Is there a reason that the key fob goes into an always transmit mode if it is near the car. Three times in the last 6 months my key FOB battery has died, and the only think that I have changed is that I started to hang my key next to the front door, which is less than 10 feet from the car. Prior to that I used to leave it in my gym bag and take it to my room about 50 feet from the car,
Car is a 2016 3 sport
Posted Feb 19, 2019, 1:24 PM UTC
Well, if the only change is the location, maybe the fob and car are in constant communication and that's draining it. Moving them apart again might make a difference. 10 feet seems like a good distance (my car won't operate at that distance), but maybe it's just close enough that the two search each other. I know if my cell is in a no tower area the dang thing drains by constantly searching for a tower. Also, did you use name brand batteries or some cheapos? For example, the cheapo AA batteries that Best Buy sells under their brand are crap. Just a thought, good luck.
It could be because of colder weather. Batteries lose capacity in colder temperatures.
Also, key fobs are broadcasting signals 24/7. It's why it's not atypical to have to replace the batteries in them once a year or so. It's been the case with my key fobs from Toyota, Honda, Subaru, and Mazda.
The fobs broadcasting 24/7 is how your cars know the key's nearby. It doesn't turn on when you get near the car; it's just constantly sending a signal out, regardless of whether the car is near or not.
Yeh, not cold weather, I am in the south, and 90% of the time it is pretty warm.
I was just surprised to replace this many batteries this fast