Experiencing issues with your 2016 Honda Pilot Key Fob after a battery replacement can be frustrating. Many Pilot owners encounter a situation where their key fob suddenly stops working after swapping out the old battery for a new one. If you’ve recently replaced your 2016 Honda Pilot key fob battery and find that it’s no longer functioning correctly for remote locking, unlocking, or trunk access, you’re in the right place. This guide will walk you through troubleshooting steps to get your key fob working again.
One common symptom is that after replacing the CR2032 battery in your 2016 Honda Pilot key fob, the red indicator light fails to illuminate when you press any button. You might also find that while the physical key within the fob still works to manually unlock the door and you can start the vehicle by pressing the fob directly against the start button, the remote functions are dead.
Before assuming the worst, let’s explore some simple fixes. First, double-check that you’ve installed the new CR2032 battery correctly, ensuring the polarity (+ and – sides) is aligned as indicated inside the key fob casing. A reversed battery, or even a slightly dislodged one, can prevent the key fob from working. It’s also worth trying a different new CR2032 battery, as occasionally a new battery can be faulty.
If a fresh battery and correct installation don’t solve the problem, consider the possibility of key fob unpairing. While less common after a simple battery change, it’s conceivable that a disruption occurred. However, the fact that you can start the car by pressing the fob to the start button suggests the immobilizer chip within the fob is still recognized, making complete unpairing less likely.
Another factor could be damage to the key fob itself during the battery replacement process. Although you were careful, static electricity or accidental mishandling could potentially affect the internal circuitry.
To troubleshoot further, test your spare 2016 Honda Pilot key fob, if you have one. If the second key fob works perfectly, this isolates the issue to the first fob. If neither fob works, the problem might lie with the vehicle’s receiver, though this is less likely if one fob was working before the battery change.
If you’ve exhausted these basic checks and your 2016 Honda Pilot key fob still isn’t working after a battery replacement, it might be time to consider professional help. Honda dealerships possess specialized diagnostic tools and can reprogram key fobs if necessary. While reprogramming might incur a cost, it could be the solution to restoring full functionality to your key fob. Furthermore, if your 2016 Honda Pilot is still under warranty or covered by HondaCare, key fob issues might be covered, so it’s worth checking your policy details and contacting your dealer.
