Just got a key battery low warning message on the dash upon start-up.

Anyone have a suggestion on sourcing a replacement other than having to visit the dealership (with what I assume will be a typical dealer mark-up)?

 

I assume you're talking about the key fob battery.

Open up the Key Fob and simply replace the battery. Sold at Walgreens, Walmart etc. for about $5.00.

If you're talking about a car battery.......you use a group 49/H8 battery. They are available at Walmart for $123.00



..

 

I am talking about the key fob. Thanks.

Any watch-outs once replaced?

Trying to recall what that docking port is for in the armrest?

 

These cars are notorious for chewing through key fob batteries by memory it's a CR2032

 

There is a little tab on the circuit board that sticks up to make contact with either the battery or as another contact point. Just be sure that you do not depress it otherwise the circuit will not be complete. If you do happen to bend it; gently bend it back up to touch whatever it was in contact with in the first place.

 

Make sure you buy a good brand name battery. I have had problems with cheap chinese batteries

 

All done. Bought a two battery pack at Target for less than $7.00.

Energizer CR2032 (3V)

The complicated part was the tiny spring related to the "key release button" which needs to be seated in a channel properly when reconnecting the split case. It's a bugger to get that little spring to cooperate - but my wife got it done after she heard a couple swear words coming from the kitchen.

Thanks to all for the help and advice.

 

Congratulations - good, you shouldn't have to worry about for another 18 months to two years.

 

Keep the second CR2032 in your glove box as a spare.

 

My Chinese 'Energizer Ecr2032' battery lasted only 3 months!! Went flat (0.1V) in my garage; had 2 spare in glove compt.
Will look for non Chinese, if that's possible!!

Owners Manual tells how to manage with flat key battery, p36,37 & 43.

Chinese Junk!!
Cheers, Adrian

 

PS,
Just found some Swiss ones in my hall closet!! Sorry, don't remember where I got them but they are out there...........Sears carries a lot of good Swiss stuff.............

Adrian

 

Also make sure that both your keys on fobs open the door. I had this issue last week, battery went flat so I took out the emergency key, but it wouldn't open the trunk. Turns out the fob/key wasn't an original, so I had to get the other one, which did work.

 

I actually changed both batteries out so both fobs are "fresh". I'm the same guy that changes all the smoke alarm batteries at the same time and also all the can light bulbs in a room once one goes out. I know.... wasteful.... but you gotta believe in the reality of "average lifespan".

 

I agree completely. And to anyone buying cheap brand name batteries on ebay or amazon, read reviews and buy with caution as most likely theyre knock offs. Buyer beware.

 

I'm down to one key fob, anyone know where to get another one?

 

Two things for anyone who comes across this thread:
I also had the yellow SMART KEY BATTERY LOW warning light. I opened the fob (to double-check that I had the right battery) and, lo and behold, the next time I tried it, no more warning light. I still have the replacement battery I bought in the glove compartment. I imagine that light will come on again soon, but it seems I bought myself a little time.
As to the key fob: I'd just bite the bullet and go to the dealer. I've read about work-arounds, but I don't think the savings are worth it for something like a key.