Experiencing issues with your 2016 Honda Pilot key fob after a battery replacement can be frustrating. Many Honda owners encounter a situation where their key fob suddenly stops working after swapping out the old battery for a new one. If you’re in this predicament, don’t worry. This guide will walk you through potential causes and troubleshooting steps to get your 2016 Honda Key Fob functioning again.
One common scenario is that after replacing the CR2032 battery in your 2016 Honda Pilot key fob, the remote functionalities like locking/unlocking doors, and opening the trunk cease to operate. You might find that the key fob can still start the vehicle when pressed directly against the start button, but the buttons themselves seem unresponsive. A telltale sign is often the absence of the red indicator light illuminating when buttons are pressed on the malfunctioning fob, in contrast to a working fob where the light activates with each button press.
Let’s explore some reasons why your 2016 Honda key fob might fail after a battery replacement:
- Battery Installation Issues: Although seemingly straightforward, ensure the CR2032 battery is correctly installed with the positive (+) side facing upwards. A reversed battery will prevent the key fob from working. Double-check the battery compartment for the correct orientation markings.
- Faulty New Battery: While Duracell is a reputable brand, it’s possible, though less likely, to encounter a defective new battery. Try a different new CR2032 battery to rule out a faulty power source.
- Key Fob Damage During Battery Change: Key fobs are delicate electronic devices. If excessive force was used when opening the fob casing or during the battery replacement process, internal components might have been damaged. Carefully inspect the circuit board and battery terminals for any visible damage.
- Simple Desynchronization (Less Likely): In some rare cases, battery replacement might cause a temporary desynchronization between the key fob and the vehicle’s receiver. However, in the described scenario where the “press-to-start” function still works, desynchronization is less probable.
Here are troubleshooting steps you can take to resolve the issue with your 2016 Honda key fob:
- Verify Battery Installation and Battery Type: Open the key fob again and confirm that the CR2032 battery is correctly oriented (+ side up). Ensure you are using the correct CR2032 battery type as specified for Honda key fobs.
- Try a Different New Battery: Replace the current new battery with another fresh CR2032 battery from a different pack or brand to eliminate the possibility of a faulty battery.
- Inspect the Key Fob for Damage: Carefully examine the key fob’s circuit board for any signs of damage, such as cracks, bent components, or dislodged parts. Pay close attention to the battery terminals to ensure they are clean and making good contact.
- Test the Red Indicator Light: Observe if the red light on the key fob illuminates when you press any button. If there’s no light, even with a new battery, it could indicate an internal issue within the key fob itself.
- Consider HondaCare Coverage: If you have a HondaCare contract, as mentioned in the original post, it’s worth checking if key fob issues are covered under your plan. Contact your Honda dealer or HondaCare to inquire about potential coverage and assistance.
- Contact Your Honda Dealer: If none of the above steps work, and especially if the red light on the fob remains unresponsive, it’s likely that the key fob itself has an internal malfunction. Contact your local Honda dealer. They can diagnose the issue, test the key fob, and determine if it needs reprogramming or replacement.
While it’s less common for a key fob to completely fail immediately after a battery change, it’s not impossible. By systematically going through these troubleshooting steps, you can pinpoint the cause of the problem and take appropriate action to restore the functionality of your 2016 Honda key fob. Remember to prioritize careful handling when dealing with electronic key fobs and always double-check battery installation. If in doubt, professional assistance from a Honda dealer is always recommended.
