Key fobs are incredibly convenient for modern car owners, allowing for keyless entry and ignition. However, there might be times when your Kia Soul key fob doesn’t work as expected. Whether it’s a dead battery or another issue, knowing how to manually open your key fob can be essential. This guide will walk you through the steps to open your Kia Soul key fob, access the manual key, and even get to the battery compartment if needed.
Finding the Manual Key Access Point on Your Kia Soul Key Fob
Many drivers are unaware that their key fobs contain a hidden manual key. This is a crucial backup feature, especially if your key fob battery dies and you can’t unlock your car remotely. On the Kia Soul key fob, the manual key access is typically concealed by a small plastic cover.
To locate this hidden key access, turn your key fob over to examine the bottom side. You’ll notice a small plastic cover, and upon closer inspection, you’ll find a little notch or release button on this cover. This notch is the key to accessing the manual key.
Removing the Plastic Cover to Reveal the Manual Keyhole
Once you’ve located the notch, you’ll need a tool to gently pry off the plastic cover. While a small screwdriver can work, your Kia Soul’s physical key, which is hidden inside the fob itself, is the intended tool for this.
Here’s how to remove the plastic cover:
- Locate the Notch: Find the small notch on the bottom of the plastic cover of your Kia Soul key fob.
- Insert the Key or Tool: Insert the tip of your Kia Soul’s manual key (or a small screwdriver if you don’t have the key readily accessible) into the notch.
- Apply Gentle Pressure: Carefully turn the key or screwdriver within the notch. This should apply slight leverage to pop the plastic cover off. You might hear a small click when it releases.
- Remove the Cover: Once the cover is loose, you can easily remove it, revealing the manual keyhole.
This plastic cover serves a purpose beyond just aesthetics; it’s designed to protect the underlying lock mechanism from weather and debris, ensuring the manual keyhole is functional when you need it most.
Accessing the Battery Compartment for Replacement
While the original post mentions accessing the battery compartment, it’s important to note that accessing the battery for replacement in many Kia Soul key fobs requires further steps beyond just removing the plastic cover for the manual key.
Typically, replacing the battery involves:
- Removing the Manual Key Cover: As described above.
- Opening the Key Fob Casing: After removing the manual key cover, you will usually need to further open the key fob casing itself. This often involves small Phillips head screws located on the back of the fob.
- Unscrewing and Separating the Casing: Use a small Phillips head screwdriver to remove these screws. Once removed, you can gently pry apart the two halves of the key fob casing to access the internal components.
- Locating and Replacing the Battery: Inside, you’ll find the battery, which is commonly a CR-2032 3V lithium battery. Carefully remove the old battery and replace it with a new CR-2032 battery, ensuring the polarity is correct (+ and – signs aligned).
- Reassembling the Key Fob: Carefully reassemble the key fob casing, making sure it snaps back together properly. Replace and tighten the Phillips head screws. Finally, reattach the plastic cover for the manual key.
It’s worth noting that battery types can vary slightly depending on the Kia Soul model year, so always double-check your owner’s manual for the exact battery specification for your vehicle. Page 4-12 of the owner’s manual for the 2020 Kia Soul, for instance, specifies the CR-2032 battery.
Conclusion
Knowing how to open your Kia Soul key fob to access the manual key and understand battery replacement basics can save you from being stranded in inconvenient situations. While key fobs offer great convenience, being familiar with these manual procedures ensures you’re prepared for any key fob related issues. Remember to consult your Kia Soul owner’s manual for the most accurate and detailed information specific to your vehicle model and year.
