It’s a common scenario: you’re heading to your 2017 Chevy Cruze, reach for the door handle, and… nothing. Your key fob isn’t responding. Before you assume the worst, take a deep breath. Often, the simplest solution is the most likely culprit: a dead or dying key fob battery. Just like any battery, the one in your Chevy Cruze key fob has a limited lifespan. This article will walk you through the signs of a weak key fob battery and guide you on how to easily replace it, getting you back on the road quickly.
One day, you might find your key fob range has significantly decreased. You need to be much closer to your Cruze for the doors to unlock or the trunk to pop open. Another telltale sign is intermittent operation. Sometimes the fob works perfectly, and other times it seems completely unresponsive. You might press the buttons multiple times before anything happens. While less common on a 2017 model specifically for key fob batteries, in some vehicles, a low key fob battery can even trigger a warning light or message on your dashboard. If you experience any of these symptoms with your 2017 Chevy Cruze key fob, replacing the battery should be your first step.
Luckily, replacing the key fob battery in a 2017 Chevy Cruze is a straightforward DIY task that requires minimal tools and time. You’ll typically need a small flathead screwdriver or a similar tool to gently pry open the key fob casing. Once open, you’ll see a small, circular battery. The most common type for Chevy Cruze key fobs is a CR2032 battery, but it’s always best to double-check your owner’s manual or the markings on your old battery to confirm the correct type. Carefully remove the old battery and replace it with a fresh one, ensuring the polarity (+ and – sides) is correct. Snap the key fob casing back together, and you should be good to go! You can purchase replacement batteries at most drugstores, supermarkets, and auto parts stores for just a few dollars.
While a dead key fob battery is the most frequent cause of key fob issues, it’s worth briefly considering other possibilities if a new battery doesn’t solve the problem. In some rare cases, issues with your car’s main battery or electrical system can mimic key fob problems. As one car owner experienced, loose battery terminals or corroded connections can lead to a drop in voltage, potentially affecting various electronic components, including the keyless entry system. Although less likely to be directly related to your key fob battery, ensuring your car battery terminals are clean and properly tightened is a good piece of general car maintenance.
In conclusion, if your 2017 Chevy Cruze key fob is acting up, don’t immediately assume a major problem. Nine times out of ten, a simple key fob battery replacement will restore full functionality. It’s a quick, cheap, and easy fix that any Chevy Cruze owner can handle themselves. By understanding the signs of a weak key fob battery and knowing how to replace it, you can avoid unnecessary trips to the mechanic and keep your Cruze running smoothly.
