Experiencing issues with your 2017 Honda Accord key fob can be frustrating. Imagine approaching your car, pressing the unlock button, and nothing happens. You might be facing a dead battery, a simple fix, or a more complex problem. This guide will walk you through troubleshooting steps to get your key fob working again, focusing on common issues and solutions for 2017 Honda Accords.
Symptoms of a Failing Key Fob
Before diving into solutions, let’s confirm the symptoms. A failing key fob might exhibit these signs:
- Intermittent Operation: Sometimes the buttons work, sometimes they don’t, requiring multiple presses, especially for functions like trunk release.
- Reduced Range: You need to be closer to your car than usual for the fob to work.
- Complete Failure: The key fob stops working entirely – no response from any buttons.
- Red LED Indicator: The red light on your key fob might still illuminate when buttons are pressed, but the car doesn’t respond.
- Headlights Blink, No Action: You might see the headlights blink when pressing buttons, but the doors don’t lock or unlock, and the horn doesn’t beep when locking.
If you recognize these symptoms, especially the complete failure after a period of intermittent issues, it’s time to troubleshoot. Let’s start with the most common and easiest fixes.
Initial Troubleshooting Steps
Just like the original poster with their 2013 Accord, let’s begin with the basics:
1. Battery Replacement
The most common culprit for a non-working key fob is a dead or weak battery. Even if the red LED lights up, the battery might not be providing enough power to send a strong signal to your Honda Accord.
- Battery Type: 2017 Honda Accord key fobs typically use a CR2032 battery. Refer to your owner’s manual to confirm the exact type.
- Replacement Procedure:
- Locate the small notch on the side of your key fob.
- Use a small flathead screwdriver or a coin to gently pry open the fob casing at the notch.
- Carefully remove the old battery, noting the positive (+) and negative (-) orientation.
- Install the new CR2032 battery, ensuring correct polarity.
- Snap the key fob casing back together until it clicks shut.
After replacing the battery, test all the buttons on your key fob – lock, unlock, and trunk release. If it works, you’ve solved the most likely problem!
2. Fuse Check
If a new battery doesn’t solve the issue, the next step is to check the fuses related to the keyless entry system and door locks in your 2017 Honda Accord. Fuses protect the electrical circuits, and a blown fuse can disable the key fob receiver or door lock mechanisms.
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Fuse Box Location: Consult your owner’s manual for the location of the fuse boxes in your 2017 Honda Accord. Typically, there’s a fuse box under the hood and possibly one inside the cabin, often under the dashboard or in the glove compartment.
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Identifying Relevant Fuses: Your owner’s manual will have a fuse diagram. Look for fuses related to:
- Door Locks: Often labeled as “Door Lock,” “Power Door Lock,” or specific door lock fuses (Driver Door Lock, Passenger Door Lock, etc.).
- Keyless Entry: May be labeled “Keyless Entry,” “Remote Control Receiver,” or “Multiplex Control Unit” (which often controls keyless entry functions).
- Power Windows: In some cases, fuses related to power windows can also be linked to the keyless entry system.
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Checking Fuses:
- Turn off your Honda Accord completely.
- Locate the identified fuses in the fuse box.
- Use a fuse puller (usually included in the fuse box) or needle-nose pliers to carefully remove each fuse.
- Inspect the fuse: A blown fuse will have a broken wire inside.
- If a fuse is blown, replace it with a new fuse of the exact same amperage (number printed on the fuse).
- If fuses are not blown, ensure they are properly seated in their slots.
After checking and replacing any blown fuses, test your key fob again.
Advanced Troubleshooting and Potential Issues
If battery and fuse checks don’t resolve the “2017 Honda Accord Key Fob Not Working” problem, the issue might be more complex. Here are some potential culprits and further steps:
1. Key Fob Programming/Synchronization
Sometimes, the key fob can lose synchronization with your Honda Accord’s receiver. This can happen due to various electrical glitches or battery issues. Reprogramming the key fob might restore its functionality.
- Refer to Owner’s Manual: Your 2017 Honda Accord owner’s manual should have instructions on how to program or synchronize key fobs. The procedure can vary depending on the specific trim and options.
- DIY Programming (if applicable): Some Honda models allow for DIY key fob programming using a sequence of steps involving the ignition, door locks, and key fob buttons. However, this is not always possible and may require special tools or dealer intervention for newer models or certain key types.
2. Key Fob Damage
Physical damage to the key fob itself can cause it to malfunction.
- Inspect for Damage: Check for cracks, broken buttons, or signs of water damage.
- Internal Damage: Even without visible external damage, internal components of the key fob could be damaged due to drops or impacts.
If you suspect physical damage, key fob replacement might be necessary.
3. Car Battery Issues
While less likely to directly cause key fob failure, a very weak or failing car battery can sometimes affect the car’s electronics, including the keyless entry system.
- Check Car Battery Voltage: If your car is also exhibiting other electrical issues (slow cranking, dim lights), have your car battery tested to ensure it’s healthy.
4. Receiver or Module Malfunction
In rare cases, the problem might lie with the receiver module in your Honda Accord that receives the signal from the key fob, or the Body Control Module (BCM) which manages various electronic functions including keyless entry.
- Professional Diagnosis: Diagnosing receiver or module malfunctions typically requires specialized tools and expertise. This is where a qualified mechanic or Honda dealership service department becomes necessary.
When to Seek Professional Help
If you’ve tried battery replacement, fuse checks, and attempted reprogramming (if possible DIY), and your 2017 Honda Accord key fob is still not working, it’s time to seek professional assistance.
- Honda Dealership: Honda dealerships have trained technicians, specialized diagnostic equipment, and access to genuine Honda parts. They can accurately diagnose complex key fob issues, perform reprogramming, and replace faulty components.
- Qualified Mechanic: Reputable independent mechanics with experience in automotive electronics can also diagnose and repair key fob and keyless entry system problems.
Before visiting a mechanic or dealership:
- Gather Information: Note down all the symptoms you’ve observed, the troubleshooting steps you’ve already taken (battery, fuses), and your car’s VIN (Vehicle Identification Number). This information will help the service technician diagnose the problem more efficiently.
- Bring All Key Fobs: If you have multiple key fobs for your 2017 Honda Accord, bring them all to the service appointment. This allows the technician to test if the issue is specific to one fob or a problem with the car’s system.
Dealing with a non-working key fob can be inconvenient, but by following these troubleshooting steps, you can systematically identify and potentially fix the problem yourself. If the issue goes beyond simple fixes, don’t hesitate to seek professional help to get your 2017 Honda Accord key fob working reliably again.
