Given that half our focus is on the key fob battery, I’ve kept several in my kit, including two CR 2032 batteries. They happen to fit the Kia Niro fob.
Why? Well, they are on the order of 10 years old, which is just about the end of their unused shelf life. Battery manufacturers give a shelf life of 8 to 10 years — when properly stored in a cool, dry, and climate-controlled environment.
The two batteries in possession have spent the 10 years in the trunk of the car. Not what they would consider properly stored!
So the first lesson is of course, that keeping spare batteries is not as useful as you might hope. They are, after all, readily available wherever any type of battery is sold.
And the second is that the battery in my spare key fob will also get a replacement. It will be ~five years old but there is a small amount of draw when installed.
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The material on these pages is provided for information sharing purposes only and should not be used in lieu of an OEM service manual or factory authorized service procedure. We are not in the auto repair business, nor do we publish automotive service manuals. Nothing we include on these pages and posts has been reviewed, approved or authorized by any vehicle manufacturer.
Remember — only proper service and repair procedures will ensure the safe and reliable operation of your car. In addition, proper safety procedures and precautions, such as the use of safety goggles, the right tools and the equipment should be followed at all times to eliminate the possibility of personal injury or improper service which could damage the vehicle or compromise its safety.
Technology is always changing and what is current and accurate today may be literally out-of-date and inaccurate tomorrow. And when it comes to the current state of flux in the auto industry, nothing is more true.
The author has 30+ years of automotive experience and has assembled the most extensive collection of symbols and warning lights anywhere (over 1,000!) and can help you open and start any keyless start car with a dead key fob battery. BA, St. Joseph’s, ME: MS, RPI, NY
An important lesson or two on key fob battery life
Given that half our focus is on the key fob battery, I’ve kept several in my kit, including two CR 2032 batteries. They happen to fit the Kia Niro fob.
So, when replacing the Niro‘s fob batteries I started with those that in my possession.
Neither of them worked.
Why? Well, they are on the order of 10 years old, which is just about the end of their unused shelf life. Battery manufacturers give a shelf life of 8 to 10 years — when properly stored in a cool, dry, and climate-controlled environment.
The two batteries in possession have spent the 10 years in the trunk of the car. Not what they would consider properly stored!
So the first lesson is of course, that keeping spare batteries is not as useful as you might hope. They are, after all, readily available wherever any type of battery is sold.
And the second is that the battery in my spare key fob will also get a replacement. It will be ~five years old but there is a small amount of draw when installed.
——————————————————————-
The material on these pages is provided for information sharing purposes only and should not be used in lieu of an OEM service manual or factory authorized service procedure. We are not in the auto repair business, nor do we publish automotive service manuals. Nothing we include on these pages and posts has been reviewed, approved or authorized by any vehicle manufacturer.
Remember — only proper service and repair procedures will ensure the safe and reliable operation of your car. In addition, proper safety procedures and precautions, such as the use of safety goggles, the right tools and the equipment should be followed at all times to eliminate the possibility of personal injury or improper service which could damage the vehicle or compromise its safety.
Technology is always changing and what is current and accurate today may be literally out-of-date and inaccurate tomorrow. And when it comes to the current state of flux in the auto industry, nothing is more true.
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The author has 30+ years of automotive experience and has assembled the most extensive collection of symbols and warning lights anywhere (over 1,000!) and can help you open and start any keyless start car with a dead key fob battery. BA, St. Joseph’s, ME: MS, RPI, NY