HOXXOH

When replacing the CR2032 fob battery, be sure to get one that has a smooth negative side face.

Avoid Rayovac, as the negative surface is gridded (similar to knurled) and will not make constant nor consistant connectivity with the tiny spring in the fob.

When my original fob battery died and Rayovac was the replacement, I thought I'd damaged the fob itself during the changeover. It would only work sporadically and fear of the "No fobs detected" message was often. The battery checked fine with a volt meter and worked perfectly in two other devices, but not in the fob. After 3 weeks of frustration, including squeezing, banging, beating, and shaking the fob to get it to work, just using a smooth face battery from one of my other devices cured the problem.

CO Lightfoot

Excellent heads-up!

And it reminds me I need to get a spare battery before I take a trip this Spring.

Kent1999

Thanks for the tip... but maybe the battery was just bad? I've had sporadic luck with Rayovac, so I tend to just to avoid that brand anyway.

Cheers,
Kent

traindude

Good to know. Thanks for the heads up!

degaux

...wow!... was this a timely thread...
...need to replace the battery in my fob tomorrow ... I'm getting tired of having to "warm it up" before I can open the door

kencz51

i was just wondering how long the batteries should last. i have been using mine since Feb 06. i don't pay much attention to the ones in the other cars since i can always use the key until i get a new batt.

obxchartercaptain

rwpatte

I won't touch that knowing you John.
Pat:

Vette5.5

I replaced mine a few month's ago with energizer brand batteries. Negative side is smooth, and seems to work fine. Curious on some of your guy's experiences, opening and closing these fob cases. I literally had to jump on mine to snap it shut again.

Mad*Max

did you have difficulty opening it too?

ezrizer

What's the trick to opening the FOB?

cclive

A nickel is the perfect tool to pry open the '05-'07 fob...then just a bit silicone on the gasket and it will easily snap back together.

Dave Carney

Pull the key out, then use a nickel as your tool. Start on a corner in the key portal, then run the nickel around the edge like you were unzipping a zipper.

drlndrve

I wanna know too--and what are the warning signs (if any) that its getting weak.

cclive

The DIC does have a message "fob battery low"...but the manual says that it MAY say this...in real life, many here have had a substantial reduction in the range of the fob, even to the point of it not working, without ever getting this message.

Fob battery life depends on whether you use the buttons or not. I never ever use a fob button so I am expecting at least 5 years. People who always push the buttons have reported as low as 1.5 - 2 yrs.

LS WON

I got about 4 years use before having to change the first fob. I put a Sony battery in it.
I did have alot of problems opening it up in fact the edges got all chewed up and it doesn't fully close now but I have one of those rubber FOB protectors and that is holding it all together.

BriscoCounty

Mine showed signs by not reacting immediately to the pulling on the door pad. Seemed like a slight delay. Then when pressing the lock button, didn't recognize the lock press all the time. Then one day I couldn't get into my car at all, and was just about to get the key out, the trunk finally popped open and then I could open the doors.

Replaced battery and all of the issues above went away. So, you will get a month or 2 of notice before hand. My fob on my daily driver lasted just under 3 years.

CQRT

I've always replaced FOB batteries for this car and others every two years - - it seems like cheap insurance. Walgreens has a two-pack of Duracell CR2032 for $6-7 - - that's what I've generally used- more out of convenience than cost or technology.

eboggs_jkvl

Car received January of '07, still on original Fob battery. I just carry it around in my pocket and never push a button. Well, not totally true...

I have managed to set off the alarm with a pocket push when leaning against something. But, it was purely accidental....


Cliff notes? Use the buttons and it goes maybe 2 years. Let the car do all the work and we're going longer than that.

Elmer

HOXXOH

I barely got 2 years without pushing buttons, but mines a DD with 58K on the clock, so it may be related to the number of demands too.

I'm only familiar with the '08 & up fobs and have set off the alarm or popped the hatch with the accidental pocket push. A cure is to put a small piece of tape on the PC board to eliminate contact. The location will be obvious for each button you want to disable.