Hi guys,

 

I need your help on this one. Had the change battery keys message. Changed both FOB key batteries (CR2025) on my 2014 Octavia State. Bought them new, installed them, now the key's red light does not flash and the car does not open. Switch back to the old battery... not working.

 

Any ideas?

Thanks for the support!

 

 

Battery in the correct way?

What was the expiry date on the "new" batteries? It's pretty common on here for owners to report fitting "new" batteries and them not working - it appears that the "new" batteries have a high internal resistance and even though their open circuit voltage looks OK they are unable to supply the current needed to operate the key fob.

 

Get new batteries of a reputable make from another retailer.

Edited 13 September, 20205 yr by PetrolDave

Use CR2032 replacements instead of CR2025...  I had exactly the same issue - the 2032's are marginally bigger and seem to fit better.   They are a tighter fit but the key cover will go back on fine.  

 

However, I have found that whilst the first set lasted about six years all subsequent sets only seem to last for six months or so (in both my keys) - no idea why this should be. Always use decent Duracell replacements...

Strange I use cheap one's (4 for £2) and get about a 8 months out of them, but I have keyless entry, so I expect it to be shorter on battery life. 

 

When you install a battery use gloves and make sure that you keep it a grease free as possible, finger grease can be detrimental to the life of all sorts of things. 

3 hours ago, SC03OTT said:

Battery in the correct way?

Yes

2 hours ago, PetrolDave said:

What was the expiry date on the "new" batteries? It's pretty common on here for owners to report fitting "new" batteries and them not working - it appears that the "new" batteries have a high internal resistance and even though their open circuit voltage looks OK they are unable to supply the current needed to operate the key fob.

 

Get new batteries of a reputable make from another retailer.

Thank you for the tip Dave. That's just came to my mind. I will go for another brand. 

2 hours ago, bouff34 said:

Use CR2032 replacements instead of CR2025...  I had exactly the same issue - the 2032's are marginally bigger and seem to fit better.   They are a tighter fit but the key cover will go back on fine.  

 

However, I have found that whilst the first set lasted about six years all subsequent sets only seem to last for six months or so (in both my keys) - no idea why this should be. Always use decent Duracell replacements...

Thanks the tip! I will try both

2 hours ago, bouff34 said:

Use CR2032 replacements instead of CR2025...  I had exactly the same issue - the 2032's are marginally bigger and seem to fit better.   They are a tighter fit but the key cover will go back on fine.  

 

However, I have found that whilst the first set lasted about six years all subsequent sets only seem to last for six months or so (in both my keys) - no idea why this should be. Always use decent Duracell replacements...

 

I had KESSY and similair issues, always used Duracell, some lasted around 2 months, others nearer to 8 months.

Problem solved! Fitted two CR2032 and never worked so well before. It's one of those things you don't put too much effort into, but with cars you need to be awake in every detail. 
 

Thank you for the suport guys!

Don’t know if this helps, an extract from the Oct I owners manual.

 

Synchronisation

If the vehicle cannot be unlocked by actuating the remote control system then it is possible that the code in the key and the control unit in the vehicle are no longer synchronised. This can occur when the buttons on the radio-operated key are actuated a number of times outside of the operative range of the equipment or the battery on the remote control was replaced. This means it is necessary to synchronise the code as follows: › press any button on the remote control key; › pressing of the button means that the door will unlock with the key within 1 minute.

 

Wow,

I know this is the mk iii forum but my mk II has had one change of battery in 15 years. The spare key is still on the original battery!

Ive only had my mk iii for 6 months and I was not expecting to be changing batteries soon. Luckily I always have 2032s in as they are more common than 2025. 
do you think a mix 1x2032 and 1x2025 giving 5.6 mm as opposed to 2x2032. 6.4 mm would be better. I’ll try to remember when the time comes. 

Sorry 5.7 mm not 5.6 brain fade!

33 minutes ago, mar-mite said:

do you think a mix 1x2032 and 1x2025 giving 5.6 mm as opposed to 2x2032. 6.4 mm would be better.

Two of the larger capacity CR2032 will definitely be better (2x210mAh vs. 210+150mAh).

I've changed the battery three times, but I put it down to KESSY.

 

It's not a drama to change the batteries. Especially if you buy cheap ones.

I've just changed the battery in mine for the second time since i got the car last October. 

The first one i didn't change straight away, and had to go through the hassle of linking the key to car. 

Whilst i was away the key battery sign came on, i had some with me, replaced it straight away, all done, no hassle.