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Honda Pilot Key Fob Not Working After Battery Replacement

After replacing the battery in a Honda Pilot key fob, it can be frustrating to find that it no longer works. This is a common issue that many Honda Pilot owners face, but fortunately, there are steps that can be taken to fix it. In this article, we will discuss why a Honda Pilot key fob may not work after a battery replacement and provide solutions to fix it.

One reason why a Honda Pilot key fob may not work after a battery replacement is due to the battery being old or low quality. If the battery has been sitting on the shelf for a long time, it may not work or may not last long after being replaced. Another reason could be that the key fob needs to be reprogrammed. This can happen if the battery was removed for an extended period of time or if the key fob was accidentally reset.

Blue Honda Pilot parked by lake

Fortunately, there are several steps that can be taken to fix a Honda Pilot key fob that is not working after a battery replacement. These steps include reprogramming the key fob, replacing the battery with a high-quality one, and checking for any physical damage to the key fob itself. By following these steps, Honda Pilot owners can quickly and easily fix their key fob and get back to using it as normal.

Common Causes of Honda Pilot Key Fob Failure

When a Honda Pilot key fob stops working after a battery replacement, it can be frustrating and confusing. Here are some of the common causes of key fob failure after battery replacement:

  1. Dead battery in key fob: This is the most common cause of key fob failure after a battery replacement. The key fob battery may not have been replaced correctly or may not be making good contact with the battery terminals.
  2. Unpaired key fob: If the key fob is not paired correctly with the car, it will not work. This can happen if the key fob is reset or if the car’s receiver module is not working properly.
  3. Defective key fob: If the key fob is damaged or defective, it will not work. This can happen if the key fob is dropped or exposed to water.
  4. Receiver module issues: If the car’s receiver module is not working properly, it will not be able to receive signals from the key fob.
  5. Signal interference: If there is interference from other electronic devices or from nearby radio towers, the key fob may not work.
  6. Worn buttons: If the buttons on the key fob are worn or damaged, they may not work properly.

It is important to identify the cause of the key fob failure in order to determine the best course of action. In some cases, a simple battery replacement may be all that is needed. In other cases, the key fob may need to be reprogrammed or replaced altogether. If the car’s receiver module is not working properly, it may need to be repaired or replaced by a professional technician.

How to Check Your Honda Pilot Key Fob Battery

Honda Pilot driving down rugged mountain path

If your Honda Pilot key fob is not working after a battery replacement, the first thing you should check is the battery. Here are the steps to check your key fob battery:

  1. Locate the battery compartment on your key fob. This is usually on the back of the fob and can be opened with a small flathead screwdriver or a coin.
  2. Remove the battery from the compartment. Take note of the battery type and voltage.
  3. Use a multimeter to check the voltage of the battery. A fully charged battery should read between 3.0 and 3.3 volts. If the voltage is lower than this, the battery needs to be replaced.
  4. If the battery voltage is within the correct range, use a battery tester to check the battery’s overall health. A healthy battery should show a green light on the tester. If the light is red, the battery needs to be replaced.
  5. If the battery is dead or needs to be replaced, use a CR2032 coin battery to replace it. Make sure to install the battery correctly, with the positive side facing up.
  6. Once the new battery is installed, test the key fob to make sure it is working properly. If it is still not working, try the other troubleshooting steps recommended by Honda.

By following these steps, you can quickly and easily check your Honda Pilot key fob battery and ensure that it is functioning properly.

Steps to Fix Your Honda Pilot Key Fob

Honda Pilot front cabin

If your Honda Pilot key fob is not working after replacing the battery, there are a few steps you can take to fix it. Here are the steps to follow:

  1. Purchase a new battery for the key fob from a store where stock moves fast. Keep in mind that the battery may be sitting on the shelf for a long time. Therefore after replacement, it may not work or may not last that long.
  2. Turn the key to the ON position, marked by “II” on the ignition bezel so the dash lights come on.
  3. Within 5 seconds, press the “Lock” button on the remote for 1 second or so and release the button.
  4. Turn the key to the OFF position, marked by “I” on the ignition bezel – dash lights go off.
  5. Repeat steps 2-4 three times.
  6. Remove the key from the ignition.
  7. Press the “Lock” or “Unlock” button on the remote.
  8. If the remote doesn’t work, try pressing the button again a few times. If it still doesn’t work, try steps 2-7 again.
  9. If the key fob still doesn’t work, it may need to be reprogrammed or replaced. Contact a Honda dealership or a professional locksmith for assistance.

By following these steps, you can fix your Honda Pilot key fob after replacing the battery. It’s important to purchase a new battery from a store where stock moves fast to ensure that it works properly. If the key fob still doesn’t work, it may need to be reprogrammed or replaced.

Reprogramming the Honda Pilot Key Fob

Honda Pilot parked outside front of residential house

Gathering Necessary Items

Before attempting to reprogram a Honda Pilot key fob, it is important to gather the necessary items. These items include the key fob, the vehicle, and the key. If the battery in the key fob has been replaced, make sure it is a new battery and not an old one that has been sitting on the shelf for a long time. If the battery is old, it may not work or may not last long. Purchase the battery from a store where stock moves fast.

Procedure for Reprogramming

To reprogram the Honda Pilot key fob, follow the steps below:

  1. Get in the car on the driver’s side. Make sure all the doors are closed but unlocked.
  2. Insert the key in the ignition.
  3. Turn the key a half-turn to access accessory mode.
  4. Press the Lock button on the key fob, then quickly turn off the ignition.
  5. Repeat step 4 two more times for a total of three times.
  6. Turn the ignition back to the accessory mode.
  7. Press the Lock button on the key fob.
  8. Turn off the ignition.

If the key fob has been successfully reprogrammed, the locks will cycle once. If the locks do not cycle, repeat the procedure from the beginning.

It is important to note that the above procedure is for a Honda Pilot key fob that has already been programmed. If the key fob is new or has not been programmed before, a different procedure may be required. Consult the vehicle owner’s manual or a Honda dealer for more information.

KnowMyAuto is the sole owner of this article was published on Oct 18, 2023 and last updated on .

In conclusion, reprogramming a Honda Pilot key fob after a battery replacement is a simple process. By following the steps outlined above, the key fob can be reprogrammed in a matter of minutes.