The jingling of car keys sounds much different today than decades ago when drivers relied on physical keys to open car doors, unlock the trunk, and turn the ignition. Today, the key fob jangle is much different and far more convenient. These tech-savvy fobs unlock the car door as we approach and let us engage the engine with a push of a button. But what happens when this tech-savvy fob fails? Is turning to a local Honda service center your only option?
As a career mechanic, my husband is always reminding me to keep my key fob on a sturdy keychain. He knows how much this little gadget costs to replace and, thankfully, has made me more mindful of the fob’s convenience and whereabouts. It’s my turn to return the favor with a closer look at key fobs, from their evolution to longevity, battery replacement, and more, to ensure you get the most from your Honda’s tech-savvy tool.
The Evolution of Key Fobs
I remember the first time I held the keys to my first car, an old sedan passed down from my grandparents. The jingle of those keys meant something at 16, but today’s generation of drivers experience a different sound entirely. Models built since the late 1990s typically have a remote fob, some with a key and some without.
The early key fobs introduced us to keyless entry, but many cars still required a key to turn the ignition. Fast forward past the new millennium, and Honda key fobs are more capable than ever and offer conveniences we never imagined. Modern fobs are often remote-activated or “keyless” in the traditional sense, making it possible to start the engine of your Honda Pilot, CR-V, or Passport without a frantic search through your pockets or bag for a key. They can start the engine when you’re not in the car, unlock the doors as you approach without pressing a button, and lock the doors from yards away.
The Cost of Convenience: What You Should Know about Your Honda Key Fob
Think about how easy it is to copy a key to your house. Copying a traditional car key was almost as easy, but what about your Honda key fob? These tech-savvy gadgets are proof that convenience comes at a cost, but how high is that cost, and what can you expect when the battery fails or you lose this crucial tool?
Can I Drive My Honda if the Fob Doesn’t Work?
One of the first and most important questions to answer is if your Honda sedan, SUV, or truck is drivable if the fob doesn’t work. After all, how else will you start the engine if the system doesn’t recognize the key fob is present? Fortunately, Honda has a solution that ensures your vehicle still runs when the fob malfunctions. Your Honda’s owner’s manual will outline what you should do when this happens. Many models, like the 2024 CR-V, have a built-in key you can use to lock and unlock the doors when the signal is weak.
How Long Do Key Fob Batteries Last?
Just as it’s impossible to predict how long the battery in your car will last, key fob batteries don’t have a set lifespan. The battery in your Honda key fob will generally last around two years. As expected, the more you use the key fob, the more demand is placed on the battery, meaning the batteries will need to be replaced sooner. As the key fob battery declines, you may notice that the signal range is shorter. For example, you could lock the doors on your Ridgeline at the front of the grocery store, but as the battery declines, you have to be closer to the truck. In other instances, the fob doesn’t respond the first time, meaning you have to push the button several times before it works.
Can I Replace the Fob Battery Myself?
Fortunately, replacing the battery in your fob is straightforward and inexpensive. Most fob batteries are small and round, almost coin-like, and average less than $10. Honda secures these batteries behind a screwed-in lid, which is easily accessible with a small jeweler’s screwdriver.
Once open, you can inspect the battery to determine the type, or if it’s hard to tell, you can refer to the owner’s manual. I recommend buying more than one battery and keeping the spare in the glove box or center console of your Honda so you always have an extra on hand.
What Happens if I Need Another Key Fob for a Second Driver?
While replacing the fob’s battery is easy and something you can do on your own, that isn’t the case when you need another key fob for an additional driver. Your Honda key fob is programmed to your vehicle, making it exclusive to your vehicle identification number. While you can buy an aftermarket key fob, it must be programmed with your VIN to work, and the best place to have this programming done is at a reputable Honda service center.
What is the Cost of Replacing a Key Fob?
Replacing or adding a second key fob isn’t as budget-friendly as replacing its $10 battery. These tech-savvy gadgets make our experience as drivers more convenient, but that convenience comes at a cost. So, what toll will a replacement fob for your Honda have on your wallet?
Depending on the model and fob’s features, the gadget can cost as little as $150 to replace or north of $1,000. While aftermarket fobs are more budget-friendly, these fobs aren’t manufacturer-grade or model-specific, meaning they aren’t Honda-approved. Because of this, you may find that it can’t be programmed with your VIN. Additionally, the aftermarket key fob might seem like a great deal until you realize the cost of having it programmed only to learn it won’t work. This adds to your expense, making a Honda service center the best place to purchase a replacement and have it programmed.
Is There a Security Concern if I Lose My Key Fob?
Life is chaotic, from running errands around town to keeping up with the kids’ activities and the demands of work. This hustle and bustle makes losing track of your Honda key fob a real possibility. In any instance, a lost key fob is concerning because you don’t know where it is or who can potentially find it. Since the fob locks and unlocks the doors, starts and stops the engine, and opens the trunk, anyone with the fob can access your Honda, whether an iconic sedan like the Civic, a spacious SUV like the Pilot, or a versatile truck like the Ridgeline.
Noticing a lost key fob happens relatively quickly because our vehicles are our lifelines. Replacing the fob is a necessity, but when you visit your preferred Honda service center, it’s critical to ask them to deactivate the old key fob before programming the new one. This eliminates any potential threat of someone using the lost key fob to steal your Honda.
The Power of Technology
Decades ago, I never imagined living in a world where I could start my engine remotely, unlock the doors, or engage the ignition without the turn of a key. Today, I can’t imagine life without the convenience of a key fob. These tech-savvy gadgets are a testament to how far the automotive industry has evolved over the last few decades.
Your Honda key fob is an essential part of your everyday life, and so is mine. Keeping up with the fob is important, especially considering the cost of replacement. So, in the wise words of the mechanic I love, keep your fob on a sturdy keychain, and don’t discount the power or investment behind this tech-centric tool.