Is your 2018 Ford EcoSport displaying a low key battery warning? Don’t worry, replacing your key fob battery is a simple task you can easily do yourself. This guide will walk you through each step, ensuring you can quickly get your key fob back in perfect working order. A dead key fob battery can be inconvenient, potentially leaving you unable to remotely unlock your car. Fortunately, changing the battery in your 2018 Ford EcoSport key fob is straightforward and requires minimal tools.
Before your key fob completely stops working, your Ford EcoSport will likely alert you with a message on the dashboard display, often saying “Key Battery Low Replace Battery.” This is your signal to take action. Ignoring this warning could lead to a situation where you need to use the physical key to enter your vehicle. This guide provides clear, easy-to-follow instructions to replace your 2018 Ford Ecosport Key Fob Battery and avoid any potential hassle.
What You’ll Need
Before you begin, gather these simple items:
- A new CR2032 battery. This is the standard 3V coin cell battery required for most Ford key fobs, including the 2018 EcoSport. You can find these at most drugstores, supermarkets, electronics stores, and online retailers.
- A small flat-head screwdriver or a similar thin, flat tool. This will be used to gently pry open the key fob.
Step-by-Step Guide to Replacing Your 2018 Ford EcoSport Key Fob Battery
Follow these steps to replace your 2018 Ford EcoSport key fob battery quickly and efficiently:
Step 1: Access the Emergency Key
Your Ford EcoSport key fob contains a physical emergency key that can be used to unlock the car manually. To access this key, locate the release button on the key fob. On the back of the fob, you’ll see the Ford logo. Press the two small buttons on the sides near the logo. This will release the cover, allowing you to slide out the mechanical key. You don’t need the physical key for the battery replacement itself, but removing it makes handling the fob easier.
Step 2: Open the Key Fob
With the emergency key removed, you’ll need to open the key fob to access the battery compartment. Carefully inspect the sides of the key fob. You’ll notice a small slot or indentation, typically near where you removed the emergency key. This is where you’ll insert your flat-head screwdriver.
Gently insert the tip of the flat-head screwdriver into this slot. Apply a small amount of pressure and twist the screwdriver to pry the key fob halves apart. Be patient and work your way around the seam, gently separating the two pieces. Avoid using excessive force, as you could damage the plastic casing of your 2018 Ford EcoSport key fob. Once you’ve created a small opening, you can usually use your fingernails to carefully separate the rest of the fob.
Step 3: Remove the Old Battery
After opening the key fob, you’ll see two halves. One half will contain the circuit board, and the other half will house the battery. The battery is a small, round CR2032 coin cell battery. It’s usually held in place by small clips.
Carefully note the orientation of the old battery. Usually, the positive (+) side faces downwards into the plastic casing. You can use your fingertip or the flat-head screwdriver to gently pry the old battery out of its compartment. Be careful not to damage the surrounding components on the circuit board.
Step 4: Install the New Battery
Take your new CR2032 battery and install it in the battery compartment. Ensure you place it in the correct orientation, matching how the old battery was positioned. The positive (+) side of the battery should typically face down, and the negative (-) side will be visible when you look at it. Press the new battery firmly into place until it’s securely held by the clips.
Step 5: Reassemble the Key Fob
With the new battery installed, carefully align the two halves of the key fob and snap them back together. Press firmly around the edges to ensure they are securely closed. You should hear a click as the two halves join.
Finally, slide the emergency key back into the key fob until it clicks into place. Your 2018 Ford EcoSport key fob battery replacement is now complete!
What to Do if Your Key Fob Battery is Completely Dead
Even if your 2018 Ford EcoSport key fob battery is completely dead, you can still access and start your vehicle.
To unlock your car, use the physical emergency key you removed earlier. The driver’s side door of your EcoSport has a hidden keyhole under a small cover on the door handle. Insert the physical key to manually unlock the door.
To start your Ford EcoSport with a dead key fob battery, you’ll need to use the key fob itself to engage the ignition system. Hold the key fob against the steering column, specifically near the steering column where the ignition switch would typically be located in older cars. There’s usually a marked spot indicating where to hold the key fob. While holding the key fob in this position, press the push-button start. This allows the car to detect the key fob’s transponder chip passively, even without battery power, enabling you to start your vehicle.
Conclusion
Replacing the battery in your 2018 Ford EcoSport key fob is a quick and easy maintenance task that any owner can perform. By following these simple steps, you can avoid the inconvenience of a dead key fob and ensure your vehicle remains easily accessible and operational. Keep a spare CR2032 battery handy, and you’ll be prepared for when the low battery warning appears on your dashboard.
