Man using Push Button Start inside 2019 Ford Fusion

What to do after your car key fob battery dies

Ford vehicles are built tough, but that doesn’t mean that some components aren’t indestructible through normal use. If you’ve just found yourself locked out of your vehicle with a dead key fob, we may be able to get you going. Our Sherwood Ford team wants to help if this ever were to occur with your model, so today we’ll show you what to do after your car key fob battery dies. Learn how easy it is to get back up and running! 

How to unlock and start your Ford vehicle after its key fob battery dies

Many new Ford models are outfitted with Push Button Start technology and keyless entry, which means that all you need is a functional key fob to get inside and start the engine. When your key fob battery dies, however, don’t worry! There are still methods to unlock your model and start up.


Man operating Ford SYNC Connect app from iPhone


First, to get inside your Ford, you may want to check whether you have a Ford SYNC Connect® equipped vehicle and the FordPass app installed on your smartphone. From there, you can pair it up to your vehicle. Vehicles equipped with Sync Connect — 2016 model year forward — can remotely unlock their vehicles using the FordPass app without the need of your key key fob.  It can also Remote Start your vehicle and even find and pay for parking!

How to start your Ford model without SYNC Connect technology

Of course, you may not have a SYNC® Connect equipped Ford vehicle. So if this is the case, you should know that there are other easy options for you to get up and running. First, there’s a hidden key inside the Ford key fob, so you’re not stranded without a key to open the door!

Ford Key Fob

Second, once inside, there’s a mechanical key slot, either on your steering column or in the centre console.  Simply insert the dead fob as a key and now you’re ready to push button start the engine.

Ford Key Fob Slot


More Maintenance FAQs: What to do when your vehicle’s battery dies


If this doesn’t work, the next step is to push your Ford vehicle’s “START’ button with your key fob. This should work if your fob’s battery is dead, but in any case, you’ll want to get its battery replaced as soon as you can.

Get your Ford vehicle’s key fob replaced with Sherwood Ford

Speaking of which, our Sherwood Ford team is happy to help you get a fresh new battery installed in your key fob if you start to see it lose some juice. Contact our service centre today to schedule an appointment, and we’ll be happy to take care of any issue!