2012 LE immobiliser key battery

[danyboy]

I am wondering if the 2012 LE immobilizer type key needs a battery replacement or it just gets charged when in the ignition ? I opened it up and can't acces any battery unless I remove some insulation tape ???

[NYC-SE]

Are you talking about the actual key, with the buttons you push to lock / unlock the doors?

If so yes it has a replaceable battery, CR2016 model. I have done this previously and there was no insulation tape present. Perhaps a previous owner jury-rigged it back together.

[kevinj93]

There are two separate functions.

The immobiliser is an RFID type chip in the key. It respondes to a low power RF signal from the Transponder Key ECU. It is self powered from the RF signal.

The Remote Door Lock, if fitted uses a replaceable battery in the key grip to transmit a low power RF signal.

[danyboy]

Door lock works from far away so I assume battery mus still be good. It's just that twice I had a hard time cranking the engine. It would crank but not start. Would it have anything to do with my cell phone being just met to the key and interfering with the safety key signal ?