Having an understanding of your key fob, the signs to know when to replace your key fob battery, and what to do once you determine it’s time to replace the battery for your key fob is essential for your success. Use the key fob battery finder tool above to ensure you purchase the correct key fob battery size for your key fob.
What Size Battery Does My Key Fob Need And Things To Know About Your Key Fob Battery
There are several things that can happen if your key fob battery is low. Typically, your key fob battery should last three to four years before needing to be replaced. Over the life of your key fob battery, the fob may become less responsive. It may start to lose range and you may find yourself having to get closer to your car to get the key fob to lock and unlock properly.
It is important to note that even if you have a dead battery in your key fob, you will still be able to access your car and use it. All car manufacturers include a mechanical key in the car’s key fob that can be accessed by sliding/pressing a small button usually located on the side of the key fob, which will remove the fob cover.
The Three Top Signs You Need Key Fob Battery Replacement
We briefly touched on these above. Let’s consider each a bit more.
● Decreased signal range
One easily noticeable sign that the key fob battery needs to be replaced is a decreased signal strength and range. A typical fob has around a range of 30-60 feet. If your fob is waning in power, the range will be greatly impacted. You will notice that you are having to get closer and closer to the car to get the car to respond to the key fob.
● Clicks are inconsistent
As you use your key fob, you will notice that it takes one click the majority of the time. As time passes, you may observe yourself having to click the key fob several times for the car to comply.
● Unlocking is delayed
Maybe the clicks are consistent and the range is okay. If you notice that you click the button and it takes several seconds for the corresponding action to happen, that is a sign that it is likely time to replace the key fob battery.
The Top Three Things To Do Once You Realize It’s Time To Replace Your Battery
Now that you know the signs of needing the key fob battery replaced, here are the top three things you will need to know to be able to replace the battery of your key fob. Knowing the make and model of your car and the corresponding key fob that accompanies it will help you determine what size battery you need and where you will be able to order it. A little bit of research will tell you if buying it online or at an auto parts store is the most cost-effective option for you. Another option is to keep a spare key fob battery in an easy-to-find place so that you can easily replace the key fob battery when the key fob shows signs of needing replacement.
The Steps to Replace an Old Battery
Replacing a key fob battery is fairly simple. You should be able to replace the batteries if you follow the following steps:
Find what size battery your key fob needs.
Conveniently, the size of the battery is often stamped on the side of the key fob. If you don’t see the battery size stamped on your key fob, use our key fob battery finder (anchor link this up to the battery finder).
Open the key fob where the edges meet.
Most key fobs are two pieces that are connected together with an edge that pops out for the battery.
Take out the old battery and replace it with a new battery.
Take care to orient the battery properly inside the casing or it may not work properly. Also, have a car and dispose of the used battery properly. The small batteries are very dangerous if little children get a hold of them.
Snap the key fob back together.
Once the key fob is back together, test it to make sure that it is working properly.
Conclusion
Key fobs and their batteries are small pieces of technology that many people use every day and take for granted until the key fob battery shows signs of needing to be replaced. Knowing the signs and what to do when your key fob battery is showing indications of needing to be replaced will give you peace of mind and make sure your vehicle is working properly.