---
title: "2012-2013 Toyota Highlander Key Fob Battery"
description: "The 2012-2013 Toyota Highlander key fob takes a CR2032 (smart key and remote-head key) coin cell. How to open the fob without breaking it, and which substitutions actually work."
url: "https://whichcarparts.com/cars/toyota/highlander/2012-2013/key-fob-battery"
updated: "2026-08-20"
---

# 2012-2013 Toyota Highlander Key Fob Battery Type and Replacement

The 2012-2013 Toyota Highlander key fob takes a CR2032 (smart key and remote-head key) coin cell. How to open the fob without breaking it, and which substitutions actually work.

**Quick answer**: The 2012-2013 Toyota Highlander key fob takes a CR2032 (smart key and remote-head key) coin-cell battery, available at any pharmacy, hardware store, or online for a few dollars.

## Replacing the 2012-2013 Toyota Highlander key fob battery

- Pry the fob open gently at the seam with a small flathead screwdriver or a coin, working around the edge. Many fobs have a hidden release slot near the key ring or emergency-key blade.
- Note the battery orientation (usually positive side up) before removing the old cell.
- Avoid touching the new battery's faces with bare fingers; skin oils can shorten its life.
- If the fob doesn't work after replacement, check that the battery is seated fully and the contacts weren't bent. Most vehicles do not need re-pairing after a battery change.

## Which Toyota Highlander model years does this cover?

These key fob battery specifications apply to every Toyota Highlander built from 2012 through 2013, the XU40 (2nd generation, final years), mid-size 3-row crossover suv. Nothing in this specification changes between those model years.

- [2012 Highlander](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/toyota/highlander/2012)
- [2013 Highlander](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/toyota/highlander/2013)

## What changed during the 2012-2013 Toyota Highlander

| Years | What changed |
| --- | --- |
| 2012 | Carryover of the 2011 facelift (revised fascia, PSX26W fog lamps). Towing: 5,000 lbs V6 with factory tow prep (3,500 without), 1,500 lbs 2.7L, 3,500 lbs hybrid |
| 2013 | Final XU40 year; subject of the 14V-148 second-row seat recall |

## 2012-2013 Toyota Highlander key fob battery: common questions

### What battery does the 2012-2013 Toyota Highlander key fob take?

A single CR2032 (smart key and remote-head key) coin cell.

### Can you use a CR2032 instead of a CR2025 in a 2012-2013 Toyota Highlander key fob?

This fob takes a CR2032 (smart key and remote-head key), so start there. The two cells share a 20 mm diameter but differ in thickness, and the thicker one does not always seat in a housing built for the thinner.

### How do you open a 2012-2013 Toyota Highlander key fob?

Slide out the mechanical emergency key first, which usually releases a catch, then part the halves with a plastic pry tool or a coin wrapped in tape. A screwdriver will mark the case and can crack the seam.

## Sources

- [Toyota technical data, Highlander XU40 fluids & capacities (toyota-club.net)](https://toyota-club.net/files/techdata/ttx/highlander_40u.htm)
- [Toyota TrueStart battery application chart (toyotapartsandservice.com)](https://www.toyotapartsandservice.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/03_Batteries2022_hi.pdf)
- [Toyota Genuine spark plug application chart (toyotapartsandservice.com)](https://www.toyotapartsandservice.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/09_SparkPlugs2022_hi.pdf)
- [NHTSA recall 14V-148, second row seat lock](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=14V148000)
- [TirePressure.org, 2013 Toyota Highlander placard pressures](https://tirepressure.org/toyota/highlander/2013)
- [fueleconomy.gov, 2013 Highlander EPA ratings](https://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/bymodel/2013_Toyota_Highlander.shtml)
- [XenonPro, 2011-2013 Highlander bulb size chart](https://www.xenonpro.com/blogs/home/2011-to-2013-toyota-highlander-headlight-bulb-sizes)
- [AutoZone, 2013 Highlander wiper blade fitment (26/20)](https://www.autozone.com/ignition-tune-up-and-routine-maintenance/wiper-blade-windshield/toyota/highlander/2013)

## Other Toyota Highlander generations

- [2020-2025 Toyota Highlander key fob battery](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/toyota/highlander/2020-2025/key-fob-battery)
- [2014-2019 Toyota Highlander key fob battery](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/toyota/highlander/2014-2019/key-fob-battery)

Or [compare all generations](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/toyota/highlander/key-fob-battery).

## More for the 2012-2013 Toyota Highlander

- [Oil & filter](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/toyota/highlander/2012-2013/oil)
- [Battery](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/toyota/highlander/2012-2013/battery)
- [Tires & wheels](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/toyota/highlander/2012-2013/tires)
- [Wiper blades](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/toyota/highlander/2012-2013/wipers)
- [Air & cabin filters](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/toyota/highlander/2012-2013/filters)
- [Bulbs](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/toyota/highlander/2012-2013/bulbs)
- [Brakes](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/toyota/highlander/2012-2013/brakes)
- [Fluids](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/toyota/highlander/2012-2013/fluids)
- [Service schedule](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/toyota/highlander/2012-2013/service-schedule)
- [Problems & reliability](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/toyota/highlander/2012-2013/common-problems)
- [Oil light reset](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/toyota/highlander/2012-2013/oil-reset)
- [Specs](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/toyota/highlander/2012-2013/specs)

Specifications vary with engine option, production date, and market.