Experiencing issues after a key fob battery replacement compatible with your Honda Pilot is a common frustration. You’ve swapped out the old battery, expecting everything to work seamlessly, but now your key fob refuses to lock or unlock your doors remotely. Let’s troubleshoot this problem and get your Honda Pilot key fob functioning again.
It appears you’ve encountered a situation where, after a key fob battery replacement compatible with a Honda Pilot, the remote functionalities ceased to work. Specifically, you’ve replaced the CR2032 battery in your 2016 Honda Pilot key fob, and now it won’t lock/unlock doors or open the trunk. Interestingly, it still starts the car when pressed against the start button. The red light on the fob is also not illuminating when buttons are pressed, unlike your working key fob.
Let’s explore some potential reasons and solutions to get your Honda Pilot key fob battery replacement working correctly:
Verifying the Basics After Key Fob Battery Replacement
The first step is to double-check the most straightforward aspects of your key fob battery replacement compatible with your Honda Pilot:
- Battery Type and Orientation: Ensure you’ve used the correct CR2032 battery. While this is standard for many key fobs, confirming is crucial. Also, verify that the battery is inserted with the correct polarity (+ and – sides aligned as indicated in the fob).
- New Battery Condition: While you used a new Duracell battery, it’s not impossible for a new battery to be faulty. Try a different brand new CR2032 battery to rule out a defective battery as the cause of your key fob battery replacement issue.
- Battery Contacts: Inspect the battery contacts inside the key fob. Make sure they are clean and making good contact with the battery. Sometimes, slight corrosion or debris can interfere with the connection even after a key fob battery replacement compatible with a Honda Pilot.
Understanding the Red Light Indicator
The red light on your key fob is a crucial indicator. If it doesn’t light up when you press buttons after your key fob battery replacement compatible with your Honda Pilot, it strongly suggests a power issue or an internal fob malfunction. Since your working fob’s red light illuminates normally, this difference is significant.
Possible Causes and Solutions for a Non-Working Key Fob
Considering the symptoms, here are the likely culprits and how to address them after a key fob battery replacement compatible with your Honda Pilot:
- Faulty New Battery (Again): As mentioned, even new batteries can be dead or weak. Trying a different brand new CR2032 battery is a quick and easy step.
- Key Fob Circuit Issue: Although less common, there’s a possibility the key fob itself has an internal circuit problem. Sometimes, the act of opening and handling the fob during a key fob battery replacement compatible with a Honda Pilot could inadvertently damage a delicate component, especially if the fob was already old or slightly damaged.
- Unlikely: Unpairing: You mentioned the fob starts the car when pressed against the start button. This function typically indicates that the key fob is still paired with the vehicle’s immobilizer system. Unpairing is less likely to cause a complete loss of remote functions while retaining the start function. However, if all else fails, key fob reprogramming might be considered, but it’s less likely the issue after just a key fob battery replacement compatible with your Honda Pilot.
Troubleshooting Steps to Try:
- Try Another New Battery: Get a fresh CR2032 battery from a different pack or brand and try again with your key fob battery replacement compatible with your Honda Pilot.
- Reseat the Battery: Open the fob again, remove and reinsert the battery, ensuring it’s firmly in place and the contacts are clean.
- Inspect for Damage: Carefully examine the circuit board inside the fob for any visible damage, loose components, or signs of corrosion. However, unless you’re experienced with electronics repair, diagnosing internal fob damage can be challenging.
When to Seek Professional Help
If you’ve tried these troubleshooting steps and your key fob battery replacement compatible with your Honda Pilot is still not working (red light remains off and remote functions are dead), it’s likely there’s an issue beyond a simple battery problem.
At this point, consider:
- Contacting a Locksmith: Automotive locksmiths often have expertise in key fob repair and replacement and may be able to diagnose and fix fob issues or offer replacement options.
- Honda Dealer: Your Honda dealer can also diagnose key fob problems. Since you have a HondaCare contract, it’s worth checking if key fob issues are covered. They can definitively determine if the fob is faulty and needs replacement or reprogramming after your key fob battery replacement compatible with your Honda Pilot.
While a key fob battery replacement compatible with a Honda Pilot is usually straightforward, sometimes unexpected issues arise. By systematically troubleshooting and considering the potential causes, you can hopefully restore your key fob’s functionality or identify when professional assistance is needed.
