Start a Toyota, Scion or Lexus with a Dead Key Fob

How to Start a Toyota, Scion or Lexus with a Dead Key Fob

This page holds all of the emergency start or back-up start procedures needed for Toyota, Scion or Lexus vehicles if the battery in the key fob dies or if there are electrical signals interfering with the fob.

Starting Your Toyota, Scion or Lexus

• First, if you are still locked out, click here for help getting inside!
• Second, for video help, click here.
• Finally, if you need or want another manufacturer, click here.

For the majority of Toyota Motor Co. vehicles, the requirement is simple. Hold the Smart Key fob against the Start / Stop ignition button with the Toyota, Scion or Lexus logo facing the button or switch. Press the Start / Stop button, keeping the brake pedal depressed. You can even press the button with the fob itself.

In truth, a buzzer will sound when the fob is touched to the Start / Stop button. If the button is pressed within five seconds of the buzzer sounding, the vehicle will start, assuming the brake pedal remains depressed.

The new (2020) Toyota Supra is an exception. There is an image of a key with lines radiating from it on the side of the steering column. Hold the back of the remote control (NOT the tip like the image) against the marked area on the steering column and press the Start/Stop button within 10 seconds while depressing the brake.

Another exception is the Toyota Prius in the 2004 through 2009 model years. These cars have a slot beneath the Start/Stop button that will accept the key fob. Insert the fob, buttons up, then press the Start/Stop button while depressing the brake pedal as normal.

A final exception (right) is found in early Lexus LS models. It uses a key fob with a tapered end and a start cylinder that is turned to start the car. In this case, the taped end of the fob is inserted into the start cylinder. The car will recognize the key fob, which can then be used to turn the cylinder.

Note: If you have made an attempt to start the vehicle without success, there may be residual pressure in the brake system and a new warning light may appear (left) or text message to Step on the Brake. Press the brake pedal very, very hard when trying to start the vehicle again to be sure that the release switch behind the pedal is engaged. Or wait a few minutes and try again.

Getting out

Electrified Lexus models, the NX, RX, RZ and TX, feature an electronic latch. To open the door from the inside, Lexus provides a button to push. To the company’s credit, if pushing the button fails to open the door, likely due to a power failure, the push button is actually built into the back-up door handle. It simply needs to be pulled from the front (right), although it must be pulled twice.

Click here for video help with these models and key fobs.

Models covered include the Lexus CT, ES, GS, GX, HS, IS, LC, LS, LX, NX, RC, RX, RZ, TX, UX, 200, 250, 300, 330, 350, 400, 430, 450, 460, 470, 500, and 600 and Scion FR-S, iA, iM, iQ, tC, xA, xB, and xD and Toyota 4Runner, Avalon, Camry, Celica, Corolla, Corona, Cressida, Echo, FJ Cruiser, Highlander, Land Cruiser, Matrix, Mirai, MR2, Paseo, Previa, RAV4, Sequoia, Sienna, Solara, Starlet, T100, Tacoma, Tercel, Tundra, Venza, Yaris, 86, C-HR, Supra, and Prius. Model years 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, and 2025.

…. Return to Part I, Getting In

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The information on this website is provided for information sharing purposes only, and should not be used in lieu of an OEM service manual or factory authorized service procedure. We are not in the auto repair business nor do we publish automotive service manuals. Nothing we include on these pages and posts has been reviewed, approved or authorized by any vehicle manufacturer.

Remember that only proper service and repair procedures will ensure the safe and reliable operation of your car. In addition, proper safety procedures and precautions, such as the use of safety goggles, the right tools and the equipment should be followed at all times to eliminate the possibility of personal injury or improper service which could damage the vehicle or compromise its safety.

Technology is always changing and what is current and accurate today may be literally out-of-date and inaccurate tomorrow. And when it comes to the current state of flux in the auto industry, nothing is more true.

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