ArmoE55

This morning I got up to start the car....mildly cold over night, maybe mid 30s, nothing crazy like recently. I go to unlock with keyfob, nothing. I get closer and still nothing.

the keyfob itself blinks red but nothing happens. Thought my battery died over night.

I then get in the car with metal key and attempt to ignition turn start it. Still nothing. Cluster is black, no lights. Push start doesn't work either.

I twist thr steering wheel from the lock position back and forth slightly and attempt to turn key still nothing.

I realized my kiwi obd port reader lights are blinking and on, so looks like main battery is ok.

which only leads me to believe it is thr keyfob. However, keyfob is still blinking red when I press unlock and lock buttons.

I am not sure if original owner changed key batteries or not.

so my question is? Should I believe it's thr keyfob? I got the battery numbers and know where to go, but has anyone had this problem where keyfob was still blinking red light yet nothing was happening?

Am I running low on key battery and is it a key issue?

I called roadside assistance and they said it sounds like batteries in keyfob need to be switched, just curious if anybodu has experienced this. I am on work travel and stuck in hotel so I'm somewhat stranded.

Thanks guys for any help...

green1212

Sounds like you may just need new battery in keyfob. Just start there first, the battery is cr 2025. Easy replacement and go from there. Although it flashes red may not have enou juice to be recognized by the cars electronics. First step and the cheapest too. Hope that's all it is.

ArmoE55

Thanks for the post.

I just ordered some cr2025 online to be delivered tomorrow to my hotel. Unfortunately, I am in the middle of nowhere with no electronic stores or the like around for several miles for these sort of batteries. I hope it is that simple and keyfob batteries just are too weak.

green1212

Man no cvs around? They have those type batteries too believe it or not, but hope it arrives on time. Our cars are so funny sometimes, they can run like beasts but then the smallest thing and damn car acts like it doesn't know it's own keys.

ArmoE55

Nearest CVS is 16 miles haha, place is bumf*k, man...

The batteries should arrive today, I told the front desk to hold them for me til I get back. I just hope it's something so minor and it'll solve the problem.

turbo97se

I am not 100% sure here .. but on most cars, the immobilizer is passive and does not rely on battery. The battery in the key fob is primarily for open/close and keyless go (if you have it). It should not need battery in fob to start the car with key in the ignition. I do hope it is your fob battery though.

*Edit* just tried it - took out the battery all together and car still starts … problem is elsewhere

ArmoE55

I guess the question is, what else could it be?

I initially thought the main battery was running low, had a coworker help with jumper cables and still nothing was happening.

Is it possible it's still a main battery issue? I would've thought it would at least light up the cluster lights if it's a main battery problem...but nothing was happening.

I am getting the keyfob batteries now and will attempt it tonight when I get home.


Can I just send my wife to the dealer to get a new key cut?

ArmoE55

Update:

Main battery was completely shot. Replaced with new one. Car started right up. All good. Main battery was the culprit, not keyfob batteries.

green1212

thats great man!!! you know you stated the battery seems fine in original post but thinking about it all, the car should "light up" when you first open the door, the dash, interior lighting, etc... etc..sorry man, should have mentioned may very well be the battery.... well the keyfob was a cheap replacement, glad you are back on the road!! have a great weekend.