Smart key entry - battery problems.

[red-demon85]

Hi all,

I've had a 2007 Yaris SR from new, with the smart key entry system. About 2 years ago I had to have the whole locking system replaced (at the cost of £250!!).

I've had to have the battery replaced in my key / spare key 5-6 times since I've had the car. The price started at £7 (inc VAT) and now its jumped up to £14 (inc VAT & customer discount due to the age of the car).

I've complained to Toyota that a) I have to replace the battery every 12 months and b) the price has gone up 100% but i'm not getting anything extra for my money! According to the customer service dept, the part has stayed the same price but I've kept my invoices which prove them wrong.

It was then suggested its not the battery going dead but it might be a problem with the key. They basically said it might be a problem with interference when i'm trying to open my car but I know that's not the problem, I've been stood right next to the car trying to open it to no avail, light has gone off the key fob and I can't get into the car at all.

Has anybody else had similar problems, or any suggestions? I'm reluctant to take it back to my local garage because I don't want to get stung for another £250 bill!

I also brought up the issue of the now frequent recalls from Toyota, the previous 2 recalls I was given M&S vouchers or a car cleaning kit but they no longer compensate their customers for the inconvenience of having it recalled and having to wait a month for a weekend appointment.

Any help / suggestions / thoughts would be great!

Thanks