How To Change Battery In 2017 Ford Explorer Key Fob
Replacing the power cell in your Ford SUV remote is a simple maintenance task that ensures you are never locked out of your vehicle. This guide provides a step-by-step walkthrough to swap the CR2032 battery safely without damaging the internal electronics or the plastic housing.
You have likely experienced that sinking feeling when your SUV doesn’t respond to your touch. It usually happens at the worst time, like when you are loading groceries or preparing for an off-road weekend. Knowing how to change battery in 2017 ford explorer key fob is an essential skill for every owner.
In this guide, we will cover the specific tools you need and the exact physical steps to open the remote. We will also discuss what to do if your vehicle still doesn’t start after the replacement. By the end of this article, you will have a fully functioning remote and the confidence to handle this DIY repair yourself.
Understanding Your 2017 Ford Explorer Intelligent Access Key
The 2017 Ford Explorer typically utilizes what Ford calls the “Intelligent Access” key fob. This device is more than just a remote; it is a sophisticated RFID transmitter that communicates constantly with your vehicle’s security system.
Unlike older keys that required a physical turn in the ignition, this fob allows for push-button start and proximity unlocking. Because it is always “listening” for the vehicle’s signal, the internal battery works harder than traditional remotes. This constant communication is why the battery might fail every two to three years.
Inside the sleek plastic shell, there is a small circuit board and a lithium coin cell. Understanding how these components fit together is the first step in mastering how to change battery in 2017 ford explorer key fob without causing any permanent damage to the expensive hardware.
The Role of the CR2032 Battery
The 2017 Explorer remote relies on a single CR2032 3V battery. These are widely available at hardware stores, pharmacies, and automotive shops. It is always a good idea to keep a spare in your glove box for emergencies.
These batteries are known for their long shelf life, but they can lose voltage quickly once they reach the end of their cycle. Even a slight drop in voltage can result in a weak signal, causing the “No Key Detected” message to appear on your dashboard.
Anatomy of the 2017 Key Fob
Your remote consists of two main plastic halves, an internal circuit board, and a hidden emergency mechanical key blade. The key blade is your fail-safe for when the battery dies completely and you need to enter the vehicle manually.
Learning the internal layout helps you avoid prying against the delicate transponder chip. If you damage the chip, you may face a hefty bill from the dealership for a total remote replacement and reprogramming service.
Signs Your Key Fob Battery is Failing
Before you are left stranded, your Ford Explorer will usually give you several warning signs. Recognizing these symptoms early allows you to perform the replacement on your own schedule rather than in a parking lot emergency.
The most common sign is a significant reduction in the remote’s operating range. If you find yourself having to stand right next to the driver’s door to get the proximity unlock to work, your battery is likely on its last legs.
Another telltale sign is the “Low Key Fob Battery” message appearing on the instrument cluster display. Ford’s software is designed to monitor the voltage of the remote and alert the driver before the power level becomes critical.
Inconsistent Remote Start Performance
If your 2017 Explorer has the remote start feature, you might notice it becoming “finicky.” You might press the lock button and then the start button twice, only to see the lights flash without the engine cranking.
This happens because the remote start command requires a stronger burst of radio frequency energy than a simple unlock command. When the battery is weak, it can’t always provide that necessary peak voltage for the longer signal transmission.
The “No Key Detected” Warning
Perhaps the most alarming symptom is when you are sitting inside the car and the push-button start fails to recognize the fob. The dashboard will display “No Key Detected,” even though the remote is in your pocket or the center console.
This occurs when the immobilizer system cannot verify the RFID handshake. While there is a backup slot to start the car, this is a definitive signal that you need to learn how to change battery in 2017 ford explorer key fob immediately.
Exactly how to change battery in 2017 ford explorer key fob
Now that we have identified the problem, let’s walk through the actual replacement process. You do not need any specialized automotive tools for this, though a small flathead screwdriver can make the prying process much easier on your fingernails.
