element14 to the Rescue: Toyota Camry (2000) Remote Repair

RE: element14 to the Rescue: Toyota Camry (2000) Remote Repair

aspork42 — Tue, 19 Jun 2018 04:25:57 GMT

Very cool post! I just came across this. I have two key fobs that need some "TLC" - One is this from Adafruit which basically requires a similar "permanent" battery since there is a lot of corrosion buildup on the battery contacts. I always have to clean the contacts to make them work again... I also have a remote start that has very poor reception. I actually need to scope out the signals from the fob to see what's really going on with it.

RE: element14 to the Rescue: Toyota Camry (2000) Remote Repair

mcb1 — Tue, 31 May 2016 19:32:57 GMT

Good work.

I guess since it doesn't have a chip and the sync process is in the manual they are replaceable.

Many of the domestic Japanese cars are designed for 5yr life, as they then require lots of items replaced under local laws.

Hence in NZ we have lots of "Japanese Imports" that have strange things compared to something for the Aust/NZ market.

Given that the button cover is worn out (and most likely the actual button next), making it a non-replacable item is not as bad as first thought.

Mark

RE: element14 to the Rescue: Toyota Camry (2000) Remote Repair

shabaz — Tue, 31 May 2016 15:15:20 GMT

Hi Gough,

Interesting article! Yeah a shame Toyota shaved some cost this way.

The car I have uses a wireless charging method, and the battery is completely sealed. It uses a VL2020 lithium battery, apparently with 1000 charge cycles so I guess there is some intelligence to figure out when to charge the battery (e.g. after 100 lock/unlock cycles etc, or the key reporting battery status). It could explain why occasionally (well, very rarely, e.g. once per year perhaps, for a period of a week or so) I thought the battery was dying - perhaps my driving pattern had changed and I'd not drive the car for long enough to charge it. It always seems to recover.

RE: element14 to the Rescue: Toyota Camry (2000) Remote Repair

jw0752 — Tue, 31 May 2016 13:09:30 GMT

I love it when I can beat the system and watching someone else do it is just about as satisfying. Good Job Gough.

John