# How to Replace Key Fob Battery 2017 Ford Gt: A Quick Guide > ClearTheCode — Learn how to replace the key fob battery in your 2017 Ford GT with this easy, step-by-step guide. Restore full functionality to your remote in minutes. Source: https://clearthecode.com/articles/key-fob-battery-replacement-diy-ford-gt-2017 Author: ClearTheCode # How to replace key fob battery 2017 Ford Gt Is your 2017 Ford GT key fob acting sluggish, losing range, or failing to respond entirely? Before you consider costly diagnostics or a new fob, the most common culprit is often a simple, depleted battery. Replacing the battery in your Ford GT key fob is a straightforward DIY task that can restore full functionality and save you a trip to the dealership. This guide will walk you through the process, ensuring your high-performance vehicle's remote access is always reliable. ## What drivers notice on this 2017 Ford Gt Drivers of the 2017 Ford GT typically notice a few distinct signs when their key fob battery is starting to fail. These symptoms, while minor, can be frustrating and inconvenient, especially with a vehicle of this caliber. You might find yourself pressing the buttons multiple times, or needing to be much closer to the car for the remote functions to work. Addressing these issues promptly can prevent being locked out or unable to start your vehicle remotely. The sophisticated electronics of the Ford GT demand consistent power, and even a slight drop in voltage from the key fob battery can disrupt communication, leading to frustrating inconsistencies in remote operation. ## At a glance: difficulty, repair cost, and diagnostic workflow - **Difficulty Rating:** 6/10 — Easy to moderate - **Common Symptoms:** Key fob fails to lock or unlock doors: This is often the first and most obvious sign. You might press the button and not; Remote start function doesn't work: If your remote start feature suddenly stops responding, a weak key fob battery is a ; Reduced range for remote functions: You might find that you need to be much closer to your Ford GT for the key fob to wo; Intermittent operation: The fob might work sometimes and not others, or only after multiple button presses, making it un - **Estimated Repair Cost:** $80–$900 (parts + typical shop labor) - **OEM Tooling Required:** Standard OBD-II scanner and hand tools **Diagnostic workflow:** 1. Confirm the symptom on your 2017 Ford GT. 2. Scan for stored or pending codes with an OBD-II tool. 3. Inspect the most common causes in this guide (visual checks first). 4. Run verification tests before replacing parts. 5. Repair, clear codes, and verify on a test drive. Browse the [model repair hub](/vehicles/ford/gt) and [make hub](/vehicles/ford) for related guides. ## Symptoms and warning signs Recognizing the early signs of a dying key fob battery in your 2017 Ford GT can save you hassle. Here are the most common symptoms: - **Key fob fails to lock or unlock doors:** This is often the first and most obvious sign. You might press the button and nothing happens, or it takes several presses. - **Remote start function doesn't work:** If your remote start feature suddenly stops responding, a weak key fob battery is a prime suspect. - **Reduced range for remote functions:** You might find that you need to be much closer to your Ford GT for the key fob to work, whereas before it worked from a greater distance. - **Intermittent operation:** The fob might work sometimes and not others, or only after multiple button presses, making it unreliable. - **Passive entry/keyless go issues:** The vehicle may not recognize the key fob when you try to open the door or start the engine without physically inserting the key (if applicable), requiring you to use the physical key or place the fob in a specific backup slot. - **Dashboard warning light:** Some vehicles may display a "Low Key Fob Battery" message on the instrument cluster, though this is not always present on all models or for all levels of battery depletion. ## Verification: Confirming a Low Key Fob Battery Before proceeding with a battery replacement, it's wise to verify that the key fob battery is indeed the issue. While there are no OBD-II codes associated with a low key fob battery (you can browse other [OBD-II codes](/codes) for engine-related issues), a few practical checks can confirm your suspicion: * **Try a spare key fob:** If you have a second key fob for your 2017 Ford GT, try using it. If the second fob works perfectly, it strongly indicates the battery in your primary fob is dead or dying. * **Proximity test:** Hold the key fob directly against the driver's side door handle or the ignition button. If it works at extremely close range but not from a distance, the battery is likely weak. * **Physical key test:** Ensure you can still manually unlock the driver's door using