Is your 2020 Ford EcoSport displaying a “Low Key Battery” warning? Don’t worry, you’re not stranded! This helpful message is your car’s way of letting you know it’s time to replace the battery in your key fob. Ignoring this warning can lead to inconvenience, requiring you to manually unlock your vehicle with the physical key hidden inside and use a special procedure to start your car. Fortunately, changing the key fob battery on your Ford EcoSport is a simple task you can easily do yourself at home in just a few minutes. This guide will walk you through each step, ensuring you can quickly and efficiently replace your 2020 Ford Ecosport Key Fob Battery and get back on the road with full keyless functionality.
What You’ll Need
Before you begin, gather these simple tools and supplies:
- A new CR2032 3V coin cell battery – This is the standard battery for most Ford key fobs and readily available online or at most stores selling batteries.
- A small flat-head screwdriver – Used for gently prying open the key fob.
Step-by-Step Guide to Replacing Your Key Fob Battery
Follow these easy steps to replace the battery in your 2020 Ford EcoSport key fob:
Step 1: Accessing the Physical Key
The first step is to remove the physical key from the key fob. This key is designed as a backup in case your key fob battery dies completely.
To access the physical key, locate the release buttons on the key fob. Pressing these two buttons simultaneously will release the Ford logo cover on the rear of the fob and allow you to slide out the physical key. While you don’t need the physical key itself for the battery replacement process, removing it now makes handling the fob easier.
Step 2: Opening the Key Fob
Now, you’ll need to carefully open the key fob to access the battery compartment.
Using your small flat-head screwdriver, gently insert the tip into the seam of the key fob casing. Look for a small notch or groove that provides an entry point. Carefully twist the screwdriver to begin separating the two halves of the fob. Work your way around the seam, gently prying until the latch releases. You can then use your fingernails to carefully pull apart the two halves of the key fob completely.
Once opened, you’ll see that one half contains the circuit board, which houses the electronic components of your key fob. The other half will reveal the battery.
Step 3: Replacing the Battery
With the key fob open, you’ll see the CR2032 battery. Note the orientation of the battery before removing it – the positive (+) side is typically facing down, towards the plastic casing.
Use the flat-head screwdriver again, if needed, to gently pop out the old battery. Insert the new CR2032 battery, ensuring the positive (+) side is facing the correct direction (usually downwards). Once the new battery is in place, carefully snap the two halves of the key fob back together until they are securely closed.
Important Notes & Tips
- Battery Brands & Purchase: CR2032 batteries are widely available. Popular and reliable brands include Panasonic and Maxell. You can purchase them online, at electronics stores, pharmacies, and even supermarkets. To avoid counterfeit batteries, buy from reputable sellers.
- Battery Voltage: A new CR2032 battery should have a voltage around 3V. The “Low Key Battery” warning may appear even when the old battery still has close to 3V, indicating a safety margin built into the Ford EcoSport’s system.
- Testing: If you have a multimeter, you can test the voltage of your old and new batteries to confirm the difference. A typical new CR2032 battery will measure around 3.2V to 3.4V, while a depleted one might be closer to 2.9V or lower.
What to Do if Your Key Fob Battery is Completely Dead
Even if your 2020 Ford EcoSport key fob battery is completely dead, you can still access and start your vehicle.
-
Unlocking the Door: Use the physical key you removed earlier to unlock the driver’s side door. There is a traditional keyhole on the driver’s door handle, even on models with keyless entry.
-
Starting the Engine: To start your EcoSport with a dead key fob battery, hold the key fob against the steering column. There’s a specific spot, often marked with a symbol, where the car can detect the key fob passively. This uses RFID technology to allow the car to recognize the key even without battery power.
This clever system ensures you’re never truly locked out or stranded due to a dead key fob battery.
Conclusion
Replacing the key fob battery in your 2020 Ford EcoSport is a quick and easy DIY task that can save you time and potentially money compared to visiting a dealership. By following these simple steps, you can ensure your keyless entry system remains functional and avoid any inconvenience caused by a dead key fob battery. Keep a spare CR2032 battery handy, and you’ll be prepared to tackle this simple maintenance task whenever the “Low Key Battery” warning appears on your dashboard.
