Is your 2019 Ford EcoSport displaying a low key fob battery warning? Don’t worry, replacing the battery in your key fob is a simple task you can easily do yourself. This guide will walk you through each step, ensuring you can quickly and efficiently get your key fob back to full power.
Experiencing a low battery in your key fob is a common issue for 2019 Ford EcoSport owners. The vehicle’s system is designed to alert you when the key fob battery is running low, usually displaying a message on your car’s display screen. Ignoring this warning can lead to inconvenience, such as having to manually unlock your car or potentially being unable to start your vehicle with the push-button start feature.
Fortunately, you don’t need to be a car expert to handle this. Changing your 2019 Ford Ecosport Key Fob Battery is a straightforward DIY task that requires minimal tools and only a few minutes of your time. This guide provides clear, step-by-step instructions to help you through the process.
Step 1: Accessing the Emergency Key
The first step is to remove the emergency physical key from your 2019 Ford EcoSport key fob. This key is a backup in case your key fob battery dies completely.
To access the key:
- Locate the release buttons on the key fob. These are usually small and may be on the sides or back of the fob, often near the Ford logo.
- Press and hold these buttons simultaneously.
- While pressing the buttons, the Ford logo portion on the rear of the key fob will pop open, revealing the physical key.
- Slide out the physical key.
While you don’t need the physical key to replace the battery itself, removing it provides better access to open the key fob casing.
Step 2: Opening the 2019 Ford EcoSport Key Fob
Now that you have removed the physical key, you need to open the key fob to access the battery compartment. For this, you’ll need a small flat-head screwdriver.
Follow these steps carefully to avoid damaging the plastic casing:
- Look for a small slot or seam around the center of the key fob’s sides. This is where the two halves of the fob are joined.
- Gently insert the flat-head screwdriver into this slot.
- Twist the screwdriver gently to start prying the two halves of the key fob apart. Be careful not to apply too much force, as you could crack the plastic.
- You may hear a click as a latch releases. Once the initial latch is undone, you can usually use your fingernails to carefully separate the two halves of the key fob completely. Work your way around the seam until the fob is split into two parts.
After opening the key fob, you’ll see the internal components. One half will contain the circuit board – this is the brains of your key fob, containing the radio frequency (RF) transmitter and other electronics. The other half will house the battery.
Step 3: Locating and Identifying the Battery
The battery in your 2019 Ford EcoSport key fob is located in one half of the opened casing.
You’ll notice a small, round, coin-shaped battery. This is a CR2032 battery, a common 3V lithium coin cell battery used in many key fobs and small electronic devices. Take note of the battery’s orientation. Typically, the positive (+) side of the battery faces downwards into the plastic casing, and the negative (-) side is visible when you open the fob.
Step 4: Replacing the CR2032 Battery
Now it’s time to remove the old battery and install the new one.
Here’s how to replace the battery:
- Carefully pry out the old CR2032 battery. You can use the flat-head screwdriver again, gently levering the battery out of its holder. Be careful not to damage the battery contacts.
- Take your new CR2032 battery and install it in the same orientation as the old one. Ensure the positive (+) side is facing down and the negative (-) side is facing up. Push the battery into place until it’s securely held in the battery compartment.
Step 5: Reassembling the Key Fob
With the new battery in place, it’s time to put your 2019 Ford EcoSport key fob back together.
- Carefully align the two halves of the key fob casing.
- Press them firmly together until they snap back into place. You should hear a click, indicating that the latches are secured.
- Slide the physical emergency key back into its slot until it clicks into place.
Important Notes and Tips
- Purchasing CR2032 Batteries: CR2032 batteries are widely available. You can purchase them online, at electronics stores, supermarkets, and drugstores. Popular brands include Panasonic, Energizer, and Sony.
- Battery Voltage: A new CR2032 battery should have a voltage of around 3V. A low battery, nearing the end of its life, might measure around 2.9V or less. The Ford EcoSport’s warning system is designed to give you ample notice before the battery completely dies.
- What if the Key Fob Battery is Completely Dead? Even with a dead key fob battery, you can still access and start your 2019 Ford EcoSport.
- Unlocking the Car: Use the physical emergency key you removed in Step 1 to manually unlock the driver’s side door. There is a keyhole on the driver’s side door handle, even on models with push-button start.
- Starting the Engine: In Ford EcoSport models with push-button start, if the key fob battery is dead, you’ll need to use a special procedure to start the engine. Hold the key fob directly against the steering column, near the steering wheel. There’s a specific spot, often marked, where the car can detect the key fob passively, even without battery power. While holding the key fob in this position, press the start button. This should allow you to start your vehicle.
This passive key detection system is a clever backup feature, ensuring you’re not stranded even with a dead key fob battery. It utilizes RFID-like technology to power the transponder chip in the key fob when held close to the steering column, allowing the car to recognize the key and start.
Conclusion
Replacing the battery in your 2019 Ford EcoSport key fob is a simple and quick maintenance task. By following these steps, you can avoid the inconvenience of a dead key fob and ensure your vehicle remains easily accessible and operational. Regularly checking for low battery warnings and replacing the battery promptly will keep your key fob working reliably.
For more DIY car maintenance guides and tips, visit keyfobx.com – your trusted resource for automotive expertise.
