Where to Get Car Remote Battery Replaced? Is DIY Possible?

Modern car keys are complex yet fun to use. Unlike the old mechanical or transponder car keys, the modern remote car keys don't look like traditional ones. Many car manufacturers are now making remote car keys or, as they are popularly known, Fob keys.

Fob battery problems highlights

• Average lifespan:9-12 months for smart keys
• Battery type:depends on the fob
• Price for the battery:$1 - $20
• DIY replacement:possible
• Key registering:not needed
• Time for repair:15 minutes
• Price in dealership:$50 - $100

What are Fob keys?

We might take for granted the role played by our modern car keys. Nowadays, all we have to do is enter the car, press a button, and the car is alive. We enter the car, place the car keys in the center console, step on the brake pedal, push the START/Stop button, and off we go. All these things cannot happen if the car remote battery is dead. However, in some vehicles like Ford, there is a slot on the steering column where you can insert the mechanical key and start the vehicle in case the fob key fails.

A car remote key or Fob is a small handheld device that lets you unlock and lock your car remotely. The key has a remote control and an RFID antenna which connects to your car's central locking system. Many of the Fob keys come with a retractable physical key. This physical key helps lock and unlock your car if the remote one fails.

There are instances when the Fob key can fail to unlock or lock the vehicle. You may also notice that you have to press the Start/Stop button multiple times for the engine to start. A number of reasons may cause this. The Fob key, as stated earlier, comes with a remote control and an antenna, and a circuit breaker which is powered by a battery. Failure of any of these Fob components can lead to you being unable to operate your car.

If the battery of your car remote keys is dead, the Fob key will not connect with the vehicle's central locking system or the ignition system. This can leave you stranded. In many cases where the Fob key has failed to respond as expected, the battery is usually the culprit.

The car remote battery

Your Fob key uses a 3V lithium coin battery. Many car manufacturers use the CR2032. But as the car makers are different, so are the Fob key designs, and this means the batteries are also as different. Other batteries in use include CR2016, CR1626, CR2025, and CR2450. Popular brands that make these batteries include Panasonic, Duracell, and Energizer.

Is DIY replacement of the battery possible?

The short answer is Yes. The first thing to do is check the battery number before you can even think of buying one. Every car brand, model, or even generation may have a different car remote battery. To replace the battery, here are a few simple steps to follow;

• Start by pressing the Fob to release the physical key. In many vehicles, the Fob has a small drawing indicating where to press to release the key.
• Using your nails, pry the Fob along the seams to open it up. It should open into two halves. If nails fail, you can use a small screwdriver.
• In one half of the Fob, you will find the battery. The battery should be silver in color. Removing it should be easy, and inserting its replacement even more straightforward.
• Ensure that the battery is inserted correctly. You can confirm this by noting how the old battery had been placed. This is to ensure that you don't put the positive and the negative terminals of the battery incorrectly.
• Snap the two halves back together and test whether the Fob is working normally.

In almost all instances, you will not need a mechanic or a towing company when your car remote battery has expired. You can do this process in the comfort of your home without needing a single tool.

Is reprogramming the Fob necessary after a change of battery?

For some vehicles, like some Toyotas, resetting the Fob is optional. However, some makes, such as KIA, Jeep, and Honda, may fail to detect the Fob after a battery change.

In your Honda, you will need to insert the mechanical key in the ignition and turn the key to ON. The instruments on the dash should appear. Turn the key to the OFF position. You should repeat this process between six and eight times. After repeating these steps, you should hear a chiming sound which indicates that a key reset has been done.

For other brands, such as KIA, you will need to remove the mechanical key from the Fob. Insert the key on the driver's door, turn it clockwise, and then anticlockwise. Do this six to eight times. Insert the mechanical key back into the Fob and press the locking and unlocking buttons to confirm the reset.

Some cars will lock and unlock the doors all right but won't start when you press the start button. Some vehicles require resetting the fob key for the locks and the ignition. For most cars, the actual ignition is located on the side of the glove box.

You will find an ignition port on the side. Insert the mechanical key, turn it ON, and then OFF six to eight times. Once the reset has been done, you should hear a chime sound or some other sound indicating a reset. You could also hear the doors lock and unlock. Once you confirm a reset of the fob key, press the lock and unlock buttons to save the reset functions. This ensures that the car responds to the Fob the next time you use the Fob.

Can you start your car with a dead key fob?

Many car manufacturers have designed the START/STOP ignition to catch up with the changing times. However, they have retained some mechanical features or some cool tricks to help you start your car even when the Fob key is dead.

Inside your fob key is a mini mechanical key that can be used to access your car. In the case of Ford, you can operate the vehicle even when the battery is dead. Start by removing the mini key from the fob gadget. Use the mechanical key to open the driver's door.

Once inside the vehicle, remove the cup holders, and beneath, place the mini key inside, silver side facing up. Press the brakes and press the START/STOP button. The vehicle will start without much ado. Some vehicles have the ignition gadget under the central storage console.

Other car makes like Toyota Allion operates differently. You will remove the mini key from the fob gadget and open the driver's door. Once inside the car, place the fob key on the START button, the Toyota logo facing the button. A green light will appear, and you can sometimes hear a beep. Step on the brake and press the start button.

How do you know the battery in your Fob is low?

When new, the battery in your fob gadget will give the fob key a wide range of at least 20 meters. As the battery ages, the range of the fob key reduces. Here are the main things that will let you know the battery of your fob key is going low;

• When locking and unlocking the car, the range reduces. You may also need to place the Fob next to the START button.
• The Fob may start becoming unresponsive. Locking the doors might require pressing the unlock button more than once.
• Sometimes, the fob key may suddenly fail to work, just like the car battery may die on you.

The battery in your fob key should last for around three years with regular usage. At times, it can go up to four or five years. The batteries are readily available in your local store. All you need is to carry the dead battery or note the number of the battery. The battery pack's cost should be between 2 and 5 dollars. Some batteries are sold in pairs, while others are in fours.

Conclusion

When your car malfunctions, you should call an expert. Take the car to the nearest dealership, where the right people will solve whatever problem you are experiencing. The benefit of having an expert handle all technical matters about your car, or any machine, is that you'll get the job done well and increase its lifespan. But only some things are supposed to be taken to the mechanic.

In our article today, we have discussed whether one can replace the battery of their fob key. We have found that it is a simple process that doesn't require tools or a lot of time. If unsure of how to handle a dead car remote battery, consult your car's user manual. You will also learn a few nifty tricks about your car by reading the manual. If the manual is unavailable, you can make good use of the online forums.