Chevrolet Key Fob Battery Replacement and Programming

October 6th, 2022 by

A key fob combines a regular physical car key with a small handheld remote control, letting you lock and unlock the doors from afar. In addition to traditional car key functions, modern key fobs can help you find where you parked your car, lock or unlock doors remotely, and even open doors when your hands are full, depending on your Chevy model and trim level.

If you’re a Chevy owner in Norwood, you might need to get a new battery for your key fob or purchase a replacement and program it to work with your model. Here’s everything you need to know about replacing a Chevy key battery properly, as well as the steps for programming a Chevy key fob to link with your car doors.

Signs You Need To Replace Your Chevy Key Fob Battery

The signs of a weakened Chevy key fob battery are fairly noticeable, but you might miss them if you don’t make a habit of unlocking or locking your car from far away. Your key fob should work at longer distances, and if you have to get closer than 20 feet for the buttons to work, it may be time for a change. If you need to press the buttons multiple times to get an effect, that is also a sign of a weakened signal.

Keep in mind that a weak battery is only one potential issue. Physical damage from being dropped or bumped could cause the terminal contacts to become worn out or misaligned. This is worth considering if the key fob buttons suddenly stopped working entirely. It’s also possible it could have a damaged or flawed battery, so see if replacing the battery fixes the problem before you buy a new Chevy key fob.

The average key fob needs a new battery every three to four years. If you’ve had to change it more frequently, we recommend contacting or visiting our service department. Our team will diagnose the problem and may find a more significant issue.

How To Replace a Chevy Key Fob Battery

Chevy Key Fob

Key fobs are a technology that most drivers today use all the time without much thought. After a while, you’ll need to change the battery, which is more affordable and environmentally friendly than buying an all-new replacement key fob. When you need a new battery, our service staff at Nucar Chevrolet of Norwood can easily handle the task, but it’s also quite easy to do yourself.

To change your Chevrolet key fob battery, all you’ll need is the proper replacement battery, which you can purchase from our parts department, and a small flathead screwdriver. Here are the steps for proper Chevy key fob battery replacement:

  • Slide the flathead screwdriver tip into the key fob’s side slot.
  • Hold the key fob and turn the screwdriver with firm, moderate pressure to open the two halves.
  • Take a picture so you remember which side of the battery should be facing up.
  • Remove the existing battery from the key fob and place the fresh battery in the same orientation.
  • Press the key fob back together.

A Chevy electric key makes life more convenient in a lot of ways, including keeping your vehicle locked and secure. Be sure to check out our service department, and contact us or send a message if you need any assistance with locking or starting your vehicle.

Chevy Key Fob Programming: Step by Step

Whether you’ve lost or damaged your key fob or if it’s been stolen, you might need to program a replacement to work with your car. Once you program your new key fob, the electrical system will always send the right code to your car, allowing it to unlock and lock the doors and perform other signal-based functions.

Although usually associated with buying an all-new key, you might also need to reprogram a fob after changing the battery. Either way, this task is just as easy. Here are the steps to program a Chevy key fob:

  • Manually unlock the door of your Chevy and sit in the driver’s seat.
  • Make sure that all car doors are closed.
  • Insert your unprogrammed Chevy key into the ignition.
  • Press and hold the unlock button on the driver’s side door.
  • Continue to press the unlock button and set the Chevy key to the “on” position, without starting the vehicle. Then set it back to “off” and repeat this on and off sequence.
  • Release the unlock button. You should hear the door locks engaging and disengaging, and you can now program your Chevy key fob to match your vehicle.
  • Press and hold the “unlock” and “lock” buttons on your key fob at the same time. You should hear the doors engage and disengage.
  • Turn the newly programmed key to the “on” position in the ignition to finish the sequence.

After these steps, you should have successfully programmed your key fob to your Chevy’s doors and remote start system. Go ahead and take the key out and test its functions. If you did everything correctly and are still facing a problem, it may be time to let our certified Chevy technicians inspect the electrical or door-locking systems.

Chevrolet Parts and Service in Norwood, Massachusetts

Thanks to your Chevrolet key fob, you don’t have to fuss with a ring of keys when you drive to work or go out on the town. Think of how much use you get out of your digital key, whether to lock and unlock the vehicle or perform other functions. When it’s time to program a new or disconnected Chevy key fob, just like replacing a battery, you have all the steps, so you’re not left without this handy device.

Do you need any further assistance with parts of your Chevy? If you’re after quality automotive care and replacement parts in Norwood, Massachusetts, remember our Nucar Chevrolet of Norwood service department. We can offer more discounts on better service than generic dealers or automotive shops. For getting replacement batteries, general maintenance services, and much more, give us a visit and ask about available service discounts or specials. You’re also welcome to browse our used car or new Chevy inventories and any other sections that may interest you.

Photo Credits: 2018-12-30_09-58-04 by Steve Rainwater is licensed with CC BY-SA 2.0

Posted in Car Tips