Kia Key Fob Not Working After Battery Replacement – A Troubleshooting Guide
Have you replaced the battery in your Kia smart key fob only to find that it still doesn’t work? This frustrating issue is common after improperly replacing the key fob battery. Follow this troubleshooting guide to get your Kia key fob working again after a battery swap.
Why Did My Kia Key Fob Stop Working After I Replaced the Battery?
There are a few reasons why your Kia key fob may have stopped working even after installing a fresh battery:
- Incorrect battery orientation – The positive and negative terminals must align properly with the electronics inside the fob. Installing the battery backward will prevent the key from powering on.
- Incompatible battery voltage – Kia key fobs need a specific 3V lithium coin cell battery. Using the wrong battery model can prevent the key from powering on after replacement.
- Casing reassembly issues – If the key fob casing components are not properly aligned and snapped together, it can break the electrical circuits inside and cause malfunctions.
- Security lockout – Some Kia key fobs require resetting/reprogramming by the dealer after battery swaps to resync with the car’s antitheft system.
Carefully following the battery replacement instructions can help mitigate these issues.
Troubleshooting Tips For a Non-Working Kia Key Fob
Before heading to the dealership or getting a replacement, try these troubleshooting steps at home:
- Make sure the new battery is correctly oriented with + and – terminals aligned properly. Snap the case completely closed.
- Press the lock and unlock buttons forcefully several times. This can help resync a key fob that won’t power on.
- Inspect closely for damage like bent/broken pins inside the casing around the battery compartment.
- Check for battery acid corrosion on the battery contacts – replace if corroded.
- Verify you replaced the old battery with an identical new 3V coin cell battery – like CR2032.
Additional Key Fob Troubleshooting Steps
For battery-related issues, work sequentially through these steps:
- Inspect the key fob externally for cracks/damage before disassembly.
- Carefully open the casing following manual directions.
- Remove old battery & note orientation, and check contacts for corrosion.
- Confirm replacement battery voltage matches the original (typically CR2032).
- Insert new battery with correct + / – terminal orientation.
- Snap the case completely closed, then press the buttons firmly 10+ times.
If it still doesn’t work, have a Kia dealership diagnose and service the fob.
How to Reset/Reprogram a Kia Key Fob After Battery Replacement
Many Kia smart key fobs require resetting the synchronization with the car’s security system after a battery change.
Follow this safe process to try resetting/reprogramming before getting a replacement:
- Insert the new battery with correct orientation and close casing.
- Sit in the driver seat, close the doors + turn the ignition ON.
- Press the lock + unlock buttons on the key fob simultaneously for up to 10 seconds.
- The car horn will honk once when synchronization is complete.
- Check key fob operation with the engine running.
If this resetting process does not work, have your local Kia dealership reprogram the key fob. They will use a diagnostic scan tool to synchronize the fob with your car properly.
When to Get Your Key Fob Fixed or Replaced
If you’ve tried the troubleshooting and resetting steps without success, contact your Kia dealer’s service department. Their expert technicians can properly diagnose malfunctions. Electrical issues with the key fob circuit boards often require soldering repairs by professionals.
They also stock replacement Kia key fobs with remotes so you have a backup. Prices can range from $100-$400. Some locksmiths also service and reprogram Kia key fob replacements if preferred.
Conclusion
Replacing the battery in your Kia smart key fob seems simple, but very specific steps must be followed. Verifying battery voltage, matching polarity, avoiding corrosion, proper assembly, and resynchronization are all key. Use the troubleshooting and resetting tips provided here to try restoring functionality after a battery change before replacing the unit.