Gulfstream 650

I have a new to me CPO 2015 GLK350. Bought it from the local dealer, it was their courtesy vehicle and it has 14K miles. About a week after we got it I started getting a warning message that my fob battery was low and to replace it which I did. I went ahead and changed the wife's battery too. Now, a month later hers is giving the same message. What are you all seeing as the average battery life in the fobs? I would think that something is wrong as I've gone years without changing keyless batteries in other vehicles...what you say?

formerjeepguy

The battery should last a year or more, but it is possible that you got a hold of some cheap batteries. Also be aware of where you are keeping your key. Even having it in a pocket full of change will cause the transmitter to work harder and drain the battery quicker. Keep it away from cell phones and other metallic objects that will stress the transmitter.

I recently had my key in my pocket with a bunch of change and the key became warm to the touch. My instrument cluster told me to replace the key battery. After that I looked in the manual and noted the key precautions as I reviewed the battery replacement instructions. I am now convinced that the key transmitter caused and battery discharge caused the key to warm.

RSNovi

Mine lasted a little over a year. I do think the buttons often get pushed when it is in my pocket though.

cindyclk

about a year....if replacement batteries have been sitting on the shelf for a while, not as long.
My dealership says that they will replace battery as long as I have car (amazing to believe).

Lazarus Long

Interesting. My 97 Tahoe fobs are still on their original batteries.

phil17

it should last more than a year. don't keep it too close to the vehicle when you parked it at home will help too. My dealer changes it at every yearly service (and leave an extra for my other key fob) so it hasn't been an issue. also don't get cheap batteries

Bill F

Does the Tahoe have keyless go??? Where the fob is constantly energized to send out a signal.

fabbrisd1

The "issue" is with the MB FOB battery - made by Panasonic - 4/5 yrs ago Panasonic moved that battery factory from Japan (great battery) to Indonesia (not-great battery).

Easily solved - genuine Maxell CR2025 is still made in Japan - note hologram package ONLY or sadly it's a knockoff.

Aamazon - hologram pack - 5 pack for under $4.00 - 5yr shelf life:

Lazarus Long

Nope, neither does my GLK. Never saw the value in it, especially considering what MB charges for it.

ZZGlk

I found that dropping the fob in an rf shielded pouch, at night, when i"m home makes the batteries last longer than the 2 months I was getting. I bought 2 pouches on Amazon for $8 a piece and keep the spare key in one as well. My spare has lasted over a year by doing this and the one I use every day is going on 8 months and still going strong.

boylston

Timely post for me.

I have had my 2015 GLK for a year. Last month I replaced both key batteries and now I am getting the change battery warning again. I'm bringing the car in for service later this month and hopefully they will change the battery for me next time. I'm not buying a key pouch just to preserve my keyless go.

ZZGlk

I originally bought the pouch to protect against the thieves that slurp your fob data and then retransmit to an accomplice standing next to your car. It allows them to unlock the car. I've seen several videos of this being done on keyless-go cars and their doesn't seem to much the manufacturers can do about it. Found the pouch worked well for prolonging fob battery life since it cuts off all signals.

n8nu

Mine on my 2010 GLK last 10-12 months and that's with Energizer batteries.