Experiencing odd issues with your 2021 Dodge Challenger? You’re not alone. Sometimes, these quirks can be traced back to something as simple as your key fob battery. Let’s delve into how a low key fob battery can surprisingly impact your Challenger and what you can do about it.
One Challenger owner reported some strange behavior in their 2018 Hellcat that might sound familiar. After periods of not being driven, the car started acting up. The Performance Pages refused to load, and the uConnect display showed unsettling vertical bars. Even more concerning, the paddle shifters in manual mode would downshift instead of upshifting. Despite these electrical gremlins, the engine always started, although it cranked a bit longer than usual.
Seeking a solution for the paddle shifter problem, a dealership visit revealed a crucial detail. A scan uncovered several low voltage errors, even though no check engine light had appeared. Software updates to the PCM and TCM were applied. However, the underlying cause seemed to be infrequent driving leading to low voltage issues. The owner made a point to drive the car more regularly, and the problems vanished – no more paddle shifter mix-ups, Performance Pages loaded correctly, and the uConnect display returned to normal.
While it’s not definitively proven that driving more “fixed” the paddle shift issue, it strongly suggests a link between battery voltage and these electronic glitches. The lesson here is clear: Dodge Challengers, especially those with performance features, seem to benefit from consistent use or a battery maintainer to keep the battery optimally charged.
Speaking of batteries, let’s talk about your 2021 Dodge Challenger Key Fob Battery directly. Just like car batteries, key fob batteries have a lifespan. In the case of the Hellcat owner, after purchasing the car in February 2018, by November 2020 (after roughly 2.5 years and 27,000 miles), the service advisor noted the key fob battery was low during a routine service. He replaced it immediately, mentioning that key fob batteries aren’t known for their longevity. Prompted by this, the owner proactively replaced the batteries in their other key fobs as well. It’s worth noting that the car was parked a good distance from the fobs and always locked, ruling out constant signal transmission as the cause of battery drain.
So, what does this mean for your 2021 Dodge Challenger key fob battery? Be aware that these batteries may need replacing every couple of years, possibly sooner depending on usage and environmental factors. If you start experiencing issues like reduced range for remote start or locking/unlocking, or if you receive a low key fob battery warning on your dashboard (if equipped), it’s likely time for a replacement.
Key Takeaways for Your 2021 Dodge Challenger:
- Infrequent Driving Can Cause Issues: If you don’t drive your Challenger regularly, consider using a battery maintainer to avoid potential low voltage problems affecting electronic systems.
- Key Fob Batteries Have a Limited Lifespan: Don’t be surprised if you need to replace your key fob battery every 2-3 years.
- Low Key Fob Battery Symptoms: Watch for reduced remote range or warnings on your dash.
- Proactive Replacement: Consider replacing your key fob battery preventatively every couple of years to avoid unexpected issues.
By staying ahead of potential battery issues, both in your car and your key fob, you can ensure your 2021 Dodge Challenger continues to perform and operate smoothly. Keep an eye on those batteries, and enjoy the ride!
