How Long Do The Batteries In The Key Fobs Last?

overlord1 · February 21, 2008

I was curious as to how long I can expect the battery in my remote key fob to last before it starts to noticeably decrease in range and/or simply stop working? I'm coming up on two years old on my original remote battery next month. Still works ok but I never use it more than 10-15 feet from the truck. I realize that it all depends on usage, but I guess I'm just looking for an "average" from forum members.

On a related note, what happens if you lock your doors with the remote therefore arming the factory alarm and your key fob battery later dies? If I just use my key to manually unlock the door won't it trip the alarm and not allow the starter to engage? I was given two remotes when I bought the truck but I keep the second one locked up at home and it wouldn't do me any good if I'm out at the store or elsewhere.

SKYrado03 · February 21, 2008

I was curious as to how long I can expect the battery in my remote key fob to last before it starts to noticeably decrease in range and/or simply stop working? I'm coming up on two years old on my original remote battery next month. Still works ok but I never use it more than 10-15 feet from the truck. I realize that it all depends on usage, but I guess I'm just looking for an "average" from forum members.

Hmmm...05-20-03 is my start date...So 05-20-08 would be 5 years on the original, same for #2 keyset.

On a related note, what happens if you lock your doors with the remote therefore arming the factory alarm and your key fob battery later dies? If I just use my key to manually unlock the door won't it trip the alarm and not allow the starter to engage? I was given two remotes when I bought the truck but I keep the second one locked up at home and it wouldn't do me any good if I'm out at the store or elsewhere.

As long as you use the key for the trk it was made for, unlocking manually causes no ill side effects.

redvett · February 21, 2008

You can arm & disarm the system with the FOB or key with no ill effects.

overlord1 · February 21, 2008

You can arm & disarm the system with the FOB or key with no ill effects.

Thanks for the info. I asked because I have owned cars before where if you didn't use the fob to unlock the doors but instead used the key the alarm would be activated.

GMAnimal · February 21, 2008

3 or 4 years is not unheard of. I guess it really depends on how often it gets used also.

mkoronka · February 21, 2008

I was curious as to how long I can expect the battery in my remote key fob to last before it starts to noticeably decrease in range and/or simply stop working? I'm coming up on two years old on my original remote battery next month. Still works ok but I never use it more than 10-15 feet from the truck. I realize that it all depends on usage, but I guess I'm just looking for an "average" from forum members.

Hmmm...05-20-03 is my start date...So 05-20-08 would be 5 years on the original, same for #2 keyset.

On a related note, what happens if you lock your doors with the remote therefore arming the factory alarm and your key fob battery later dies? If I just use my key to manually unlock the door won't it trip the alarm and not allow the starter to engage? I was given two remotes when I bought the truck but I keep the second one locked up at home and it wouldn't do me any good if I'm out at the store or elsewhere.

As long as you use the key for the trk it was made for, unlocking manually causes no ill side effects.

My first two key Fobs lasted about 5 years on each a 1997 and 1998. since i changed batteries they last about 2 years. It can also depend on how much you use the key fob. I am old fashioned and still unlock with the key. My wife uses it all the time.