2016–2023 3rd generation (N300)
2016–2023 Toyota Tacoma Key Fob Battery Type and Replacement
The 2016–2023 Toyota Tacoma key fob takes a CR2032 (smart key); some base flip keys use CR2016. Check the old battery coin cell. How to open the fob without breaking it, and which substitutions actually work.
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Quick answer
The 2016–2023 Toyota Tacoma key fob takes a CR2032 (smart key); some base flip keys use CR2016. Check the old battery coin-cell battery, available at any pharmacy, hardware store, or online for a few dollars.
Replacing the 2016–2023 Toyota Tacoma 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 Tacoma model years does this cover?
These key fob battery specifications apply to every Toyota Tacoma built from 2016 through 2023 — the 3rd generation (N300), mid-size pickup (access, double cab; 2wd/4wd). Nothing in this specification changes between those model years. Pick your year for the engines it offered, what changed that year, and the problems recorded against it.
What changed during the 2016–2023 Toyota Tacoma
- 2016Generation launch: 2GR-FKS V6, 6-speed auto, first-year diff-leak and crank-sensor recalls
- 2017TRD Pro returns with Goodyear Kevlar 265/70R16s
- 2018Toyota Safety Sense-P (pre-collision warning/automatic braking, lane departure alert, automatic high beams) becomes standard across nearly every trim
- 2019Updated TRD Pro trim with more off-road-ready equipment
- 2020Facelift: grille, sealed LED headlights on upper trims, 8-in touchscreen with Android Auto/CarPlay, cluster-menu maintenance reset replaces the trip-knob procedure
- 2023Final year; the 2.7L I4 and this generation retire together
2016–2023 Toyota Tacoma key fob battery: common questions
What battery does the 2016–2023 Toyota Tacoma key fob take?
- A single CR2032 (smart key); some base flip keys use CR2016. Check the old battery coin cell.
Can you use a CR2032 instead of a CR2025 in a 2016–2023 Toyota Tacoma key fob?
- This fob takes a CR2032 (smart key); some base flip keys use CR2016. Check the old battery, 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 2016–2023 Toyota Tacoma 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, Tacoma N300 fluids & capacities (toyota-club.net)
- Toyota Genuine Spark Plug application chart 2022 (toyotapartsandservice.com)
- NHTSA recall 17V-285, rear differential oil leak
- NHTSA recall 17V-356, crankshaft position sensor stall
- NHTSA recall 20V-682, Denso fuel pump expansion incl. Tacoma
- NHTSA TSB T-SB-0077-16, AC60E/F shift feeling enhancements
- TirePressure.org, 2020 Tacoma placard pressures by trim
- TacomaWorld, 2016 owner's manual oil capacity pages (2TR-FE 6.2 qt)
- fueleconomy.gov, 2020 Tacoma EPA ratings