2017 i3 spare Key fob "lazy" after battery replacement

[matthewslimmer]

Hey all, I'm having a problem with my 2nd /spare keyfob. The primary keyfob we use everyday is working fine, and I just replaced the battery in both of them. I tested the new 3V batteries before installing.

Now, the 2nd /spare keyfob will not unlock/lock doors. The buttons do nothing.

When I get in the car with 2nd /spare keyfob, the dash reads "No Remote Control, Engine will not start." and also "Hold remote control to steering column". And if I do hold the 2nd /spare keyfob against the steering column juuuuust right, it will turn on and I can drive.

When I stop driving and get out, the 2nd /spare keyfob still will not lock/unlock doors.

It seems that the 2nd /spare keyfob does not need re-programming, as it still allows the car to start. I've tried 2 more (tested) 3V batteries too. All the contacts look fine.

Any suggestions? Thanks all!

Pics...

[3pete]

Hey all, I'm having a problem with my 2nd /spare keyfob. The primary keyfob we use everyday is working fine, and I just replaced the battery in both of them. I tested the new 3V batteries before installing.

Now, the 2nd /spare keyfob will not unlock/lock doors. The buttons do nothing.

When I get in the car with 2nd /spare keyfob, the dash reads "No Remote Control, Engine will not start." and also "Hold remote control to steering column". And if I do hold the 2nd /spare keyfob against the steering column juuuuust right, it will turn on and I can drive.

When I stop driving and get out, the 2nd /spare keyfob still will not lock/unlock doors.

It seems that the 2nd /spare keyfob does not need re-programming, as it still allows the car to start. I've tried 2 more (tested) 3V batteries too. All the contacts look fine.

Any suggestions? Thanks all!

Pics...

The behavior you're describing is consistent with a dead fob battery. Holding the fob to the steering column does not require the fob to have juice in the battery (that's the point of it).

I'd recommend troubleshooting that way; check the battery again - is it installed right side up? Does it still have adequate voltage on a multimeter? Are contacts dirty? If you swap batteries in your fobs, does the broken one now work and vice versa?

[frictioncircle]

Hello matthewslimmer and welcome to the forum! Check this out...

How to Activate & Program BMW Remote Key Fob:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zFrZecJFksU

[TOEd]

I have the same problem with my 2015 i3. Did you get this issue resolved?

[TOEd]

Never mind. Had a few defective batteries that were "new" purchased from a dollar store. Fortunately I kept changing them until I found a good one. Voltmeter indicated defective batteries as good. So can't trust meter.