Experiencing problems with your Battery For 2016 Honda Pilot Key Fob after a replacement? It’s a common frustration when the low battery warning turns into a non-functional key fob. You’ve swapped out the old battery for a fresh CR2032, but now your key fob refuses to lock or unlock the doors, or even pop the trunk. You might find yourself in a situation similar to many 2016 Honda Pilot owners, able to start the vehicle by pressing the fob against the start button, yet the usual remote functions are dead. Let’s explore why this might be happening and how to get your key fob back in action.
One of the first things to check is the battery itself. Even though you’ve installed a new CR2032 battery for your 2016 Honda Pilot key fob, ensure it’s correctly oriented with the positive (+) side facing upwards. It’s also worth testing the new battery to rule out the possibility of a faulty or dead-on-arrival battery, even if it’s brand new Duracell. A simple battery tester can confirm if the battery is outputting the expected voltage.
If the battery checks out, consider the possibility of a slight incompatibility or contact issue. While CR2032 batteries are standard, minor variations in thickness or contact point alignment could prevent proper function. Double-check that the battery is securely seated in the key fob compartment and making good contact with the terminals. Sometimes, gently cleaning the battery contacts inside the key fob with a soft, dry cloth can improve connectivity.
Another indicator to look at is the red LED light on your key fob when you press a button. In a normally functioning 2016 Honda Pilot key fob, this light should illuminate with each button press. If there’s no red light, as you described, it strongly suggests a power issue or internal fob malfunction. Since your second key fob (Fob B) works correctly, we can compare its behavior.
While less likely, it’s worth briefly considering if the key fob somehow became unpaired from your Honda Pilot. However, the fact that you can start the car by pressing the fob against the start button usually indicates that the immobilizer chip (for starting the engine) is still recognized by the vehicle. The issue seems to be isolated to the remote functions of the key fob.
Before assuming the key fob is broken, try a fresh, different CR2032 battery for your 2016 Honda Pilot key fob. It’s a cheap and easy step to eliminate battery issues entirely. If replacing the battery again doesn’t solve the problem, and the red light remains off, it’s possible there’s an internal issue within the key fob itself. This could range from a minor electronic glitch to a more significant hardware failure.
At this point, reviewing your HondaCare contract is a good step. Key fob issues might be covered, depending on the specifics of your contract. Contacting your Honda dealer is also advisable. Explain the troubleshooting steps you’ve already taken, including battery replacement and testing. They can offer further diagnostics, potential reprogramming, or advise on key fob replacement if necessary. They can also confirm if your HondaCare coverage applies to this situation.
In summary, when facing a non-working battery for 2016 Honda Pilot key fob after replacement:
- Verify correct battery installation and orientation.
- Test the new CR2032 battery to ensure it’s not faulty.
- Clean battery contacts in the key fob.
- Try another new CR2032 battery.
- Check for the red LED light when pressing buttons.
- Consult your HondaCare contract and contact your Honda dealer for professional assistance.
By systematically checking these points, you’ll be well on your way to resolving your 2016 Honda Pilot key fob battery woes and regaining full functionality.
