Question 1

How many buttons does the 2016 Scion FR-S key have?

Accepted Answer

Four buttons. On the factory remote head key for this vehicle, you're typically looking at lock, unlock, trunk release, and a panic button. When I cut and program a replacement, I test every button on site before the job is called done. No finding out later that one function didn't take.

Question 2

What is a remote head key and how does it work?

Accepted Answer

It's a single unit that does three jobs at once. The blade cuts into the ignition cylinder like a traditional key. Inside the plastic head sits a transponder chip that communicates with the immobilizer when you turn the key, and the vehicle won't run without that handshake completing. The buttons on the head send a separate wireless signal for door lock, unlock, and trunk.

All three functions have to work for the key to be fully operational. That's also why diagnosing a failure on these isn't always obvious. A dead remote battery affects the buttons but not the start function. A chip that lost registration affects starting but not the buttons. A worn blade is a mechanical problem entirely. Each layer can fail independently. When I do a replacement, I handle all three and test all three before I leave.

Question 3

Why does the dealer charge so much more for a key replacement?

Accepted Answer

Dealer pricing on a replacement key for the 2016 FR-S reflects their overhead, parts department markup, and flat-rate labor billing. On top of that, if you have no working key at all, most dealers want the car brought to them first, which means a tow on your dime before the job even starts.

With EZ Car Keyz you get the same function for a fraction of what the dealer wanted, and I come to wherever the car is sitting. Gravel lot, parking structure, your driveway. Same result, no tow required.

Question 4

I bought a replacement fob online for my 2016 FR-S. Can I program it myself?

Accepted Answer

Not on this vehicle. The transponder chip inside the remote head key has to be enrolled to the immobilizer using diagnostic equipment. There's no ignition-turn sequence or button combination that registers a new key on the FR-S. That self-programming approach existed on older, simpler systems. The 2016 FR-S isn't one of them.

The remote button side sometimes has a limited onboard relearn available if you already have a working key in hand, but the transponder enrollment always requires a tool. If you bought a key online, it won't start the car until someone with the right equipment pairs it to your vehicle. Bring the key, I'll bring the tools.

Question 5

My 2016 FR-S starts fine but the remote buttons stopped working. Do I need a whole new key?

Accepted Answer

Probably not. If the car starts, the transponder chip is still talking to the immobilizer. The buttons failing on their own usually points to one of two things: the CR2016 battery is dead or seated wrong, or the remote receiver in the vehicle is having an issue.

Start with the battery. The FR-S takes a CR2016, which is thinner than the CR2032 that looks similar. Swapping in the wrong size is a common mistake. Pop the key open, confirm you have the right cell, seat it correctly, and retest. If the buttons still don't respond after a confirmed good battery swap, then I can diagnose whether it's the key's remote side or something on the vehicle's end. Either way, you likely don't need a full replacement key just because the lock button stopped working.

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