Car “keys” hardly exist anymore. In place of the slim silver key in our pockets and the ignition switch next to the steering wheel now sits a bulky key fob and a “start” button that can be found in one of 83 different places around the front of the car. That being said, this nearly unanimous change has its conveniences, but one major downside lives rent-free in all our minds; “What happens if my Honda key fob battery dies?” Let us begin by answering frequently asked questions about Honda Key Fob Batteries.
Can Key Fobs Die?
Honda key fobs can last along time a small battery but they will eventually die, leaving us all in a pickle. As with all things, dealing with a dead key fob can vary from company to company. However, for the most part, Honda key fobs are designed to work even with very little battery or a backup plan for if the battery is dead or gone. Normally, Honda key fobs lasts aproximately for 3 years. You can find the specifics for your car in the owner’s manual.
Can you Start a Car With a Dead Honda Key Fob Remote?
Even if the battery in your key fob dies, you can still start your car. Once you use the physical key to open your doors, instead of using your finger to push the “start” button, put the metal key back in the fob and use the fob to push the button. This is a backup system many manufacturers use to ensure the car can start even when the fob is dead.
Now, in the Honda, there is a slot that the key fob can plug into, and that car will start that way. However, this design is a little old-fashioned at this point. This is why consulting your car’s manual is always smart.
Some Hondas may have a physical key slot somewhere along the steering column. However, this is the least common way to start a car with a dead key fob.
These days, many cars have apps that pair with a car. Many of these apps have remote starting and unlocking functions that can work in place of your fob.
If your key fob batteries are on the last leg and your car won’t unlock from as far away as normal, don’t panic. This is often the first sign that your key fob’s batteries are dying. Just get closer to the car, and it should work, but also use it as a reminder to get new batteries. If you want to learn how to replace every type of Honda key fob remote battery, read our article here.
How the Honda Key Remote Battery Fob Works?
The Honda key fob adds a layer of convenience to your driving experience by giving you the ability to remotely unlock your vehicle from a short distance to avoid having to take your keys out and manually unlock your car door. It also helps when you exit your vehicle in a hurry, so you can remember to lock your vehicle without having to walk back to it while you plan to leave it parked for an extended period of time.
The fob works by sending radio signals to your vehicle. Your fob is a short-range radio transmitter. When you press the unlock button, lock button, or the trunk release, it sends a coded signal to the appropriate receiver to enact the action that you’re requesting.
How Far Does My Honda Key Fob Battery Work?
While having the ability to unlock your car at a distance is beneficial for when your hands are full, or you’re approaching your vehicle on foot, there’s a limit to the distance that these radio signals can work. Also, for safety purposes, you won’t want to unlock your vehicle at a great distance.
Your key fob has a locking/unlocking distance between 5 to 20 meters. Any more than that will be difficult to obtain a signal. However, when your battery begins to go, the distance of unlocking may be shorter, or the times it unlocks could be infrequent.
What if My Honda Key Fob Battery Dies?
When your battery runs dry, and you’re forced to unlock your vehicle manually, you’ll want to seek out a way to fix the issue and replace your Honda key fob battery as soon as possible. Your key fob has a latch on the cover, which allows you to remove the actual ignition key from the fob. Using the key as a lever, you’ll want to insert it the opposite way it came out to help pry the latch open and to separate the fob into two pieces.
Swap the Battery
If your remote key fob has given up the ghost in the parking lot of a shopping center, you may be in luck. The battery may have failed, and getting it to work again might be as easy as replacing it.
To access the battery, you’ll have to open the fob. Typically, you have to use a coin or a small screwdriver to pry the battery cover open. The battery will look like a silver button. Look for the numbers on the battery and match those to a replacement battery.
Unlock the Door Remotely
Many manufacturers have remote door unlock services that can get you inside the car if your key fob is disabled, or if you’ve locked your keys inside. If your car doesn’t have an advanced remote unlocking system, roadside assistance can still get you inside. All of these services require that you have set them up ahead of time, and generally require a PIN.
