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Dead Key Fob Battery on a 2024 Toyota Camry? Get Back In and Back On the Road Fast

Key fob battery is dead and needs replacement

🚀 Immediate Steps to Take

  1. Unlock the Camry with the hidden mechanical key: slide the release on the fob to pull out the metal key, then use the driver-door key cylinder (you may need to pop off the small handle cap depending on trim).
  2. Start the car using Toyota’s backup method: hold the Toyota logo side of the fob directly against the START/STOP button and press the brake, then press START/STOP (the car should read the fob via the immobilizer even with a dead fob battery).
  3. Replace the fob battery with the correct type (commonly CR2032 on many 2024 Camry fobs—verify by opening the fob or checking your owner’s manual), install with correct polarity, and test lock/unlock and remote start (if equipped).

Your Options

DIY replace the key fob battery (recommended first step)

Cost: $5-$15 Time: Varies

Open the fob carefully, replace the coin-cell battery with the correct type, and reassemble. On a 2024 Toyota Camry, this usually restores full remote range immediately. No programming is typically needed for a simple battery swap.

âś“ Pros:
  • Fastest and cheapest fix in most cases
  • No towing and usually no tools beyond a small flat tool
  • No reprogramming typically required
âś— Cons:
  • Easy to damage the fob shell if pried aggressively
  • Wrong battery type/polarity can make it seem like the fob is still dead

Use the mechanical key + emergency start method (temporary workaround)

Cost: $0-$10 Time: Varies

If you’re away from home or don’t have a replacement battery yet, you can still access and start your 2024 Camry. Use the hidden metal key to unlock the driver door, then hold the fob against the START/STOP button while pressing the brake and starting. This gets you moving so you can buy a battery safely.

âś“ Pros:
  • Works even when the fob battery is completely dead
  • No parts required to get going
  • Avoids unnecessary service calls
âś— Cons:
  • Alarm may sound when unlocking with the metal key on some setups
  • Not a permanent fix—remote functions remain unavailable until the battery is replaced

Have a service provider replace the fob battery (shop or mobile)

Cost: $20-$75 Time: Varies

A technician can confirm the correct battery type, install it, and verify the fob is transmitting properly. This is also a good time to check for corrosion, damaged contacts, or a cracked housing that could cause intermittent issues. You’re paying mainly for convenience and troubleshooting.

âś“ Pros:
  • Convenient if you don’t want to open the fob
  • Higher confidence the battery type and installation are correct
  • Can identify early signs of fob damage
âś— Cons:
  • Costs more than DIY for a simple coin-cell swap
  • Quality varies—some places may upsell unnecessary replacements

Diagnose other causes if a new battery doesn’t fix it (fob or vehicle issue)

Cost: $0-$150 Time: Varies

If the battery is new and installed correctly but the 2024 Camry still won’t respond, the fob may be damaged (water intrusion, cracked circuit board, worn buttons) or there may be a vehicle-side issue (receiver/antenna, interference, or a low 12V car battery). A proper diagnosis prevents paying for a new fob unnecessarily.

âś“ Pros:
  • Avoids replacing parts you don’t need
  • Catches issues like a weak vehicle 12V battery that can mimic fob problems
  • Improves long-term reliability
âś— Cons:
  • May require testing tools or a professional scan/inspection
  • Can take longer if parts need to be ordered

Replace the key fob (only if confirmed failed/lost)

Cost: $180-$250 Time: Varies

If the fob is physically damaged or no longer transmits, replacement may be the only reliable solution. For a 2024 Camry, replacement typically involves buying the correct fob and having it registered/programmed to the vehicle. Costs vary widely depending on key type, number of keys needed, and whether emergency keys are included.

âś“ Pros:
  • Restores full functionality when the original fob has failed
  • Provides a dependable spare if you add a second key
  • Can resolve intermittent failures from internal damage
âś— Cons:
  • Most expensive option
  • Programming/registration requirements can be inconvenient

⚠️ What to Avoid

âś• Avoid paying for a full key replacement before trying a verified-correct new coin-cell battery and the emergency start method.

✕ Avoid forcing the fob case open with large tools—cracked shells and damaged clips are common and can create future intermittent contact issues.

✕ Avoid assuming it’s the fob if the car’s 12V battery is weak; low vehicle voltage can cause inconsistent smart key detection and lock/unlock behavior.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I start a 2024 Toyota Camry if the key fob battery is dead?

Use the hidden mechanical key to get inside if needed, then hold the fob directly against the START/STOP button and press the brake while pressing START/STOP. The Camry can typically read the fob’s transponder at close range even when the coin-cell battery is dead.

What battery does a 2024 Toyota Camry key fob use?

Many 2024 Camry fobs use a CR2032 coin-cell, but Toyota can use different fobs depending on trim/package. The safest approach is to open the fob and read the battery marking or confirm in the owner’s manual for your exact key.

I replaced the fob battery and it still won’t work—what next?

First re-check battery type and polarity, and ensure the metal contacts are clean and making firm contact. Then test your second key (if you have one) and rule out interference (parking garages, strong RF sources). If both keys act up or the car shows other electrical symptoms, have the vehicle 12V battery and smart key system checked before buying a new fob.

Related Information

Need Detailed Information?

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

View Camry Key Fob Guide →

Last updated: 2026-01-04