Is your Kia Soul key fob not working? A dead battery in your key fob is a common issue, but it doesn’t mean you’re stranded. Even if your key fob battery is dead, you can still open and start your Kia Soul.
First, if you find yourself unable to unlock your car with the remote, don’t worry. You can manually open your Kia Soul. Simply remove the mechanical key blade from your key fob. You’ll usually find a small release button or slider on the fob. Once removed, insert the key blade into the door lock cylinder on the driver’s side door to unlock it, just like a traditional key.
Now, what if the car won’t start? Your Kia Soul has a backup system for starting the engine when the key fob battery is low or dead. There are typically two methods depending on your Kia Soul model year.
For some older Kia Soul models, you’ll find a designated key fob port, often located in the glove box or sometimes under the steering column. Insert your key fob directly into this port. It will make contact with terminals inside the port, allowing the car to recognize the key and start.
In newer Kia Soul models, there’s usually no port. Instead, you can use a touch-start method. Press the start/stop button with the Kia key fob itself. Hold the fob directly against the start button for a few seconds, then press the button as you normally would to start the engine. This uses a near-field communication technology to bypass the dead battery.
Once you’re able to start your car, it’s definitely time to replace the battery for your Kia Soul key fob. The battery type is a small, circular button cell battery. While the original article mentions CR2502, it’s highly likely that your Kia Soul key fob battery is a CR2032. Check your owner’s manual to confirm the exact type, or you can often find the battery type printed inside the key fob casing once you open it.
Replacing the battery is a simple DIY task. You’ll need a small flathead screwdriver. Carefully pry open the key fob casing using the screwdriver, usually there’s a small notch to insert the screwdriver. Remove the old battery and replace it with a new CR2032 battery, making sure the polarity is correct (usually the “+” side facing up). Snap the key fob casing back together, and you’re all set with a fresh battery for your Kia Soul key fob!
Don’t let a dead key fob battery cause you unnecessary stress. Knowing these emergency start methods and how easy it is to replace the battery will keep you on the road with your Kia Soul.
