Modern car technology offers incredible convenience, from remotely locking doors to starting your engine with the touch of a button on your key fob. For Kia Sorento owners, the key fob is an indispensable tool. But what happens when this technology fails you at the most inconvenient time? A dead key fob battery can seem like a major hurdle, leaving you wondering how to start your Kia Sorento. Fortunately, you’re not stranded. Starting your Kia Sorento with a dead key fob battery is simpler than you might think. This guide will walk you through the steps to get your Sorento running again and offer some helpful tips to prevent this from happening in the future.
Close-up of a Kia Sorento key fob illustrating how to start your car with a dead battery, a common car key issue.
Understanding Your Kia Sorento Key Fob
Before we dive into starting your Kia Sorento with a dead key fob, let’s understand what a key fob is and why it’s so essential. Often referred to as a remote key or wireless key, a key fob is a small electronic device that uses radio frequency to communicate with your vehicle. Since their introduction decades ago, key fobs have become standard in the automotive industry, especially in models built after 2010. Your Kia Sorento key fob likely controls a range of functions, including:
- Unlocking and Locking Doors: Remotely access your vehicle without physically using a key in the door.
- Starting the Engine: Many Kia Sorento models feature remote start, allowing you to start the engine from a distance.
- Activating Features: Some key fobs can control features like heated seats or adjust the car’s interior temperature.
When your key fob malfunctions, often due to a dead battery, these convenient features become unavailable. Knowing how to bypass the dead battery and start your Kia Sorento is crucial for any owner.
Step-by-Step Guide to Starting Your Kia Sorento with a Dead Key Fob Battery
The method for starting your Kia Sorento with a dead key fob varies slightly depending on the model year. Here’s a breakdown for different Sorento generations:
Method 1: For Kia Sorento Models Before 2014 (Smart Key Slot)
For Kia Sorento models manufactured before 2014, there’s a designated slot designed to help you start your car when the key fob battery is dead. This slot is typically located inside the center console. Here’s how to use it:
- Locate the Smart Key Slot: Open your center console and look for a slot specifically designed to insert your key fob. Refer to your owner’s manual if you are unsure of the exact location.
- Insert Your Smart Key: Place your Kia Sorento key fob into the designated slot. Ensure it is securely inserted.
- Depress the Brake Pedal: Press and hold the brake pedal as you normally would when starting your car.
- Push the Start/Stop Button: With the brake pedal still depressed and the key fob inserted, push the engine start/stop button.
- Start Your Vehicle: Your Kia Sorento should now start. If it doesn’t, the issue might be with your car battery itself, not just the key fob.
This method allows the car to recognize the key fob even with a dead battery by establishing a closer proximity and using a different communication system.
Method 2: For Kia Sorento Models 2014 and Later (Key Fob on Start Button)
For Kia Sorento models from 2014 onwards, the process is even more straightforward. There’s no need to find a specific slot. You can use the key fob directly on the start button:
- Depress the Brake Pedal: Press and hold the brake pedal, just as you would for a normal start.
- Press Start/Stop Button with Key Fob: Take your Kia Sorento key fob and physically press the start/stop button with the fob itself. Use the end of the key fob to push the button.
- Start Your Vehicle: Keep the brake pedal depressed while pressing the start button with the key fob. Your Kia Sorento engine should start. Again, if it fails to start, consider checking your car battery.
This simplified method utilizes the key fob’s chip to communicate with the ignition system when placed in direct contact with the start button, even with a depleted battery.
Troubleshooting and Battery Replacement
If you’ve followed these steps and your Kia Sorento still doesn’t start, there might be other issues. However, before assuming a bigger problem, let’s address the most common culprit: the key fob battery.
Checking the Key Fob Battery
The first step is to confirm if the key fob battery is indeed dead. Signs of a weakening or dead key fob battery include:
- Reduced Range: You need to be closer to your car than usual for the fob to work.
- Inconsistent Operation: The key fob works intermittently.
- No Response: The key fob completely fails to lock/unlock doors or start the engine remotely.
If you experience these symptoms, replacing the battery is likely the solution.
Replacing the Key Fob Battery
Key fob batteries are typically small, watch-sized lithium batteries. Replacing them is a simple DIY task:
- Identify Battery Type: Check your owner’s manual or open the key fob to identify the correct battery type (usually CR2032, CR2025, or CR2450).
- Open the Key Fob: Most Kia Sorento key fobs can be opened by carefully prying them apart using a small flathead screwdriver or a key. Some may have a small release button or latch.
- Remove Old Battery: Once open, carefully remove the old battery. Note the orientation (+ and – sides).
- Insert New Battery: Install the new battery, ensuring it’s in the correct orientation.
- Close the Key Fob: Snap the key fob casing back together until it’s securely closed.
Keeping spare batteries at home or in your glove compartment can save you from future key fob emergencies. You can purchase these batteries at most drugstores, hardware stores, and online retailers.
Conclusion
While technology offers great convenience, knowing how to handle its failures is equally important. Knowing how to start your Kia Sorento with a dead key fob battery ensures you’re never stranded. By understanding these simple methods and keeping your key fob battery in mind, you can confidently handle this common car key issue and continue enjoying the benefits of your Kia Sorento’s technology. For more car care tips and tricks, or if you encounter more complex issues with your Kia Sorento, don’t hesitate to contact your local Kia dealership for expert assistance.
