When does the key fob battery need replacing?

Modern cars are full of electronics, and a key fob is no exception. Inside, it has an electronic chip that works as a transmitter; it transmits the signal when you press the button to open the door.
The key fob is powered by a little battery. The battery may last for 2-3 years in a smart key fob and for 4-6 years in a regular fob with the key. The reason for this difference is that the smart key fob also has a receiver and has to communicate with the car more often when it's inside or near the car. In most cars, a key fob battery is not rechargeable, and must be replaced once it loses its charge.

What are the signs of a weak fob battery? As the fob battery becomes weaker, the transmitter loses its range. This means that you have to be closer to the car for the fob to work. In cars with a push button start, a vehicle may not always recognize a smart key fob in your pocket or purse if the fob battery is weak. In some cars, a warning message "key fob battery low" may also pop up on the driver's display.

Will the car start if the fob battery is weak? In most cars, the security (immobilizer) chip inside the fob works without a battery, but only from a very close range. So even if the fob has a weak battery, it should still start the car. You may have to hold the smart fob closer to the "Start" button or insert it into a special slot to start the engine. Check your owner's manual for directions. A conventional mechanical key might also be stored inside the fob. This key can open the driver's door in case the fob battery is dead or if the main battery in a car is discharged. How can you check the fob battery? In many cars, a key fob has a little LED light that illuminates when pressing any of the fob buttons. If the LED light doesn't light up at all, the fob battery is dead or there is some other problem with the fob. If you already have the fob battery out, you can check its voltage with a voltmeter. The voltage is marked on the battery.

If it's a 3-Volt battery, and it shows less than 3 Volts, it's weak. For example, this 3-Volt battery in the photo shows only 2.8 Volts; it's bad and must be replaced.

What kind of a battery does a key fob take? Different cars use different batteries. The most common types are CR2025 and CR2032 3-Volt batteries. You can find the exact type in the owner's manual. Batteries like this are sold in any electronics store or at a dealership.

Changing the fob battery is not very difficult. Check the owner's manual for the instruction and precautions. There are plenty of Youtube videos on how to do it too. You might need a small flat or Phillips screwdriver. For example, to open the key fob in the top photo, we pried it open with a little flat screwdriver in places indicated in the owner's manual. Be careful; the plastic tabs that hold the parts of the fob together break easily. In some cars, there could be some tiny screws or other parts that are easy to lose.

When replacing the battery, watch for the way it's installed. One side of the battery is marked with the "+" sign. It's important to install the new battery the same way, or it won't work.

If you are not mechanically inclined, visit your dealer; they should be able to change the key fob battery for you. Typically it doesn't take more than a few minutes. We checked with several dealers and the prices we got were within $10. A key fob doesn't need any programming if only a fob battery is replaced.