Experiencing problems with your Honda Pilot 2017 key fob after a battery replacement? You’re not alone. Many Honda Pilot owners encounter difficulties after changing their key fob battery, even when following standard procedures. This guide will walk you through common issues, troubleshooting steps, and solutions to get your key fob working again.
It’s a familiar scenario: your Honda Pilot 2017 displays a “key fob low battery” warning. You promptly replace the old battery in your key fob with a fresh CR2032, thinking it’s a straightforward fix. However, you might find yourself in a situation where the key fob no longer operates the door locks, trunk, or panic button. Interestingly, the key fob might still allow you to start the vehicle when physically pressed against the start button. This can be perplexing and frustrating, but understanding the potential causes can help you resolve the issue efficiently.
One of the first things to check is whether the key fob is actually transmitting any signal. A simple indicator is the small red light on your key fob. When you press a button on a working key fob, this red light should illuminate. If the red light fails to light up, it suggests a potential problem with the battery connection, the battery itself, or even the key fob’s internal electronics.
Let’s explore common reasons why your Honda Pilot 2017 key fob might not be working correctly after a battery replacement:
Possible Reasons for Key Fob Malfunction After Battery Change:
- Incorrect Battery Installation: Even though it seems simple, ensure the CR2032 battery is installed correctly with the positive (+) side facing upwards, as indicated in the battery compartment. A reversed battery can prevent the key fob from functioning.
- Faulty New Battery: While you’ve installed a new battery, it’s possible, though less likely, that the new battery itself is defective or doesn’t have sufficient charge. Try a different new CR2032 battery from a reputable brand to rule out this possibility.
- Battery Contact Issues: Sometimes, the metal contacts inside the key fob battery compartment can become slightly bent or corroded. This can prevent proper contact with the new battery. Carefully inspect the contacts and gently clean them if necessary.
- Key Fob De-synchronization (Unlikely but Possible): In rare cases, the key fob might lose synchronization with the vehicle’s system during a battery change. While Honda key fobs are generally designed to retain their programming during battery swaps, electronic glitches can occur.
- Internal Key Fob Damage: If the key fob has been dropped, exposed to moisture, or experienced other physical stress, internal damage might have occurred. Battery replacement could simply highlight a pre-existing issue.
Troubleshooting Steps to Restore Key Fob Functionality:
- Verify Battery Installation: Open the key fob case again and double-check that the CR2032 battery is correctly oriented (+ side up). Ensure it’s securely seated in the compartment.
- Test with a Different New Battery: Replace the current new battery with another brand new CR2032 battery to eliminate the possibility of a faulty battery. Duracell, Energizer, or Panasonic are reliable brands.
- Clean Battery Contacts: Turn off the key fob and carefully inspect the metal contacts in the battery compartment. If they appear tarnished or dirty, use a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol to gently clean them. Ensure they are dry before reassembling.
- Check for Red Light Illumination: After battery replacement and reassembly, press any button on the key fob. Observe if the red light illuminates. If it doesn’t, this suggests a power issue or internal fob problem. If it does light up, proceed to the next step.
- Proximity Test and Vehicle Restart: Even if the buttons are not working, try starting your Honda Pilot 2017 by pressing the key fob directly against the start button. If this works, it indicates the immobilizer chip is functioning, but the remote functions are not. Try turning off your Honda Pilot completely, wait a few minutes, and then restart it. This can sometimes reset the vehicle’s electronic systems.
- Consult Your Owner’s Manual for Key Fob Programming: Your Honda Pilot 2017 owner’s manual may contain instructions on key fob re-synchronization or programming procedures. Review the manual to see if there’s a specific sequence you can follow. However, Honda key fobs typically require dealer programming for full re-programming, so home methods are often limited to simple synchronization steps, if any.
- Contact a Honda Dealer or Qualified Automotive Locksmith: If none of the above steps work, it’s advisable to contact your local Honda dealer or a qualified automotive locksmith who specializes in key fob programming and repair. They have the diagnostic tools to determine if the key fob needs reprogramming or replacement, or if there’s an issue with your vehicle’s receiver system.
- HondaCare Contract: Since you mentioned having a HondaCare contract, this might cover key fob issues depending on the terms of your specific contract. Contact your Honda dealer to inquire if your HondaCare coverage applies to key fob malfunctions.
Preventative Tips for Future Key Fob Battery Replacements:
- Handle Key Fob with Care: Avoid dropping your key fob or exposing it to extreme temperatures or moisture.
- Use Quality Batteries: Always use reputable brands of CR2032 batteries for reliable performance.
- Regular Battery Checks (Optional): While not always necessary, you can periodically check your key fob battery voltage with a multimeter if you are technically inclined. However, the “low battery” warning is usually a good indicator.
Replacing your Honda Pilot 2017 Key Fob Battery should be a simple task. By following these troubleshooting steps, you can often resolve common issues and restore full functionality to your key fob. If problems persist, professional assistance from a Honda dealer or locksmith is recommended to ensure proper diagnosis and repair.
