Experiencing issues with your 2018 Chevy Silverado key fob? A common culprit, and often the easiest to fix, is a dead or dying battery. If your key fob is becoming less responsive, failing to lock or unlock your doors reliably, or has completely stopped working, replacing the battery should be your first step. This guide will walk you through the simple process of a 2018 Chevy Silverado Key Fob Battery Replacement, and also touch upon other potential issues you might encounter.
Symptoms of a Low Key Fob Battery
Before you start taking apart your key fob, it’s helpful to know the common signs of a low battery in your 2018 Chevy Silverado key fob. Keep an eye out for these symptoms:
- Reduced Range: You need to be much closer to your Silverado for the key fob to work.
- Intermittent Operation: The key fob works sometimes, but not others, requiring multiple button presses.
- Unresponsive Buttons: Certain buttons, like lock or unlock, become less reliable or completely stop working.
- Dashboard Warning Light: Some Silverado models may display a “Low Key Fob Battery” message on the driver information center.
If you’re experiencing any of these issues, a battery replacement is likely the solution.
Step-by-Step 2018 Chevy Silverado Key Fob Battery Replacement
Replacing the battery in your 2018 Chevy Silverado key fob is a straightforward process that you can do at home with minimal tools. Here’s how:
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Gather Your Tools and Battery: You’ll need a small flathead screwdriver or a similar thin tool to open the key fob case. You’ll also need a new CR2032 battery, which is the standard battery type for most Chevy Silverado key fobs. You can purchase these batteries at most drugstores, grocery stores, and online retailers.
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Locate the Notch to Open the Fob: Examine your key fob closely. You should find a small notch or slot on the side or bottom of the key fob casing. This is where you will insert your flathead screwdriver to pry it open.
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Carefully Open the Key Fob: Insert the tip of your flathead screwdriver into the notch and gently twist. The key fob case should begin to separate. Work your way around the seam of the fob, carefully prying it open. Avoid using excessive force, as you could damage the plastic casing.
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Identify the Battery: Once the key fob is open, you’ll see the circuit board and the battery. The CR2032 battery is usually held in place by small clips.
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Remove the Old Battery: Gently use your fingertip or the flathead screwdriver to pry the old battery out of its housing. Note the orientation of the battery (+ side up) before removing it.
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Insert the New Battery: Place the new CR2032 battery into the battery compartment, ensuring the positive (+) side is facing the correct direction (usually upwards, matching the orientation of the old battery). Press down firmly until the battery is securely in place.
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Reassemble the Key Fob: Carefully align the two halves of the key fob case and press them firmly together until they snap back into place. Ensure the case is fully closed and there are no gaps.
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Test Your Key Fob: Test the buttons on your key fob to ensure it is now working correctly. Lock and unlock your doors, and try the remote start if your Silverado is equipped with it.
Troubleshooting Beyond Battery Replacement: The Case of the Conductive Gel
While a battery replacement resolves the vast majority of key fob issues, there are less common problems that can affect your 2018 Chevy Silverado key fob. One interesting issue, as highlighted by a user experience, is the presence of a gel-like substance inside the key fob.
In some cases, this gel, possibly originating from battery leakage or the fob’s internal components, can become conductive over time. This conductive gel can create unwanted electrical connections on the circuit board, leading to erratic key fob behavior such as:
- Doors locking and then immediately unlocking.
- Random unlocking while driving or when the vehicle is off.
If you’ve replaced your key fob battery and are still experiencing unusual behavior, it’s worth inspecting the inside of your key fob for this gel-like substance. If you find it, carefully clean it off the circuit board and the inside of the case with a paper towel or a cotton swab dampened with isopropyl alcohol. Ensure everything is completely dry before reassembling the fob.
Further Key Fob Troubleshooting
If cleaning the gel or replacing the battery doesn’t solve your 2018 Chevy Silverado key fob problems, there might be other underlying issues. These could include:
- Key Fob Programming Issues: Sometimes, the key fob may lose its programming and need to be reprogrammed to your vehicle.
- Receiver Problems in the Vehicle: Less frequently, the issue could lie with the receiver in your Silverado that communicates with the key fob.
For these more complex issues, it’s recommended to consult your Chevy Silverado owner’s manual or contact a certified автомобилист technician or dealership for diagnosis and repair.
Replacing the battery in your 2018 Chevy Silverado key fob is a simple maintenance task that can often restore full functionality. By following these steps and considering potential issues like conductive gel, you can keep your key fob working reliably and avoid unnecessary trips to the автосервис.
