Does the slot above the left knee charge or do anything useful to the key fob? I can't understand the point of having that thing.

 

It's an rfid reader.

 

I think the most commonly heard misunderstanding about that port is that it charges the key fob, which is false. The point of having it is to give you the ability to turn on your car despite having a completely dead key fob battery. Just about all cars with a push start button have this port.

 

It's under 3 dollars each on Amazon, seller has free shipping. The '11 Sienna happens to use the same battery btw ...

 

Its really easy to change.

 

Ok, that makes sense. Thanks for the explanation.