Honda Key Fob Not Working After Battery Replacement – [Updated Troubleshooting Guide 2023]

The most frequent cause of Honda key fobs ceasing to function is battery depletion.  And replacing the battery is typically a reliable fix.

However, if a key fob remains inoperative after a new battery is installed, a different underlying issue may be the source of the problem.

It is possible that a car key has been deprogrammed if it doesn’t function after a battery swap. You’ll need to reprogram your Honda key when you replace the battery in your Honda key fob.

The process of programming Honda key fobs is quick and easy. You need to press the lock or unlock button at least 10 times in order to reset it. You can then unlock or lock the door.

During a deprogramming procedure, an onboard computer erases all keys from the vehicle’s authorized users list.

It is possible to deprogram a remote control by pressing certain buttons. I know it can be highly frustrating when the remote key fob doesn’t respond. This article offers troubleshooting tips when a new battery doesn’t make the fob work.

Honda Key Fob Not Working After The Battery Replacement – How To Fix

One of the most common issues with Honda key fobs is when a new battery is installed incorrectly. It’s essential to double-check that you have installed the new battery correctly. 

If all connections are correct, it may be time to move on to troubleshooting other possible causes for why your Honda key fob is not working.

Reprogram your key fob

After replacing your Honda key fob battery, you may need to program it. You can ensure that it’s communicating correctly with your car. Here is a simple guide to program it step by step. 

Step 1: Enter the vehicle, ensuring all doors are shut and the key and fobs are ready.

Step 2: Insert the key into the ignition and switch it to the “On” setting. 

Step 3: Press the “LOCK” button on the key remote for one second. 

Step 4: After releasing the button, turn the key off and repeat the process twice more.

Step 5: Return the key to the “On” position and hold the “LOCK” button for one second. The locks will cycle, and the vehicle will enter remote programming mode.

Step 6: Hold the “LOCK” button for one more second, and the key fob will be programmed when the locks cycle again. If additional fobs need programming, repeat the same steps.

Step 7: When finished, turn the key off in the ignition to exit remote programming mode.

Check for broken contacts or misaligned buttons

Constant use of key fobs leads to wear and tear, which can cause disconnection of contacts, damage to circuit boards, and even button malfunctions. 

To troubleshoot, inspect the key fob controls and contacts, and if need be, re-solder any loose or missing connections. However, this is only advised if you are experienced with circuit boards. Additionally, if necessary, press the buttons back into their correct place.

Inspect the transmitter and receiver for damages

For a key fob to function, communication must occur between two components. In our case, the transmitter is situated in the remote control, and the receiver is in the vehicle. The door can only be locked or unlocked, and the car starts through the interchange of signals between them. 

If any of the two components sustains damage, the key fob will become useless. This could result from an internal fault, like a loose connection.

If such an issue arises, it is best to seek the assistance of a professional locksmith, mechanic, or dealership for repair.

Check for radio interference

Radio interference from other electronic devices such as mobile phones, Wi-Fi routers, or other electronic devices can interfere with the signal transmitted by a key fob and cause it to stop working. 

Additionally, physical barriers such as walls or other objects between the key fob and the vehicle can also impact the range and effectiveness of the key fob signal.

Check to ensure you’re using the correct battery type

To ensure your keyless entry system functions properly, you must make sure to replace it with a CR2032 battery. If your vehicle’s model year precedes 2006 or contains an alarm system post-2005, you may require a different battery type.

Inspect vehicle locks

The key fob uses the car’s electrical system to lock and unlock the doors, so if there’s a problem with the door locks, it can affect its functionality. It’s best to have a professional diagnose the problem to determine the root cause.

Honda Key Fob Battery Lifespan – When Do You Need To Replace?

The average lifespan of a car fob battery is between three and four years. When it starts to approach the end of its life, some tell-tale signs will alert you to the need for a replacement. 

One such sign is decreased signal strength – typically, a modern key fob can send a signal to the car from a distance of up to 50 feet. But when the battery begins to wear out, that range is significantly reduced. 

Additionally, if you have to press the lock and unlock buttons multiple times, this could be another sign that the battery needs to be changed.

FAQs

Read this section to get more information in this regard. 

Conclusion

The Honda key fob could have various possible causes of malfunction after battery replacement. So it’s essential to look it over for any evidence of damage or other issues. A firmware update will usually resolve the issue in case of no visual issues. 

Besides, you can reprogram it following the guided steps we have provided in the post. Ultimately, if all else fails, you may need to acquire a new key fob.