Is your Honda Pilot Key Fob not working? Don’t worry, you’re not alone. One of the most frequent reasons for a key fob malfunction is a dead battery. The good news is, replacing the battery in your Honda Pilot key fob is a straightforward process you can easily do yourself, often saving you a trip to the dealership and unnecessary expenses. Honda Pilot key fobs typically use readily available and inexpensive batteries like CR2032, CR2025, and CR1616. You can find these batteries online for under $6. This guide will walk you through how to open your Honda Pilot key fob and replace its battery, getting you back on the road quickly.
Step-by-Step Guide to Honda Pilot Key Fob Battery Replacement
Replacing the battery in your Honda Pilot key fob is a simple task that requires minimal tools. The process varies slightly depending on whether you have a newer or older Honda Pilot model. Below are instructions for both types:
For Newer Honda Pilot Models
Newer Honda Pilot key fobs are designed for easy battery replacement. Here’s how to open and replace the battery:
- Locate the Hidden Key: First, find the hidden mechanical key within your Honda Pilot key fob. This key is usually released by pressing a small button or sliding a latch on the fob.
- Insert the Key into the Designated Slot: Once you’ve removed the mechanical key, you’ll see a slot or notch where the key was housed. Insert the end of the mechanical key into this slot.
- Open the Case: Gently twist or pry the mechanical key in the slot. This action will separate the two halves of the key fob case, allowing you to access the battery compartment.
- Access the Battery: Carefully open the case. You may see a circuit board. Gently lift or move the circuit board to reveal the battery.
- Note the Battery Orientation: Before removing the old battery, take a moment to observe how it is positioned in the case. Note the positive (+) and negative (-) sides to ensure you install the new battery correctly.
- Replace the Old Battery: Remove the old battery. Insert the new battery, making sure it’s placed in the same orientation as the old one.
- Close the Case: Carefully snap the two halves of the key fob case back together until they are securely closed.
- Test the Key Fob: Press the buttons on your Honda Pilot key fob to test its functionality. The doors should lock/unlock, and the panic button should work if your key fob is functioning correctly. If it doesn’t work immediately, double-check the battery orientation and ensure the battery contacts are clean and making good contact with the battery.
For Older Honda Pilot Models
Older Honda Pilot key fobs might require a slightly different approach to open. Here’s how to replace the battery in these models:
- Locate the Notch: Examine your older Honda Pilot key fob for a small notch or seam along its edge. This is where you’ll pry open the case.
- Use a Thin Object to Pry Open: Take a thin, flat object like a small flathead screwdriver or a thin plastic pry tool. Carefully insert the edge of the tool into the notch.
- Pry Open the Case: Gently twist or pry the tool in the notch to separate the two halves of the key fob case. Work your way around the seam if necessary until the case opens.
- Access and Replace the Battery: Once the case is open, follow steps 4-8 from the “Newer Honda Pilot Models” section above to access, note orientation, replace the battery, close the case, and test your key fob.
Remember to handle the internal components with care to avoid damage.
Understanding Different Types of Key Fobs
Key fobs come in various designs, each with its own features and functionalities. While the battery replacement process is generally similar, understanding the type of key fob you have can be helpful. Here are five common types of key fobs:
- Standard Remotes: These are basic remotes with standard lock, unlock, and sometimes panic buttons. They are straightforward and without extra features.
- Flip Keys: Flip keys incorporate a mechanical key that folds out from the remote body, similar to a switchblade. This design helps protect the key and makes the fob more compact.
- Remote Heads: Remote head keys have the key blade permanently attached and sticking out of the remote. The key blade does not retract or fold.
- Fobik Keys: Fobik keys are designed with a hidden, separate mechanical key inside the remote. The key fob and key blade are not connected when in use.
- Smart Keys: Smart keys are often associated with vehicles featuring push-to-start ignition systems. They offer advanced features like proximity unlocking and remote start, in addition to standard remote functions.
Knowing the type of your Honda Pilot key fob can help you better understand its features and how it operates.
Conclusion
Replacing the battery in your Honda Pilot key fob is usually a quick and effective solution when your remote stops working. By following these simple steps, you can often restore your key fob’s functionality and avoid the cost of a dealership visit. However, if replacing the battery doesn’t solve the problem, there might be other issues, and you might need to consider replacing your Honda Pilot key fob entirely. For a wide selection of replacement key fobs and batteries, visit keyfobx.com.
