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Key Fob/Battery issue

  • <i class="fa--xf fal fa-check "><svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" role="img" aria-hidden="true" ><use href="/data/local/icons/light.svg?v=1758297946#check"></use></svg></i> Discussion starter Discussion starter JeffwithaG
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OzR18 said:
Not sure whether this relates to anyone having this problem, but thought I'd share anyway - just in case.

I was getting the same warning, so raised it at the first service - when I picked up my bike, the tech told me he replaced the fob battery and everything was working fine, but to make sure I didn't leave the fob close to the bike when it's not being used.

Clearly, you carry the fob when you're riding - not an issue.

His comment related to leaving the fob in a bag on the bike, or close by in your garage.

His reasoning was, the loop and the fob "poll" eachother regularly (don't know how often). Apparently, and it makes sense, they don't do this when the bike's running. BUT, when not being ridden, if they're within radiowave reach of eachother, the battery in the fob will drain.

No problem since.
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Sounds like you need to keep the key fob in a Faraday Box (metal) . We've had the same problem with the keyfob for the Honda CRV being too close to the rear hatch, and our cats would get in the garage and walk under the foot sensor, opening up the rear hatch quite by accident. our cats did like crawling in and sleeping back there. Putting the CRV key in a Faraday Box solved the problem. One can use an Altoids tin as a Faraday box, if need be.
 
I also have this issue. went as far as positioning the grey key with a pair of pliers right over the sensor under the seat to get the bike started.
 
RyBread said:
I also have this issue. went as far as positioning the grey key with a pair of pliers right over the sensor under the seat to get the bike started.
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Such a great idea. I made sure I tried this approach holding the key under the seat near the sensor using needle nose pliers on my TC and it worked! There was no way I was going to reach the sensor with my key using my fingers. Also the TC seat is too thick to register the key by pressing it on it and you can’t get your fingers up under the fender with the key, at least I couldn’t. Thank you!
 
I have the same issue! Bike will start, but almost immediately activates the warning light even though the key remains in my pocket. Will replace fob battery and see!
 
JeffwithaG said:
Bend the contacts in as well to get a firmer grip on the battery. This solved my problem.
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Thx! Will give that a try. Just did 100 miles. 95 of which had the warning light on that the key could not be detected. Small thing but damn irritating when it’s sat in your trouser pocket!
 
JeffwithaG said:
Bend the contacts in as well to get a firmer grip on the battery. This solved my problem.
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THIS! Brilliant. Worked for me. This also explains why it was OK for me for the first year then deteriorated. Bend the contacts and the warning went away. Thanks.
 
buellwinkle said:
With my experience here, the replacement battery had a thin plastic wafer on the back of the battery, you need pull that off or it will not give your bike the Juice it needs to work. I found that out the hard way, I did not see the film on the back of the battery.... it was one hell of a day....
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Thank you.
 
I had the same problem but fixed it by bending the contacts closer the the rim of the battery. So I agree 100% with JeffwithG.
 
Rufus said:
The low battery (fob) icon came on today. It’s probably two years old anyway so I am not overly concerned (yet!). Just ordered some decent replacements. Out of interest how do you turn your bikes off? Kill switch or power button off? I did look in the handbook but it wasn’t clear (unless I missed it). Never had a keyless bike before so it still feels a bit strange.
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I got into the habit of turning the engine off with the kickstand. That way I will never forget to leave the bike on gear! I also carry an additional battery on my documentation bag.
 
Turn your bike off the same way you turn it on. Press the black button. You can turn the steering wheel all the way to the left and then press and hold the black button for a few seconds until it oscillates, and then you've locked your steering too, on some BMW models. Red button is to start and for kill switch emergency stops, only. That's why it's red.
 
Bought my Classic in March 2024. The bike failed to start on several occasions even when the seat was removed and the key fob placed on the antenna ring (same with the plastic key). The dealer was very accommodating and offered to buy the bike back. Prior to the R18 I had a 1200 RT and a 1200 GS and had no problems at all. The R18 is an awesome bike but my negative experience unfortunately forces me to another cruiser brand.
 
I've replaced my fob battery twice in six months. First time, I used a cheap Amazon basic battery. Lesson learned. Cough up the cash and buy Duracell medical grade batteries. No problem since.
 
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