Is your 2020 Ford EcoSport displaying a low key fob battery warning? Don’t worry, replacing the battery in your key fob is a straightforward task you can easily handle yourself. This guide will walk you through each step, ensuring you can quickly get your key fob back in perfect working order.
Experiencing a low battery warning on your Ford EcoSport’s Sync screen is a clear indicator that it’s time for a key fob battery replacement. Ignoring this warning can lead to inconvenience, requiring you to manually unlock your car with the physical key and use a specific procedure to start your vehicle. Avoid the hassle and follow these simple steps to replace your 2020 Ford EcoSport key fob battery.
Step-by-Step Guide to Replacing Your EcoSport Key Fob Battery
Replacing the battery in your 2020 Ford EcoSport key fob is a quick and easy DIY task. You’ll need a new CR2032 battery and a small flat-head screwdriver.
1. Accessing the Emergency Key
The first step is to remove the emergency key from the key fob. This key is designed to unlock your car manually if the key fob battery is dead.
To access the emergency key, locate the release buttons on your key fob. Pressing these buttons will allow you to remove the Ford logo cover on the rear of the fob, exposing the physical key. Slide out the key to remove it completely. While you don’t need to use this key for the battery replacement itself, removing it provides better access to open the key fob.
2. Opening the Key Fob
Now, we’ll carefully open the key fob to access the battery compartment.
Using a small flat-head screwdriver, gently pry open the key fob. Insert the screwdriver into the slot located near where you removed the emergency key. Carefully twist the screwdriver to separate the two halves of the key fob. Work your way around the seam, gently prying until the fob splits open. Be patient and avoid using excessive force to prevent damage to the plastic casing.
Once open, you’ll see the internal components. One half will contain the circuit board, which houses the electronic components of the key fob. The other half will house the battery.
3. Replacing the Old Battery
Locate the battery compartment. You’ll see the CR2032 coin cell battery.
Note the orientation of the battery. The positive (+) side is usually facing down, towards the plastic casing, and the negative (-) side is visible when you open the fob.
Use the flat-head screwdriver or your fingernail to gently pry out the old CR2032 battery. Insert the new CR2032 battery, ensuring the positive side is facing down, matching the original battery orientation.
4. Reassembling the Key Fob
With the new battery in place, carefully snap the two halves of the key fob back together. Ensure they are firmly closed and that the seam is flush all around. Reinsert the emergency key until it clicks into place.
Important Notes on CR2032 Batteries
- Availability: CR2032 batteries are widely available at online retailers, electronics stores, and even most supermarkets or drugstores.
- Brands: Reputable brands like Panasonic, Maxell, and Energizer are recommended for reliable performance.
- Authenticity: Be cautious of counterfeit batteries, especially when purchasing online. Buy from trusted sources to ensure you get a genuine, high-quality battery.
- Voltage Check (Optional): If you have a multimeter, you can check the voltage of the old and new batteries. A new CR2032 battery should read around 3V. A voltage significantly lower than this in your old battery indicates it was indeed time for a replacement.
What Happens if Your Key Fob Battery Dies Completely?
Even with a dead key fob battery, you can still access and start your 2020 Ford EcoSport.
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Unlocking the Car: Use the physical emergency key you removed from the key fob to manually unlock the driver’s side door.
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Starting the Engine: In Ford EcoSport models with push-button start, if the key fob battery is dead, you’ll need to use a special procedure to start the engine. Hold the key fob against the steering column, near the marked location (where the ignition slot would be in standard key start vehicles), and then press the push-button start. This allows the car to detect the key fob passively and start the engine.
This clever system ensures you’re never stranded due to a dead key fob battery. The key fob utilizes a passive RFID-like system to communicate with the car in emergencies.
Conclusion
Replacing the battery in your 2020 Ford EcoSport key fob is a simple maintenance task that any owner can perform. By following these steps, you can ensure your keyless entry system remains reliable and avoid any potential inconveniences. Keep a spare CR2032 battery handy so you’re always prepared for a key fob battery replacement when that low battery warning appears on your dashboard.
