battery and ensuring proper seating can restore function when there’s no internal board damage.

✓ Pros:
  • Lowest-cost first step
  • Can fix intermittent range or no-response caused by a loose/weak battery
✗ Cons:
  • Won’t fix water intrusion or cracked circuit boards
  • Opening a damaged shell can break clips or worsen seal integrity

Replace the outer shell/case (reuse the original electronics)

Cost: $15-$60 Time: Same day / 1-3 days (shipping)

If the buttons or housing are cracked but the fob electronics still work, you can transfer the internal board and battery into a new shell. This keeps the original programmed electronics while restoring button feel and protection.

✓ Pros:
  • Cheaper than a full replacement
  • No vehicle programming needed if you reuse the original electronics
✗ Cons:
  • Not suitable if the circuit board is damaged or corroded
  • Aftermarket shells vary in fit and durability

Professional key fob repair (board cleaning/microsoldering)

Cost: $60-$180 Time: Same day / 1-3 days

Some locksmiths and electronics repair services can clean corrosion (after water exposure) or repair broken battery terminals and button switches. This is most viable when you want to preserve an original fob and damage is localized.

✓ Pros:
  • Can save an OEM fob that’s otherwise expensive to replace
  • May restore function after minor water damage or broken contacts
✗ Cons:
  • Not always successful (severe corrosion or cracked boards may be unrepairable)
  • Turnaround varies; you may be without that fob during service

Replace and program a new OEM fob through a Toyota dealer

Cost: $300-$650 Time: Same day / 1-3 days (parts availability)

The dealer supplies the correct OEM smart key fob for a 2024 Highlander and programs it to your vehicle. They can also remove lost/damaged keys from the vehicle’s authorized list when appropriate.

✓ Pros:
  • Highest compatibility and reliability (OEM parts and programming)
  • Dealer can verify key authorization status and update as needed
✗ Cons:
  • Typically the most expensive route
  • May require appointment, proof of ownership, and waiting for parts

Replace and program a new fob through an automotive locksmith (mobile service)

Cost: $200-$500 Time: Same day

A qualified automotive locksmith can often supply and program a compatible fob on-site. This can be faster if you’re stranded, and may be less expensive than a dealership depending on your area.

✓ Pros:
  • Convenient mobile service (helpful if the vehicle won’t start)
  • Often faster than dealer scheduling
✗ Cons:
  • Quality varies—ensure they are licensed/insured and experienced with late-model Toyota smart keys
  • Some aftermarket fobs have shorter lifespan or fit/finish issues vs OEM

⚠️ What to Avoid

✕ Don’t keep pressing buttons on a wet or sticky-button fob—this can force moisture deeper or cause continuous transmitting that drains the battery.

✕ Don’t use heat guns, ovens, or hair dryers on high heat; excessive heat can warp the shell and damage the circuit board and battery.

✕ Don’t buy the cheapest online ‘replacement fob’ without confirming it matches the 2024 Highlander’s FCC ID/part compatibility and is programmable in the US market.

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Throwing away damaged key
  • Not salvaging electronics
  • Buying OEM when aftermarket works
  • Not considering case-only replacement

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I still start my 2024 Toyota Highlander if the key fob is damaged?

Often yes, if the vehicle can still read the fob’s transponder. Many Toyota smart-key vehicles have a backup start method (for example, holding the fob close to the start button). Check your owner’s manual for the exact procedure for your trim and smart key system.

If my fob is cracked but works, do I need to replace it?

It’s a good idea to address it soon. A cracked shell can allow moisture and dirt into the electronics, leading to sudden failure later. If the electronics are fine, a shell replacement is usually the most cost-effective fix.

What if the fob went through the wash?

Remove the battery as soon as possible (if you can safely open the case), gently dry the fob, and let it air-dry thoroughly before reinstalling a new battery. If you see corrosion or the fob behaves erratically afterward, a professional cleaning/repair or replacement is often necessary.

Will replacing the battery erase programming?

No. A battery replacement does not remove the key’s pairing/programming to the vehicle. If the fob still doesn’t work with a new battery, the issue is likely physical damage, corrosion, or internal component failure.

⏱️ Urgency Note: Treat water exposure and cracked/stuck buttons as time-sensitive. Moisture can corrode the circuit board quickly, and stuck buttons can cause unintended unlocking or rapid battery drain—potentially leaving you locked out or unable to start the vehicle.

Related Information

Need Detailed Information?

Get vehicle-specific key fob compatibility, part numbers, and a complete price comparison for your 2024 Toyota Highlander.

View Highlander Key Fob Guide →

Last updated: 2026-01-04