Experiencing issues with your 2011 Bmw 328i Xdrive Key Fob after a battery replacement can be frustrating. Many owners attempt to replace the key fob battery themselves to save money, but sometimes encounter problems afterward. If your BMW key fob suddenly stopped working after a battery change, you’re not alone. This guide will walk you through troubleshooting steps to get your key fob functioning again.
One common scenario is that after replacing the battery, the key fob will start the car but fail to lock or unlock doors remotely. This indicates that the issue might not be with the battery itself, but rather with the key fob’s electronics or synchronization with your BMW. It’s also possible that even after reverting to the original battery, the key fob remains unresponsive.
Here are a few areas to investigate when your 2011 BMW 328i xDrive key fob is not working post-battery replacement:
- Battery Type and Voltage: Double-check that you have used the correct replacement battery. For many BMW key fobs, the VL2020 or ML2020 Panasonic batteries are standard. While ML2020 is often cited as a replacement for VL2020, ensure they are truly compatible. Use a multimeter to confirm the new battery is indeed providing around 3V, and also test the old battery to rule out any doubts about battery voltage.
- Battery Polarity and Connection: When soldering the new battery, it’s crucial to ensure correct polarity. Reversing the polarity can damage the key fob circuitry. Carefully inspect the soldering points to confirm a secure and correct connection. Poor soldering can also prevent proper contact.
- Key Fob Case Interference: Although you replaced the shell case, it’s worth checking if the new case is somehow pressing on internal components, causing a malfunction. Try operating the key fob without the case to eliminate this possibility.
- Synchronization/Programming Issues: Sometimes, after battery replacement, the key fob might lose synchronization with the car. Refer to your BMW owner’s manual for key fob re-synchronization procedures. This often involves a specific sequence of button presses and ignition key turns performed inside the vehicle.
If you have meticulously checked these points and your 2011 BMW 328i xDrive key fob still isn’t working, there could be a more complex issue. Internal damage to the key fob’s circuit board during the battery replacement process, or a completely unrelated key fob malfunction might be the cause. In such cases, seeking assistance from a professional automotive locksmith or a BMW dealership is recommended for further diagnosis and potential key fob replacement or reprogramming.
