Hello,

I have only just bought a 2012 s max d really enjoy the car so far.

However both key fobs show as 'battery low' on the vehicle display.

Is it a case of simply changing the batteries? I'm told that this may wipe the key? 

Ultimately my question is: can this be done by me without any programming tech?

Do one battery at a time and make sure you use good quality batteries, either Energizer or Panasonic, NOT poundland jobbies

13 minutes ago, DaveT70 said:

Do one battery at a time and make sure you use good quality batteries, either Energizer or Panasonic, NOT poundland jobbies

Thanks, got some Duracell ones. So it 'shouldn't' wipe the key? 

Just now, TomG1978 said:

So it 'shouldn't' wipe the key? 

No

Just been doing this with my Fiesta (on another thread). The Fiesta manual states: " Changing the battery does not unpair the transmitter from your vehicle.. The transmitter should operate normally."  I assume S-Max will be the same.

Be very careful to install the battery correctly, normally + downwards, and if possible, test it with a multimeter to ensure it is giving 3.3v before installation.

As Dave says, use quality branded batteries from a reputable seller. That said, I've had 2 "dud" Duracells in the last 4 years, unless Tesco are selling fakes nowadays.

 

Just now, Eric Bloodaxe said:

As Dave says, use quality branded batteries from a reputable seller. That said, I've had 2 "dud" Duracells in the last 4 years, unless Tesco are selling fakes nowadays.

Yep, Energizer and Panasonic are the best

1 minute ago, DaveT70 said:

Yep, Energizer and Panasonic are the best

Yes, I'm going to look for a different brand next time, my faith in Duracell has been reduced somewhat!

16 minutes ago, Eric Bloodaxe said:

unless Tesco are selling fakes nowadays.

very possibly, the supply chain is full of counterfeit Duracell batteries that even they can't visually identify.

It's a problem of Duracell's own making since they switched manufacture of most coin cells to China. Now you have millions of fake batteries and a few genuine ones leaving China and entering the supply network making it virtually impossible for retailers to know if they are receiving the real deal !!

 

https://www.candlepowerforums.com/threads/duracell-too-hesitant-and-reluctant-to-say-if-battery-a-fake.437420/

6 minutes ago, unofix said:

very possibly, the supply chain is full of counterfeit Duracell batteries that even they can't visually identify.

It's a problem of Duracell's own making since they switched manufacture of most coin cells to China. Now you have millions of fake batteries and a few genuine ones leaving China and entering the supply network making it virtually impossible for retailers to know if they are receiving the real deal !!

Top intel, thank you very much

18 minutes ago, unofix said:

very possibly, the supply chain is full of counterfeit Duracell batteries that even they can't visually identify.

So, referring to your post in the Fiesta thread on this topic, we now have to check the weight (counterfeits being lighter apparently) in addition to testing the voltage. Must ask my local crack dealer where to obtain some suitable scales!😀

28 minutes ago, Eric Bloodaxe said:

Must ask my local crack dealer where to obtain some suitable scales

Amazon, where else ?

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Kabalo-Digital-Jewellery-Backlit-warranty/dp/B00VPMQWSG/ref=asc_df_B00VPMQWSG/?tag=googshopuk-21&linkCode=df0&hvadid=309920218458&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=7874104343797132433&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=1006688&hvtargid=pla-349801560951&psc=1

£4.45

5 minutes ago, unofix said:

Amazon, where else ?

It figures, I guess. From that very interesting and informative link you posted earlier, it seems that is where many of the dud batteries are coming from in the first place!😀

 

50p cheaper on ebay.  

0.1G-500G DIGITAL POCKET WEIGHING MINI SCALES GOLD KITCHEN JEWELLERY SCALE HERBS | eBay

Plus 3p cashback from TCB!  

And free postage without paying for Prime.

2 hours ago, Eric Bloodaxe said:

Yes, I'm going to look for a different brand next time, my faith in Duracell has been reduced somewhat!

So tested the battery and fine and replaced it. Now key not working ... Anyone any help? Now down to one key 

35 minutes ago, TomG1978 said:

So tested the battery and fine and replaced it. Now key not working ... Anyone any help? Now down to one key 

Please post some photos of the inside of the key with the battery fitted so we can check the PCB.

2 hours ago, TomG1978 said:

So tested the battery and fine and replaced it. Now key not working ... Anyone any help? Now down to one key 

Possible issues:

- Battery wrong way round - usually + down and there should be a symbol inside the case of the fob to indicate which way up but models can differ

- Greasy fingermark on the battery when installing

- Recent Duracells have a bitter taste to deter children from putting them in their mouth. They have a warning sticker that can leave some clear residue when peeled off.

 

19 hours ago, Eric Bloodaxe said:

Possible issues:

- Battery wrong way round - usually + down and there should be a symbol inside the case of the fob to indicate which way up but models can differ

- Greasy fingermark on the battery when installing

- Recent Duracells have a bitter taste to deter children from putting them in their mouth. They have a warning sticker that can leave some clear residue when peeled off.

 

Thank you was the pesky sticker. Replaced with Energizer's and all good. Sincere thanks for the help 

21 hours ago, unofix said:

Please post some photos of the inside of the key with the battery fitted so we can check the PCB.

Thank you but solved. Was a sticker residue on battery contact 

Just now, TomG1978 said:

Thank you but solved. Was a sticker residue on battery contact 

A few licks would have cleaned that right up!  

7 minutes ago, TomsFocus said:

A few licks would have cleaned that right up!  

I found Meths is good at getting it off and you can drink the rest of the bottle later!

15 minutes ago, TomG1978 said:

Thank you was the pesky sticker. Replaced with Energizer's and all good. Sincere thanks for the help 

Glad you got it sorted! I'm having similar issues with mine at the mo, as reported on another thread. I've also bought Energizers for next time!

https://www.fordownersclub.com/forums/topic/123041-key-fob-battery-low-warning/#comments