Kia Picanto Key Fob Replacement 101 Your Ultimate Guide For Beginners

How to Replace a Kia Sportage Replacement Key

The key of many Kia models comes with the keyless entry feature built into. The key is usually akin to the remote control and can be replaced with a brand new one from an Kia dealer or locksmith.

Key fobs can fail to function due to a variety of reasons, including an inactive battery, worn out buttons signals, signal interference or water damage. Here are some tips on how you can get your Kia Sportage replacement key to work again.

How to replace the remote key or smart key

It doesn't matter if your Kia is equipped with an intelligent key, remote key push to start key or a regular non-transponder metal key the battery in these keys will eventually need replacement. This is especially relevant if your vehicle displays a message indicating that the smart or remote keys are in poor condition.

Luckily, this is an easy process. To replace the keyfob battery take out your mechanical key from the slit on the back of the fob. Then, you need to pry the cover off. Inside the key fob, there will be tiny screws that hold the battery in place. Utilizing a small screwdriver take the screw off and pull out the old battery. Then insert the new one and close the slit in the key fob.

Once the key fob has a fresh battery Test it by pressing the locks and unlock buttons. If the doors lock and unlock as expected, then you're all set! You can now take advantage of the Kia's hands-free lock/unlock feature whenever your fingers get chilly or you have to go on errands around Brandon.

Note: Some key fobs (transponder chip or smart keys) may need to have their programming completed. This requires a special programming machine that only the dealer or locksmith can access. Other keys (non transponder keys made of steel) are not required for programming. If you want to change the programming of your key, you'll need to record the key code number on the tag for the key code.

How do I replace the battery?

If your Kia key fob isn't responding when you press the lock or unlock button on the fob, this is a sign that the battery needs to be replaced. A weak battery can cause other issues like the check engine light coming on or delayed engine cranking. It is easy to replace key fob batteries with only the use of a few tools.

Be sure to turn off your vehicle and shut the doors before you begin. Find the small, metal or plastic piece on the bottom of your key fob, and gently jiggle it until the metal key slips out. This key can be put into the driver door handle to unlock your car.

To replace the key fob battery, take off the cover from the back and use a pry bar tool to release the latch that holds the black negative battery cable. Remove the old battery and orient the new battery so that the "+" positive side is facing your face and the "negative" negative side is facing the fob's metal electrical contacts. Avoid using excessive force when pushing the new CR2032 into place to avoid damaging or breaking the metal contacts.

After installing the new battery, turn the key fob off and on in the ignition until the door locks up. Then you can test your Kia key fob to see whether it's functioning properly again.

How do you replace the smart key?

You may have either a standard keyfob, or a Smart Key based on the model of Kia Sportage. The difference between these is that the smart key is equipped with a small mechanical key blade that is hidden inside, while the standard fob isn't equipped with. Both key fobs have an internal battery that will eventually require replacing. It is a simple process that takes just two minutes.

Before you get started it is important to ensure that you're on a level surface with enough lighting and that your Kia is turned off. Remember that the fob can contain small parts that can fall should you not be careful.

The first step is to find the small release button on the lower backside of the fob. This will be either a circular or rectangular slot. When you press it the mechanical key blade will appear and you will be able to open the key fob.

Once you have the key fob opened it is easy to take off the old battery and replace it. The new battery is a CR-2032, and can be purchased on the internet or at your local auto parts shop. After you've finished, your key fob should permit you to lock or unlock and start your vehicle even if it's not running.

How to replace a mechanical key

The Kia keyfob can be a fantastic convenience that lets us lock or unlock our car by simply pressing one button. As with all devices it is possible that the Kia key fob can have issues at times. There are steps that can be taken to troubleshoot these issues and keep our key fobs in good condition for the long term.

One of the most frequently encountered issues is a low or dead battery. This can cause your device to stop working or work intermittently. If this is what you are experiencing, replace the battery with a new one.

If this isn't enough to solve the problem, use the flathead screwdriver that is standard to push the plastic casing of the fob open. Be careful not to damage any internal components or scratch the plastic. Once the battery is removed and replaced, you can replace it with a new one.

Close and open the door using the mechanical key. (Every kia picanto key fob replacement fob comes with an emergency mechanical key that fits into the slot). Test the fob to make sure it's working as intended. Contact a dealer, or a locksmith to fix the issue when the fob still is not working. Make sure they make you an emergency key that can work across all trunk and door cylinders, to avoid lockouts again.