Many 2006 Pontiac GTO owners encounter issues with their key fobs, often pointing to the battery. There’s some misinformation floating around, so let’s clarify the facts about your GTO key fob battery and what your replacement options are.
Contrary to some beliefs, the 2006 GTO key fob battery is not rechargeable. It uses a standard CR2032 battery, but it’s soldered directly to the circuit board. This means it doesn’t recharge when you insert the key fob into the ignition. If someone told you otherwise, they were mistaken.
While officially, the GTO key fob is considered a “one-time use” item – meaning you’re expected to replace the entire fob when the battery dies – resourceful owners have found ways to replace the battery. It involves carefully prying open the fob case, which carries a risk of damage. You’ll then need to desolder the old battery and solder in a new CR2032. This is a delicate DIY job, and success isn’t guaranteed; it’s often a 50/50 chance of damaging the case.
Another crucial point is that GTO key fobs are programmed to the car’s Body Control Module (BCM) and can only be programmed once. However, you can self-program a new or replacement fob, saving money on dealer programming fees. The detailed procedure for self-programming is available on websites like LS1gto.com, a valuable resource for GTO owners. They also have discussions about key fob battery replacement if you want to delve deeper into DIY battery swaps.
In summary, while not designed for battery replacement, changing the 2006 GTO key fob battery is possible for determined DIYers, though risky. Remember, the battery isn’t rechargeable, and for programming guidance, LS1gto.com is your best bet.
