Your key fob uses a lithium battery to remotely control the vehicle. If you ask how long does a key fob battery last, the typical lifespan for these batteries is 3-5 years.
However, your usage pattern and frequency might affect the battery life alongside other factors. Therefore, you need to know when to replace the battery so you don’t get into untimely trouble. Let’s get to the details!
Average Lifespan Of A Key Fob Battery
The average lifespan for a key fob battery is 3-5 years. However, if you have a smart remote, the battery may degrade sooner. This is because they always send out signals to the vehicle. Therefore, if you own a smart key fob, the battery is expected to last around 2-3 years.
Over time, you will notice that your key fob battery is showing signs of reduced strength, and it may not send signals from a regular distance. Therefore, this tells you that it’s time you should replace the battery.
Factors Affecting the Key Fob Battery Life
Factors such as frequency of usage, the environment in Broward County or the area you live in, battery quality, key fob type, range of usage, electric interference, and temperature can affect battery life. Let’s figure out more!
- Usage: The more you use the key fob, the more the battery will degrade. Therefore, if you frequently use the lock and unlock function, you can expect a shorter lifespan.
- Environmental Factors: Extreme hot or cold temperatures can significantly impact the battery’s lifespan and accelerate its deterioration.
- Battery Quality: Low-cost, low-quality batteries won’t last as long as branded ones.
- Key Fob Design: Complex designs and programming of key fobs (smart ones) will drain more power from the battery, reducing the battery life.
- Proximity to Vehicle: If you keep the key fob too close to the vehicle, it will remain in constant contact with the vehicle. As a result, the battery will continue to drain.
- Electrical Interference: One factor contributing to how long does key fob battery last is the signal interference from other devices, which can increase power consumption.
Common Signs Of A Weak Key Fob Battery
Some common signs of a weak key fob battery include a weak signal, over-clicking, and improper response. Hence, let’s know how each sign occurs:
- Bad Signal: As the battery dies, you will notice the first sign of a bad signal. You can’t open the car from your house, and you need to be closer to the car to open the door.
- Over-clicking: You will need more than one click to unlock the car when the battery is already dying, as it can’t have a proper power supply.
- Less Response: If you notice that your key fob is not working, or providing less response than before, it’s a sign that the battery is about to die.
5 Reasons Your Key Fob Battery Keeps Dying
If you constantly find yourself in a position where your key fob battery keeps dying, several reasons may be to blame, including stuck buttons, a faulty circuit board, an old key fob, improper battery installation, constant signal search, or a damaged or faulty key fob.
Stuck Buttons
If one of your key fob buttons is stuck or pressed continuously, it keeps sending signals nonstop. This constant transmission quickly drains the battery.
Faulty Circuit Board
A damaged circuit board can cause short circuits that continue to draw power even when the key fob isn’t in use. Moisture exposure, dropping the fob, or manufacturing defects can often lead to this issue.
Old or Worn-Out Fob
Like any electronic device, key fobs age. If your key fob is several years old and frequently drains new batteries, it might be time to replace it with a new one.
Inadequately Installed Batteries
Inadequately installed batteries give position misalignments. This can lead to corroded terminals and result in unstable connections. In these cases, the key fob will consume significant amounts of power to maintain the connection, resulting in rapid battery drainage.
Searching for a Constant Signal
Many modern key fobs are designed to continuously search for a vehicle’s receiver to maintain the fob’s activity. This operation occurs automatically when the key fob and the vehicle are separated by a long distance, which causes faster battery drainage.
Faulty Key Fob
A damaged or malfunctioning key fob might drain its battery faster as well. Thus, if you’re doing everything right, the main culprit might be the key fob, and changing it will solve the problem.
Can I Replace The Battery In My Key Fob?
Yes, you can easily replace the battery of your key fob when it’s not working. You only need a few tools, and swap the old coin-shaped battery for a new one. Then, once you snap the key fob back together, it will again work fine.
Bottom Line
Now that you know how long car key batteries last, you can understand how often and when you should replace the battery. Replacing the key fob battery on time can prevent unnecessary trouble while you’re rushing. So, don’t delay the simple process!
