How to Change a Dead Battery in a Kia Key Fob

One of the best advantages of owning a new Kia in the Miami area is the array of next-generation technology you’ll enjoy. When you buy a Kia, you’ll also get a Kia key fob, which lets you control a wide variety of functions inside and outside your vehicle. The service team at South Dade Kia of Miami has everything you need to know to take full advantage of your key in the guide below, including how to change a dead battery in a Kia key fob and some helpful tips and tricks.

Kia Key Fob Battery Replacement Steps

As with all batteries, the battery in your Kia key fob will eventually wear out and need to be replaced. Fortunately, this is a quick fix as long as you follow the proper directions. If you run into trouble, don’t worry–you can schedule an appointment with our service team and we’ll take care of it for you! If your Kia key fob is running low on battery, you can pop it open to reveal the mechanical key inside, and use that until you get a chance to replace the battery.

There are two different processes for a Kia key fob battery replacement, depending on whether you have a standard Kia key or a Kia smart key. Here are the details:

How to Open a Kia Key Fob: Standard Key

1. Turn over the key fob so the front side is facing down.
2. Using a small flathead screwdriver, wedge the tip into the slot on the side of the key fob, opposite the side that houses the mechanical key.
3. Gently pry the casing off of the key fob.
4. Remove the old battery and set the new battery in place. The Kia key fob takes a single 2032 battery.
5. Replace the casing on the key fob, squeezing it shut.

How to Open a Kia Key Fob: Smart Key

1. Find the small button at the bottom of the fob that releases the mechanical key, and take the mechanical key blade out.
2. Locate the slot near the bottom of the key fob that matches the size of the emergency key blade.
3. Insert the key blade into the slot and gently turn it in any direction to pop it open.
4. Gently pry the two sides of the key fob apart and remove the old battery.
5. Place the new battery in the designated slot, with the writing side facing down. The smart Kia key fob also works with a standard 2032 battery.
6. Gently place the two sides of the key fob back together and squeeze until they reconnect. Be sure to do this as carefully as possible to limit the risk of accidentally damaging the battery components.

Kia Key Fob Tips & Tricks

Lock & Unlock Your Car

Locking and unlocking your car is the most essential function of your Kia key fob, and there are a couple of extra features that it can do as well! Here’s what to do:

• Press this button once to lock all the doors.
• Press this button twice within two seconds to set the vehicle’s alarm system, confirmed by the sound of the horn.
• Press the “unlock” button once to quickly unlock the driver’s door.
• Press the “unlock” button twice within two seconds to unlock all the doors for passengers and to load cargo.

Operating the Trunk/Liftgate

Kia vehicles are designed with maximum cargo space in mind, and the Kia key fob works seamlessly with the trunk or liftgate. Here’s how to use it:

• On vehicles with a manual trunk or liftgate, hold the trunk/liftgate button for more than one second. This unlocks the truck allowing you to manually open the trunk or liftgate. 
• On vehicles with a power trunk or liftgate, press and hold the button, and it will automatically open the trunk or liftgate for easy cargo space access. Press it again if you want to stop the trunk or liftgate.

Pressing the Panic/Alarm Button

If you need to set off your car alarm for any reason, it’s easy:

• Press and hold the “panic” button for a half-second or more to set off the panic alarm.
• Press and hold the button again to reset the alarm to the off setting.

Hands-Free Lock/Unlock

Kia also offers a hidden feature if you want to lock or unlock your car without even pulling out your key fob! As long as the key is somewhere on your person and you’re in close proximity to the car door, just put your thumb on the door handle to lock or unlock it!

Get Help with Your Key Fob at South Dade Kia of Miami

For more Kia key fob tips, or for more information on the services we offer at South Dade Kia of Miami, feel free to contact our service center! We offer plenty of other service tips and tricks designed to help you keep your car running in top condition through Kendall and Pinecrest.