Time to replace the Kia’s key fob battery

Dead fob iconFob battery

As posted about 10 days ago, the key fob battery for the Kia was nearing the end of its life. Today came the “Key not detected” message and the back-up or emergency start process was utilized and recorded (below).

Unlike other electric vehicles (EVs), models from Kia and sister (mother?) company Hyundai continue to use a start/stop button in their EVs.

Thus, the process is identical to that of internal combustion engine models and works like the proverbial charm.

What was posted 10 days ago was the odd display on the instrument panel of “key fob not in vehicle” after the car was shut off. It disappeared when the door was opened, but reappeared when the lock button was pushed.

This continues to makes no sense at all. Why would the car care if the fob was not inside while the driver was outside? Regardless, the vehicle would not lock.

The same back-up start process was used in this situation too, which satisfied the car and allowed the lock process to work.

Given this oddity, and the comfort that comes with knowing how to handle a dying key fob battery, I delayed replacing the battery to be able to report on any other strangeness that might occur.

It did not.

The key fob battery will be replaced in a day or two.

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