Remote Battery Life..how long? A poll!

[boblamb58]

Just wondering.. seeing as how the "How do I replace the battery in my remote?" question pops up on here about once a month... how long should one expect the battery in the remote to last?

I am 6 years and 2 months into the first battery.

I have been using just the one remote (I got 2 when I bought the car new) and at one point a few years ago I thought it needed a new battery. I took it apart and as I was pressing on it it was making my car doors unlock and lock.(I was sitting in a chair inside my house. Outside the window next to me was my car, so I was only about 10 feet away from it) I put it back together without changing the battery and have been using it since.

So how long did (has) your battery last(ed)?
Do you use only 1 remote, or do you switch from time to time?

[Blinky]

We have an '06 NB (bought August of 2006) and the remote that my wife uses has had the battery replaced once (by the original dealer) and then the entire keye set was replaced by a diff. dealer. Her fob (remote) kept eating the battery. So far so good.

THe battery which is in the fob is a fairly common battery (2032, I think? (correct me if I'm wrong)) and it should last for, at the very least, 3 years - if not many more. That battery is so common that you will (most likely) find it in your computer (desktop / laptop). How many of you have had to have your computer's CMOS battery / batteries replaced in the past 5 to 6 years?

[hannaco]

After the battery died a second time, I just use the key now. No big deal.

[taterbug]

Got 6 years on the first one... Now using the second one that came with the car. If you need it changed cheap a friend went to an alarm shop and they changed it I think just for the cost of the battery.

[sb_beetle]

I just replaced the battery in my remote 2 weeks ago (purchased Sept. 2003)

[Smileybug]

This is actually a really good question...I don't know if the battery in mine was ever replaced. I've had my car for almost 2 years and haven't replaced it yet. Been wondering what I should be expecting on it. I know I don't have a good range on it though so maybe its dying a little.

[chelsie]

Got my 01 on May 23rd 2001 and replaced the battery just after Christmas 06. I'm impressed!

[Jian]

I have never changed the battery in the remote since new (1998), I use it all the time. I can honestly say I have never put the key in the door or hatch.

[gadgetvise]

The battery on my wife's FOB key just died but mine is ok. It was just dead (no red blink at the key when the unlock or lock buttons pushed.

I usually keep the quarter size battery 3volt CR3032, (I believe), in the fridge because the garage door opener, the FOB key, Casio watch and my computer memory all use the same battery. Don't take the key apart if you do not have a battery ready to replace it. It may cause the memory to reset and reander the key needing reprogramming.

The FOB key must be split into three parts; the flip-key can be seperated in half (from key loop to key) with a small flat blade screwdriver. Then the button half must be split in half again along the side seam. The battery + is marked on the half that holds the battery so it's pretty hard to get the battery in wrong.

[boblamb58]

Originally Posted by gadgetvise

The battery on my wife's FOB key just died but mine is ok. It was just dead (no red blink at the key when the unlock or lock buttons pushed.

I usually keep the quarter size battery 3volt CR3032, (I believe), in the fridge because the garage door opener, the FOB key, Casio watch and my computer memory all use the same battery. Don't take the key apart if you do not have a battery ready to replace it. It may cause the memory to reset and reander the key needing reprogramming.

The FOB key must be split into three parts; the flip-key can be seperated in half (from key loop to key) with a small flat blade screwdriver. Then the button half must be split in half again along the side seam. The battery + is marked on the half that holds the battery so it's pretty hard to get the battery in wrong.

Mine is still going, I occasionally use the key in the lock (less than once a month). When I took mine apart, I did remove the battery, but I did not need to reprogram the romote.

[TDI-Sport]

8 years 16 days. I've had a remote window controller installed for several years so the remote gets above average use.

[SilverSportNOLA]

I got a new remote after the car was 4 years old .... but it was still working, not looking good though, have had the replacement 2.5 years at least, no problems, and I am sure the original one still works also.

[imsos04]

Well, my car just hit 3 years old and battery still goin' strong!

[Beetlemoose]

I have 6 years on Beetle remote. My Jetta lasted only 2 years

[CoriBug]

Since there wasn't an option for 2-3 years, I marked 3-5 years since I've had my Beetle closer to 3 years than 2. I only use 1 fob and it's still going strong after 2 years, 7 months.

Cori