These batteries typically cost $10 or less, however some fobs need two. Since it just takes a few seconds, battery specialist shops and dealers frequently change the battery without charge.
In This Article...
How long should the battery in a VW key last?
WMBF – MYRTLE BEACH, SC A key fob is used by millions of drivers to lock and unlock their vehicles.
Keyless entry is a fantastic feature, but you can only benefit from it if you keep the technology up to date.
The little things in life can often mean the most, such as not having to search through your purse for your keys or using your key fob to raise and unlock the back doors so you can load groceries.
But what occurs if the fob breaks down? The key fobs for your car require maintenance just like the vehicle itself does.
When anything breaks down, Gary Freeman, owner of C & G Auto in Myrtle Beach, advised against replacing it right away.
“A replacement fob can be pricey; they can cost several hundred dollars, and once you have a replacement fob, they need to be programmed,” said Freeman.
He advises checking the battery as your first action. If you have to push the remote lock or unlock multiple times before it finally locks or unlocks, that could be a sign that the battery is starting to lose power, according to Freeman.
According to his calculations, the keyless entry remote can be safely stored or hung up anywhere beyond the six to ten feet from which the automobile computer system can read the fob.
According to Freeman, the battery life for the majority of automotive key fobs is three to four years with regular use. Additionally, he claims that the battery life of your fob may be impacted by where you keep it. Freeman advises against hanging the fob near the car or leaving it in the car overnight.
It (the key fob) sends signals continuously, which drains the battery in the key fob and causes an excessive drain on the battery of the car since a computer recognizes that signal as indicating that I’m ready to start, according to Freeman.
According to Freeman, if the key fob malfunctions, the automobile frequently won’t start because the computer system won’t acknowledge that the key fob is present in the vehicle.
The owners’ manual will typically answer any questions you have about it, and almost any auto repair shop can replace that battery, said Freeman.
Will a dead key fob prevent a car from starting?
If your key fob isn’t detected inside the car, the keyless entry system won’t start the engine. The system probably won’t be able to tell when the key fob is inside the car if it has a dead battery, which will prevent the engine from starting. By pressing down while placing the fob on the start engine button, you can get past this problem. Even though this should enable your engine to start, it is still beneficial to change the fob batteries whenever you have the opportunity.
Do you need to reconfigure your key fob after changing the battery?
A remote key fob needs to be associated with your vehicle particularly in order to be secure.
This stops people who drive the same make and model of automobile as you from using their remote to access your car. You’ll need to reprogram the fob if changing the batteries has erased this connection or if it was somehow disrupted in order for it to once again recognize your automobile.
Standard programming sequence
Your key fob can typically be reconfigured by following this typical procedure:
Instead of starting and then returning to the locked position, turn the key into the run position. Repeat this multiple times.
You’ll typically hear a chime or other sound when you’ve cycled the key enough times. At that point, you can push the lock or unlock button on your key fob to hear another chime.
What symptoms indicate a low key fob battery?
How can the battery in the fob be tested? Many key fobs have a tiny LED light that turns on when one of the buttons on the fob is pressed. If the LED light is completely dark, either the fob’s battery is dead or the fob is experiencing some other issue.
What happens if the battery in my key fob dies while I’m driving?
This issue has been foreseen by automakers ever since the key fob was created. Nothing will happen if your key fob dies while you’re driving. Simply because the key fob is a locking and starting device only, the automobile will continue to run. The key fob has no influence over the ignition or engine once the automobile is moving.
Even though you’ll need to go to a general store or pharmacy to get the battery, replacing the battery in your key fob simply takes a few minutes if you’re pressed for time.
Why not take the time to renew your auto insurance at the same time as you’re replacing the batteries in your key fob?
You can access a new quotation with just a few taps on your phone screen by downloading the Jerry app and answering a few questions.
Jerry assists you in finding and comparing rates from more than 50 leading suppliers in minutes as a licensed broker. Jerry can assist you with purchasing new insurance and even canceling your existing policy when you find a lower rate.
DIY Key Fob Programming
You might be able to program a replacement yourself, depending on the make and type of your vehicle.
The steps for programming a key fob yourself can differ: Owner’s manuals from certain automakers include instructions. In many circumstances, information can be available online. The problem is that in order to complete the process quickly or at all, you might require two functional key fobs.
Therefore, it is wise to acquire and set up an extra remote before you require it. Additionally, it’s a wise move because most used-vehicle buyers, particularly auto dealers, would pay extra for a car that has at least two functional sets of keys or key fobs. Therefore, having a spare key will not only be useful when you need it, but it will also benefit you in the long run.
After-Market Key Fobs
You may be able to buy an after-market key fob via a locksmith or online if your automobile is more than five years old. These sorts of fobs range in quality, but they are less expensive than other options.
Locksmith
If you have the option of receiving your replacement key from a locksmith or the dealership, the latter may be less expensive. Before making a choice, be sure to inquire about prices with your nearby vehicle dealership.
How often should the key fob’s battery be changed?
Car key fobs are so practical that it’s simple to ignore them. But did you realize that regular maintenance is required for your key fob? Batteries for key fobs should be changed every three to four years, though this will depend on how frequently they are used and how well they are made.
You’d wish you had taken better care of your key fob if it were to abruptly cease working while you were far from home. Avoid being stranded and having to pay for a tow because your key fob isn’t working properly. Here are some red flags that could indicate that it’s time to replace your key fob batteries before it’s too late.
How long is the battery life of a key fob after a warning?
Under normal conditions, the remote control battery in your automobile should last between three and six months. Knowing the battery’s lifespan can help you be ready to replace it if necessary because batteries do not last forever. This is what?
Having trouble with my key fob? How do I start my car?
- On your key fob’s back, search for a little sliding button. You can slide the key fob cover off or click a button to do so. To get it to release, you might need to use your fingernail and a little force.
- Use the mechanical key to unlock the door after you get it. If your door doesn’t have a key slot, it’s likely concealed beneath the handle cover. To access the key slot, carefully remove the handle cover by using the key.
Now that you’re inside, here’s how to start the car with a dead key fob:
- Close the key fob after inserting the mechanical key once more.
- Some vehicles have a secret key fob slot that can be used to start the engine. For instance, the backup slot is located inside the cup holder in some Ford models. Your fob will fit perfectly in the slot. Use the push button start as usual after inserting the dead key fob into the holder.
- Check the steering column for a physical key slot if neither of these approaches succeeds (some Mazda models have this feature). To start the car, place the mechanical key within the keyhole.
- Press the START button with the key fob. Instead than pressing the button with your finger as usual, push the key fob against it. Many manufacturers utilize this backup device to make sure the car can start even if the key fob is dead.