- Release the Emergency Key: Look for the small release switch on the back or side of the fob. Slide it and pull out the internal mechanical key blade. Set this aside safely.
- Locate the Prying Point: Look inside the slot where the key blade was stored. You will see a small notch or a seam between the two halves of the plastic casing.
- Separate the Halves: Insert your flathead screwdriver (or the tip of the key blade) into the notch. Gently twist the tool to pop the two halves of the remote housing apart. Work your way around the edge carefully.
- Remove the Old Battery: Once the fob is open, you will see the circular CR2032 battery. Note which side is facing up (usually the positive + side). Use your tool to gently lift the battery out of its cradle.
- Install the New Battery: Slide the fresh battery into place. Ensure the positive (+) side is facing the correct direction, matching the orientation of the old one. Press it down until it clicks into the metal tabs.
- Reassemble the Fob: Line up the two plastic halves and press them together firmly. You should hear a series of clicks as the internal clips lock back into place. Reinsert the emergency key blade.
After completing these steps, test the remote by locking and unlocking your vehicle from a short distance. If the lights flash and the locks cycle, you have successfully mastered how to change battery in 2017 ford explorer key fob and saved yourself a service fee.
Tools and Materials You Need for the Job
One of the best things about this DIY task is the minimal equipment requirement. You likely already have everything you need in your kitchen drawer or your portable tool kit. Being prepared prevents you from scratching the plastic casing.
The primary item is the CR2032 3-volt lithium battery. It is vital to use a high-quality brand like Duracell, Energizer, or Panasonic. Cheap, off-brand batteries often have inconsistent voltage and may only last a few months.
While you can often use the emergency key blade to pry the fob open, a precision flathead screwdriver provides better leverage. A small plastic pry tool, often used for electronics repair, is even better as it won’t leave marks on the soft plastic of the remote.
Cleaning Supplies for the Internal Contacts
While the fob is open, it is a great time to do some preventative maintenance. Over time, dust and pocket lint can work their way inside the casing, interfering with the electrical connection between the battery and the circuit board.
Use a Q-tip lightly dampened with isopropyl alcohol to wipe the metal battery contacts. This ensures a clean, low-resistance connection. Make sure the alcohol has evaporated completely before you install the new battery and close the shell.
Handling the Circuit Board
The internal circuit board is sensitive to static electricity. Before you touch the internals of the remote, touch a grounded metal object to discharge any static build-up on your body. This protects the delicate microchips from a static shock.
Avoid touching the gold-colored traces or the buttons on the front of the board if possible. Oils from your skin can cause corrosion over several years. Handle the board by the edges to keep it in pristine condition.
The Emergency Backup Slot: Starting Your Explorer with a Dead Fob
What happens if you didn’t learn how to change battery in 2017 ford explorer key fob in time and the remote is completely dead? Ford engineers anticipated this and included a backup method to start the engine.
In the 2017 Ford Explorer, there is a specific backup slot or “pocket” designed to read the RFID chip even without battery power. In most models, this is located at the bottom of the center console utility box or hidden under a rubber mat in the cup holder.
Simply place the dead key fob into this slot with the buttons facing up or toward the front of the vehicle (check your owner’s manual for the exact orientation). Once the fob is in the slot, you can press the brake and hit the “Start” button as usual.
Finding the Slot in Different Trim Levels
Depending on whether you have a Limited, Sport, or Platinum trim, the location might vary slightly. Usually, you need to remove the plastic tray inside the center console to reveal the rectangular indentation at the very bottom.
This slot uses inductive charging or close-range magnetic coupling to power the chip just enough to bypass the immobilizer. It is a lifesaver when you are miles away from the nearest store and need to get home to change the battery.
Manual Entry with the Key Blade
If the battery is so dead that the keyless entry won’t even unlock the doors, remember your mechanical key blade. On the 2017 Explorer, the driver’s door handle usually has a hidden keyhole. You may need to pop off a small plastic cover on the end of the handle to see it.
