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I guess I'm too lazy to look at the manual. Do the key fobs take batteries or are they re-chargeable? Does the key fob slot on the steering column re-charge the fobs? Thanks.
I guess I'm too lazy to look at the manual. Do the key fobs take batteries or are they re-chargeable? Does the key fob slot on the steering column re-charge the fobs? Thanks.
They take rechargeable batteries.
To recharge them, place them in the slot in the steering column, button side up.
The only problem with this is that they require charging every time you access the vehicle. Usually via the hatch using the key and pull tab.
It's usually easier if you just purchase a bulk pack of fobs (pricy, but worth it). However, programming time is a pain.
SO, just replace the fob batteries with 2032s via the directions IN THE MANUAL! No reprogramming required.
The fobs require a battery and are not rechargeable. They take a lithium 2032 battery (I use Energizer).
You can replace the battery yourself, but if you are not careful, you can easily break the fob and they are not cheap. A dealership will often make the change for you for free.
To recharge them, place them in the slot in the steering column, button side up.
The only problem with this is that they require charging every time you access the vehicle. Usually via the hatch using the key and pull tab.
It's usually easier if you just purchase a bulk pack of fobs (pricy, but worth it). However, programming time is a pain.
SO, just replace the fob batteries with 2032s via the directions IN THE MANUAL! No reprogramming required.
Just two quibbles with your post…
These fobs are not rechargeable. The slot you are referring to does not charge the fob battery. It simply allows you to start the car if your fob battery is too weak by allowing the signal to be closer to the receptor. You are correct in that reprogramming is not necessary once you change the battery.
Buying several fobs?
Again, changing the fob battery is a delicate operation and you can easily break it replacing the battery yourself. If the OP is comfortable following the process in the previously posted video, then he will be good to go. If not, go to a dealership.
Last edited by Chemdawg99; Nov 2, 2021 at 11:21 PM.
These fobs are not rechargeable. The slot you are referring to does not charge the fob battery. It simply allows you to start the car if your fob battery is too weak by allowing the signal to be closer to the receptor. You are correct in that reprogramming is not necessary once you change the battery.
Again, changing the fob battery is a delicate operation and you can easily break it replacing the battery yourself. If the OP is comfortable following the process in the previously posted video, then he will be good to go. If not, go to a dealership.
You can't really buy bulk packs of fobs either.
My last sentence addresses the need to read the manual.
This is something that is NOT in the manual; make sure the fob is warm (above 80 F) if possible, and that will greatly reduce the possibility of cracking the case.
Also, something else not in the Owner's manual, do NOT use a screwdriver to pry open the case. You will screw up and leave gouge marks in the edges of the top and bottom cases.
I use the head of the key and continue to twist the head after the case pops. You can work it and use your fingers to pry open the case. Use a screwdriver at your own peril.
Also, something else not in the Owner's manual, do NOT use a screwdriver to pry open the case. You will screw up and leave gouge marks in the edges of the top and bottom cases.
I use the head of the key and continue to twist the head after the case pops. You can work it and use your fingers to pry open the case. Use a screwdriver at your own peril.
You have been warned....
Elmer
Elmer,
Not to belabor the point or dispute you on the screwdriver part, per se, but this is why I added the caveat that having a dealership do this for you is an option if one is not comfortable changing the fob battery themselves. I’ve used the technique in the video many times (with a precision screwdriver). The head of the key works too, but can still leave gouges or even break the fob case if not done delicately.
Thanks for all the replies and info. Any idea what the dealership charges to replace the batteries?
Buy the battery yourself and take it to your dealer (since I assume you don't feel comfortable changing the battery yourself). They shouldn't charge you a thing, but like most things, it depends on your dealer.
The reason for my recommendation/caveat to go to a dealer if you don't want to change the battery yourself is if YOU break your fob in the process, YOU will be on the hook to buy a new one. If THEY break your fob, it's on THEM.
A point Rick Conti brings up at about the 7 minute mark in the video at the link below:
EDIT: in the video above, the dealer tech mentions two points, one of which I disagree with based on my own personal experience:
1. The dealer tech mentions needing to reprogram the fob after changing the battery. I have never had to do this after changing fob batteries for both C7s and both C6s that I owned over the years. Not to say the dealer tech here is wrong, but I've never had to reprogram after a fob battery change.
2. If you change the fob battery in the fob you use, it might be prudent to change the battery in the spare as well, so I agree with that recommendation.
Last edited by Chemdawg99; Nov 3, 2021 at 11:06 AM.
I just changed the battery in both of my FOB's and it was easy. I did not use a screwdriver to pry it open once I got the corner started with the key end of the FOB. I then used a wooden tooth pick to get the battery out. It say right in the instructions not to use a metal object.
Here are the instructions for my 2014. The instructions do not say to use anything else but the bottom of the key section to separate the two halves of the case. Also, the instructions explicitly state to NOT use anything metal to remove the battery.
