Spare Key Fob Dead (even after replacing battery)

[captainkev]

Hi all,

I've been lucky enough to never really have needed my spare key for my 2017 V90. I replace the battery every 2 years or so regardless, but in doing so yesterday discovered that the key was dead both before and after replacing the battery. When I put the spare key in the drink holder in the center console, the car starts ok, so the car does seem to recognise at least something in the key.

Is there any way of bringing the key back to life or am I looking at having to buy a new one? (my wallet is hurting just thinking about it)

I've searched around and can't find any other threads that weren't fixed with a new battery... (and yes, I've checked with 2 different new batteries :-)).

Thanks in advance

[Mad Malc]

First I would check the voltage of your 'new' batteries with a meter just to be sure. Next I would carefully clean the contacts in the fob and gently 'bend' to ensure a good contact.
After that I am stuck.

[neilgorin]

Mine are really sensitive to the battery quality. Maxell or Renata batteries work fine, but Duracell are dead in a week - or dead out of the packet.

Not sure why, I assume the blipper draws too much power for some brands.

[captainkev]

Hmmmm - the ones I'm using are indeed Duracell. The contacts look very clean but I'll try giving them a wipe with an alcohol-soaked cotton bud just in case.

[nu11eaf]

Daft one but are you installing the battery the correct way up. The advice above about contacts pressing firmly against battery is a valid point, i had to put a folded bit of paper under a battery once to get a good contact on top terminal. (On a different car fob)

[Lexman8]

Duracell batteries which have a Bitrex coating can cause problems. For example, they don't work in my Apple Airtags unless I remove the Bitrex.

[Simmy]

i believe the bitrex coating is to deter children putting them in there mouth .