Insert the blade, turn it, and the door will unlock manually. Be aware that opening the door this way may trigger the security alarm. To silence the alarm, quickly place the fob in the backup slot and start the engine.
Troubleshooting After Battery Replacement
In 99% of cases, simply following the steps for how to change battery in 2017 ford explorer key fob will solve your issues. However, if the remote still doesn’t work, there are a few things you should check before calling a locksmith.
First, verify the battery orientation. It is very easy to flip the coin cell upside down by mistake. The side with the writing (the positive side) should almost always be facing you when you press it into the back cover of the 2017 model.
Check for bent battery tabs. If you were a bit aggressive when removing the old battery, you might have flattened the metal contact points. Use a toothpick to gently pull the tabs up so they make firm contact with the surface of the new battery.
Resetting the Key Fob Connection
Sometimes, the remote and the vehicle lose their “sync” when the battery is removed for an extended period. To re-synchronize, try standing close to the vehicle and pressing the lock and unlock buttons repeatedly in a specific sequence.
If the vehicle still doesn’t respond, try starting the engine using the backup slot mentioned earlier. Running the engine for a minute with the key in the slot often allows the SUV’s computer to re-verify the remote’s identity and restore full functionality.
Checking for Interference
Are you parked near a radio tower, a large power substation, or a high-security building? Strong electromagnetic interference can jam the signal from your key fob. If the remote works in your driveway but not at a specific location, external interference is the likely culprit.
Also, check if you have other electronic devices in your pocket, like a smartphone or a second key fob. These can sometimes “mask” the signal of the Ford remote, leading you to believe the battery replacement was unsuccessful.
Frequently Asked Questions About how to change battery in 2017 ford explorer key fob
How long does the battery last in a 2017 Ford Explorer key fob?
On average, the CR2032 battery in these remotes lasts between 2 and 4 years. Heavy use of remote start or proximity features will drain the battery faster than manual button presses.
Do I need to reprogram my key after changing the battery?
No, you typically do not need to reprogram the remote. The rolling code memory is non-volatile, meaning it stays saved even when the power is disconnected. Simply swapping the battery should restore function immediately.
What battery does a 2017 Ford Explorer key fob take?
The 2017 Ford Explorer uses a CR2032 3V lithium coin cell. This is the industry standard for most modern automotive remotes and is widely available at most retailers.
Can I start my Ford Explorer if the key fob battery is dead?
Yes, you can. Place the remote in the backup transmitter slot located in the center console. This allows the vehicle to read the chip even without battery power, enabling the push-button start.
Why is my key fob still not working after a battery change?
This could be due to a defective new battery, dirty contact points, or a damaged circuit board. Ensure the battery is facing the right way and that the metal tabs are touching the battery surface firmly.
Maintaining Your Key Fob for the Long Haul
Now that you know how to change battery in 2017 ford explorer key fob, you can take steps to ensure the remote lasts for the life of the vehicle. These devices are expensive to replace, often costing upwards of $300 at a dealership.
Avoid exposing your remote to extreme temperatures. Leaving your keys on a dashboard in the summer sun or in a freezing garage can degrade the battery chemistry and the plastic housing. Keep them in a climate-controlled environment when not in use.
Consider getting a silicone protective cover. These inexpensive sleeves provide a layer of shock absorption if you drop your keys on the pavement. They also help seal the seams of the fob, preventing moisture and dust from entering the internal compartment.
Finally, always have a spare key programmed and stored in a safe place. If your primary remote fails due to a hardware issue rather than just a dead battery, having a backup prevents an expensive emergency towing bill. Stay proactive with your maintenance, and your Explorer will always be ready for the road!
Taking care of these small DIY tasks is what separates a prepared car owner from one who is caught off guard. Replacing your key fob battery is a five-minute job that provides long-term peace of mind. Stay safe and keep exploring!
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