Is your 2012 Kia Soul key fob starting to feel a little unresponsive? It might be time for a battery change. Don’t worry, replacing the battery in your Kia Soul key fob is a simple task you can easily do yourself, saving you time and money compared to visiting a dealership. This guide will walk you through each step of the 2012 Kia Soul Key Fob Battery Replacement process, ensuring you get your key fob working like new in no time.
Before you begin, you’ll need to identify the correct battery for your 2012 Kia Soul key fob. The battery you need is a CR2032 button cell battery. These batteries are widely available at most drugstores, supermarkets, and online retailers. It’s always a good idea to have a fresh CR2032 battery on hand so you’re ready when your key fob starts to weaken.
Now, let’s get started with the battery replacement. Here are the tools you’ll need:
- A new CR2032 battery
- A small flathead screwdriver or a similar thin tool (like a butter knife or guitar pick)
Once you have your tools and new battery ready, follow these steps:
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Locate the notch on your key fob. On the back of your 2012 Kia Soul key fob, you’ll find a small notch or slot. This is where you’ll insert your flathead screwdriver to open the fob.
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Carefully insert and twist. Gently insert the tip of your flathead screwdriver into the notch. Apply a small amount of pressure and twist the screwdriver. This should start to separate the two halves of the key fob. You might hear a slight clicking sound as the case begins to open.
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Pry open the key fob. Once you’ve twisted the screwdriver slightly, you should be able to pry the two halves of the key fob apart. You can use your fingers or carefully continue using the flathead screwdriver to gently separate the top and bottom pieces. Be careful not to apply too much force, as you don’t want to damage the plastic casing.
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Identify the old battery. With the key fob open, you’ll see the circuit board and the round, silver CR2032 battery. Take note of the battery’s orientation – specifically, which side is facing up (+ or -). This will ensure you install the new battery correctly.
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Remove the old battery. The battery is usually held in place by a small clip. You can typically use your fingertip or the tip of the flathead screwdriver to gently push the battery out of its housing.
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Insert the new battery. Take your new CR2032 battery and insert it into the battery compartment. Make sure the polarity (+ and – sides) matches the orientation of the old battery. You should hear or feel the battery snap into place.
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Reassemble the key fob. Carefully align the two halves of the key fob and press them firmly back together until they snap closed. Ensure there are no gaps and the case is securely sealed.
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Test your key fob. Press the buttons on your key fob to test if it’s working correctly. The car should respond to the lock, unlock, and panic buttons as expected.
Congratulations! You’ve successfully completed your 2012 Kia Soul key fob battery replacement. By following these simple steps, you’ve saved yourself a trip to the dealership and ensured your key fob is powered up and ready to go. Regular battery replacement, typically every 1-2 years depending on usage, will keep your key fob functioning optimally.
