Locking and unlocking your Ford is easy with a key fob, but this convenience becomes more of a headache when the battery dies. This small but crucial component in your key fob powers the device to transmit signals to your Ford to access functions, lock or unlock the doors, pop open the trunk, or even remotely start your car. If these functionalities no longer work, your Ford key fob battery may need replacing.
Thankfully, replacing your Ford key fob battery is simple. At Jim Burke Ford in Bakersfield, we’ve crafted a step-by-step guide to battery replacement and troubleshooting, making the process as simple as possible so you can quickly restore the convenience your key fob brings.
Preparations for Changing Your Key Fob Battery
Before replacing your Ford key fob battery, have a small flathead screwdriver ready. Consult your vehicle owner’s manual for the correct Ford key fob battery replacement, most likely a CR2032 or CR2025. Have a clean workspace available to help you stay organized and keep track of loose parts.
How To Replace the Battery in a Ford Key Fob: Step-By-Step Instructions
Discovering how to open a Ford key fob and replace its battery isn’t complicated and requires only a few steps:
- Locate a small notch on the side of your Ford key fob.
- Use your small flathead screwdriver to pry open this access point.
- Note the orientation of the old battery before removing it.
- Remove the old battery and replace it with a new one, correctly orienting it.
- Put the key fob case back together and snap it shut.
- Test your key fob to ensure it locks and unlocks your Ford.
Remember to be gentle throughout the process to prevent breaking your Ford key fob’s plastic case. Use light pressure when prying the fob open. It should be easy with the flathead screwdriver to remove the old battery and avoid damaging the fob’s wiring. Don’t remove the circuit board or wipe any grease from the battery terminal.
Troubleshooting Tips
Newer Ford models don’t require any fob-to-vehicle reprogramming, as replacing the battery doesn’t delete the current settings. While some issues may arise after a battery replacement, troubleshooting them is manageable. If the key fob buttons are still unresponsive after a battery change, you may have inserted the new one in the wrong orientation. If, after flipping the new battery over, the functions still fail, the key fob may be broken and need replacing. Visit Jim Burke Ford for expert assistance. Our knowledgeable team at our parts center can diagnose the issue and order a quality replacement key fob if necessary, ensuring you’re back on the road with minimal disruption.
Signs Your Ford Key Fob Battery Needs Replacing
The perks of having a key fob are the convenience of locking and unlocking your Ford as you approach it or walk away. A dying key fob battery compromises its ability to function as you expect. Having to unlock your Ford manually is annoying enough, but unknowingly leaving it unlocked could lead to greater heartache. There are many tell-tale signs your Ford key fob’s battery is dying and needs replacing.
The LED Doesn’t Illuminate
Some Ford key fobs feature a small LED on the front that lights up when you press a button. If the light is faint or fails altogether, the key fob battery could be dead and need replacing.
A Weak Signal
Your key fob should function within 30 — perhaps up to 60 — feet of your vehicle. A dying battery can affect the strength of the key fob’s signal to your Ford. If you notice that you need to be closer to your vehicle to unlock it, the signal strength is low due to a weak key fob battery, which needs replacing.
Having To Press the Button Multiple Times
The functions of your Ford key fob should work with one click of a button. Needing to press a button several times before it works is a possible sign of a weak battery.
Locking and Unlocking Delays
Just as your key fob should work with a single click, it should also function immediately. While a one- or two-second trunk-opening delay may not disrupt your daily schedule, it can become inconvenient over time. Prevent this weak functionality from worsening by immediately replacing your Ford key fob battery.
Ford Key Fob Maintenance Tips
Your key fob battery can last four to six years, but there are measures you can take to prolong its life. Avoid leaving your key fob in direct sunlight or exposing it to extreme temperatures, as the high heat can weaken the battery’s efficiency and shorten its life span. Always store the fob in a cool, dry place.
If your key fob is dirty, clean it with a dry microfiber cloth. Keep the fob away from water; it can seep through the buttons and damage the circuit board.
Visit Jim Burke Ford for Key Fob Battery Replacement and More
Although replacing your Ford key fob battery is straightforward, subsequent issues can arise. Visit our Jim Burke Ford dealership in Bakersfield, California, for expert service from our factory-trained technicians. We’ll replace your key fob with genuine Ford parts and ensure it functions as you expect. Let us know if your Ford needs additional servicing, such as an oil change. We’ll schedule an appointment at your earliest convenience to help you keep your Ford in shape.
Key, Car key, Keychain image. Free for use. by TBIT is licensed with Pixabay License
