Key FOB battery run down?
Road Warrior
Joined: Nov 2018
Posts: 1,302
Likes: 865
From: SW Ohio
I can't find the thread, but a member posted a link to HD's application to the FCC explaining how the system works.
Every few seconds an armed bike emits a RF signal. If an assigned fob is within range, the fob wakes up, and emits a RF signal to disarm the bike. This back and forth RF communication continues every few seconds while the fob is within range. If the fob is out of range, and never awakened by the bike's RF signal, the fob's battery is not being used. I would presume the battery in a dormant, out of range fob would outlast the battery in a fob that is emitting a RF signal every few seconds.
Every few seconds an armed bike emits a RF signal. If an assigned fob is within range, the fob wakes up, and emits a RF signal to disarm the bike. This back and forth RF communication continues every few seconds while the fob is within range. If the fob is out of range, and never awakened by the bike's RF signal, the fob's battery is not being used. I would presume the battery in a dormant, out of range fob would outlast the battery in a fob that is emitting a RF signal every few seconds.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2017
Posts: 4,251
Likes: 3,134
From: Texas
You don't need to wait that long. I knew my battery was getting low because the LCD display actually said "FOB BATTERY LOW" when I flipped the power switch on.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 5,077
Likes: 3,293
From: Plover, WI
I see it in the 2019 Owner's Manual, but I can't find it in the 2018 manual, unless I missed it.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 5,487
Likes: 2,530
From: Lititz Pa
Don't think it showed that on my 2015 maybe on my 2019 it will show and when it does I will have a new battery with me to install
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2017
Posts: 4,251
Likes: 3,134
From: Texas
Yeah, I don't know about for earlier models, but it's definitely a feature on the 2018+ models.
As for the question about whether proximity drains the battery faster, I haven't done any empirical testing but I can't see how it wouldn't. I have two fobs, the one I ride with and the other I just keep stashed somewhere safe. Since the one I ride with gave the low battery warning, I thought I'd check the other one to see if it did also. It didn't. Now, that's a sample size of 1, so it doesn't mean much, but it does make sense.
As for the question about whether proximity drains the battery faster, I haven't done any empirical testing but I can't see how it wouldn't. I have two fobs, the one I ride with and the other I just keep stashed somewhere safe. Since the one I ride with gave the low battery warning, I thought I'd check the other one to see if it did also. It didn't. Now, that's a sample size of 1, so it doesn't mean much, but it does make sense.
Road Master
Joined: Aug 2018
Posts: 965
Likes: 297
From: NoVa
Some useful bits....
Battery is a CR2032. Amazon is a good place to get them. A 4-pack is currently $3.88 and 20 pack of Panasonics is only $6.67. I have several key fobs that use this size, so I just buy a bunch and store them in the fridge.
Great idea, touchdown. Think I'll throw one in my handlebar pouch.
Now might be a really good time to set your PIN to over-ride the lack of a working key fob. Instructions for setting the pin begin on page 51 of my 2019 Owner's Manual. Ideas for 5-digit pin number might be yours or your wife/kid/mom's birthday or a zip code. IIRC, you can't use zeros. Also a good idea to practice using the PIN and maybe store the instruction card in your wallet or on the bike somewhere. If you're stuck with crappy winter weather like we've had the last few weeks in Virginia, this will at least give you an excuse to play with your bike in the garage.
Cheers!
Battery is a CR2032. Amazon is a good place to get them. A 4-pack is currently $3.88 and 20 pack of Panasonics is only $6.67. I have several key fobs that use this size, so I just buy a bunch and store them in the fridge.
Great idea, touchdown. Think I'll throw one in my handlebar pouch.
Now might be a really good time to set your PIN to over-ride the lack of a working key fob. Instructions for setting the pin begin on page 51 of my 2019 Owner's Manual. Ideas for 5-digit pin number might be yours or your wife/kid/mom's birthday or a zip code. IIRC, you can't use zeros. Also a good idea to practice using the PIN and maybe store the instruction card in your wallet or on the bike somewhere. If you're stuck with crappy winter weather like we've had the last few weeks in Virginia, this will at least give you an excuse to play with your bike in the garage.
Cheers!
Last edited by AJ88V; Dec 14, 2019 at 01:45 PM.
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Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 2,583
Likes: 1,029
From: East Flanders - Belgium
Maybe this can help :
