Is your 2012 Range Rover displaying a “Smart key battery low” message? Replacing the key fob battery is a straightforward task you can handle yourself. This guide will walk you through the process of replacing your Range Rover key fob battery and clear that annoying warning message, ensuring your key fob works reliably.
The frustrating part is that sometimes even after replacing the battery, the “Smart key battery low” message stubbornly remains. This issue is quite common, and it’s often not due to a faulty key fob, but rather a simple oversight in the replacement process. According to a service bulletin, the system is designed to detect the battery voltage. The low battery message appears when the voltage drops below 2.44 volts. Critically, the message will only disappear once the system registers a voltage above 2.95 volts after a battery replacement.
Here’s the key takeaway: simply swapping in any CR2032 battery might not solve the problem. To properly clear the message and ensure your 2012 Range Rover recognizes the new battery, follow these steps:
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Acquire a NEW CR2032 Battery: This is crucial. Avoid using batteries from old key fobs or those that have been sitting around. Land Rover part number for the recommended battery is YWK10003L, but any fresh, unopened CR2032 battery will work. Remember, humidity and high temperatures significantly reduce battery shelf life, so ensure you’re using a truly new battery from fresh packaging.
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Replace the Battery: Consult your Range Rover owner’s manual for specific instructions on opening your key fob and replacing the CR2032 battery. Generally, this involves using a small screwdriver or similar tool to carefully pry open the key fob casing, removing the old battery, and inserting the new one, paying attention to the correct polarity (+ and – sides).
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Perform Key Fob Authentication (Double Press): After replacing the battery, you need to perform two key fob authentications to clear the low battery message. This is done by pressing any button on your Range Rover key fob twice. This action signals to the vehicle that a new battery has been installed and prompts it to re-evaluate the key fob’s battery voltage.
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Check the Message Center: After the double press, the “Smart key battery low” message should disappear from your instrument panel.
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Troubleshooting: If the message persists after these steps, try the following:
- Repeat the Double Press: Perform the double press authentication again.
- Try Another NEW Battery: It’s possible the first new battery was still not optimal. Install another fresh CR2032 battery from a different pack.
- Consider Key Fob Issues: If the message still remains after trying multiple new batteries and double pressing, there might be an issue with the key fob itself. In such cases, professional diagnosis might be required.
By following these steps, you should be able to successfully replace your 2012 Range Rover key fob battery and eliminate the low battery warning. Remember, using a new battery and performing the double press authentication are the key steps to resolving this common issue.
