What the key fob battery low message means

In the manual example, a low key fob battery condition may be indicated by a message in the instrument cluster display, or by the LED light on the key fob. When the key fob battery is low, the instrument cluster will display a message indicating that the key fob battery is low.

A low battery does not mean the fob has stopped working. The manual notes that a low key fob battery condition will still support the Passive Entry system. Once the battery is depleted, the Passive Entry system will not operate.

From the 2026 Ram 1500 Owner's Manual (Key Fob, page 15; Passive Entry notes, page 26), read November 4, 2026.

Signs of a weak key fob battery

Signs the manual example describes:

From the 2026 Ram 1500 Owner's Manual (Key Fob, page 15; Passive Entry notes, page 26), read November 4, 2026.

If the vehicle will not start with a low fob battery

In the manual example, when the ignition does not change with the push of a button, the key fob may have a low or fully depleted battery. A low key fob battery can be verified by referring to the instrument cluster display, which will display a procedure to follow.

Before you blame the battery, the manual also notes that the fob's wireless signal may be blocked if the fob is next to a mobile phone, laptop or other electronic device, and that a fob placed within 6 inches (15 cm) of a wireless charging pad may not be detected. Moving the fob away from those devices is an easy first check.

From the 2026 Ram 1500 Owner's Manual (Key Fob, page 15), read November 4, 2026.

Replacing the key fob battery: what the manual example says

The manual example's fob uses one CR2450 coin battery, and the manual recommends a battery obtained from Mopar because aftermarket coin battery dimensions may not meet the original battery dimensions. It says the coin battery should last a minimum of three years with normal vehicle usage, and not to replace it if the LED on the fob above the top row of buttons blinks when a button is pressed.

The manual shows these steps for that fob:

1. Remove the emergency key by pushing the emergency key release button on the side of the fob and pulling the key out.
2. Hold the fob with the button side facing down. Find the small rectangular gap on the left side between the housing and the back cover, and use a small screwdriver (or similar tool) to pry open the left side of the cover until it snaps open.
3. Find the gap on the right side, pry it open and remove the back cover.
4. Remove the battery by using your thumb to slide it downward and back toward the key ring.
5. Push the new battery down and slide it under the small lip on the top edge of the opening, with the (+) sign facing upward.
6. Line up the top edge of the back cover with the top of the fob and press the edges into the interlocking hinges until all edges snap together with no large gaps.
7. Reinsert the emergency key until it locks into place.

The manual adds: avoid touching the new battery with your fingers, since skin oils may cause battery deterioration (clean it with rubbing alcohol if you do), and do not touch the battery terminals on the back housing or the printed circuit board. It also says the key fob battery should only be replaced by qualified technicians, and to see an authorized dealer if the battery requires replacement. Other fobs open differently and may use a different battery, so check your own owner's manual.

From the 2026 Ram 1500 Owner's Manual (Replacing The Battery In The Key Fob, pages 16 and 17), read November 4, 2026.

Coin battery safety

The manual example carries a warning about the coin cell battery in the fob: do not ingest the battery, because there is a chemical burn hazard. If a coin cell battery is swallowed, it can cause severe internal burns in just two hours and can lead to death. If you think a battery may have been swallowed or placed inside any part of the body, seek immediate medical attention.

Keep new and used batteries away from children. If the battery compartment does not close securely, stop using the fob and keep it away from children.

From the 2026 Ram 1500 Owner's Manual (Replacing The Battery In The Key Fob, page 17), read November 4, 2026.

Service visits at Elgin Auto Sales & Service Center

Our service department works on all makes and models. If a dashboard message has you concerned, schedule a service visit and tell us what you saw and when it appeared. For other dashboard messages, see our check engine light and tire pressure light guides.

Our service department at 1200 E. Chicago St. in Elgin is open Monday to Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., and is closed Sunday. Schedule service, see our service specials or get directions.