Though they may not look like much, key fobs utilize fairly sophisticated radio technology. Within the plastic shell of the keychain controller lies a tiny circuit board with a radio transmitter and control chip which sends a code and a command to the receiver in the car. This communication continues as long as the fob is in, or near, the car in order to perform helpful tasks like locking and unlocking the doors, opening and closing the trunk, starting the car remotely, or even activating the car alarm when you just can’t remember where you parked.
Fobs are convenient and elevate a vehicle’s security, but they can also drain a car battery’s charge at an accelerated rate when the activating key fob is kept nearby, or inside of, a vehicle. Under such circumstances, the transmitter and receiver continue to communicate with the vehicle.
Advanced vehicle features are here to stay. So it comes as no surprise that modern vehicles, with their advanced onboard technology packages, are putting whopping demands on the average automotive battery. There is no denying that today’s cars and trucks feature more advanced technology than NASA originally required to send astronauts to the moon!
To avoid a dead battery, take your fob with you when you leave your car. Make sure that the fob is stored more than 15 feet away from your vehicle, or the keyless entry system may keep “chatting” with your car all night long, leaving you stuck with an engine that won’t start in the morning.
Did you know an AMA Battery Technician will come to your location (at home, work,
hotel, etc.) to test your battery, free of charge? Schedule your courtesy battery inspection online here.