the hidden physical key blade within the fob. This confirms the vehicle's locking mechanism is functional, isolating the issue to the remote. * **Check for damage:** Inspect the key fob for any signs of physical damage, water intrusion, or corrosion, which could also cause malfunction. If damage is present, a battery replacement might not solve the problem. ## Common Causes of Key Fob Battery Depletion Key fob batteries don't last forever, and their lifespan can be influenced by several factors. Understanding these can help you anticipate when a replacement might be needed: * **Normal wear and tear:** Over time, all batteries naturally lose their charge capacity. Key fob batteries typically last between 2 to 4 years, depending on usage. * **Frequent usage:** The more often you use your key fob to lock, unlock, or remote start your Ford GT, the faster the battery will drain. Each button press sends a signal, consuming power. * **Proximity to vehicle:** If you frequently store your key fob near your 2017 Ford GT, even if not actively using it, the fob might maintain a constant low-power communication with the vehicle, leading to a faster drain. * **Environmental factors:** Extreme temperatures, both hot and cold, can negatively impact battery life and performance. Storing the fob in direct sunlight or freezing conditions can shorten its lifespan. * **Battery type and quality:** Using a low-quality or generic replacement battery can result in a shorter lifespan compared to reputable brands. ### Related guides on this vehicle - [How to replace key fob battery 2017 Ford Edge](/articles/key-fob-battery-replacement-diy-ford-edge-2017) - [How to Replace Key Fob Battery 2016 Ford Edge](/articles/key-fob-battery-replacement-diy-ford-edge-2016) - [P0011 2024 Lexus Gx: Intake Camshaft Timing Over-Advanced](/articles/p0011-lexus-gx-2024-diagnostic-guide) ## Diagnosis: Pinpointing the Problem Diagnosing a dead key fob battery is usually straightforward and doesn't involve complex tools or procedures. Since a key fob battery issue won't trigger a check engine light or store an OBD-II code, your primary diagnostic method will be observation and the verification steps mentioned above. The key is to rule out other potential, albeit less common, issues such as: * **Key fob damage:** As mentioned, physical damage or water exposure can render the fob inoperable. Inspect it carefully. * **Vehicle's receiver issue:** While rare, the vehicle's remote receiver module could be faulty. This would typically affect all key fobs and might be accompanied by other electrical issues. However, if only one fob is failing, it's highly unlikely to be the vehicle's receiver. * **Programming issues:** Occasionally, a key fob can lose its programming, especially after a severe impact or prolonged battery depletion. If a new battery doesn't resolve the issue, reprogramming might be necessary (often a dealer-only service for the Ford GT). Given the high probability, starting with a battery replacement is almost always the most logical and cost-effective first step. ## How to Replace Key Fob Battery 2017 Ford Gt Replacing the key fob battery in your 2017 Ford GT is a simple process that anyone can do with minimal tools. This guide focuses on the specific "smart key" fob used by the Ford GT, which typically uses a CR2450 coin cell battery. For more general repair guides or to browse other [vehicles](/vehicles), feel free to explore our site. ### Tools and Materials Required * **New CR2450 Lithium Coin Cell Battery:** This is the specific battery type for the 2017 Ford GT key fob. Ensure you purchase a fresh, reputable brand. * **Small Flathead Screwdriver or Coin:** Used for prying open the key fob casing without causing damage. * **Soft Cloth (optional):** To protect the key fob from scratches during the prying process. ### Step-by-Step Replacement Guide Follow these steps carefully to ensure a smooth battery replacement: 1. **Retrieve the Mechanical Key:** Locate the small release button or tab on the side or back of your key fob. Press or slide it to release the hidden mechanical key blade. Pull the blade out completely. 2. **Locate the Access Slot:** With the mechanical key removed, you'll see a small slot or notch where the key blade was housed, or along the seam of the fob casing. This is your access point for prying the fob open. 3. **Gently Pry Open the Fob:** Insert your small flathead screwdriver or coin into the access slot. Twist or gently pry to separate the two halves of the key fob casing. Work slowly and carefully to avoid damaging the plastic clips or the internal electronics. You may hear a slight click as the halves separate. 4. **Identify and Remove the Old Battery:** Once the fob is open, you'll see the circuit board and the coin cell battery, usually held in place by small clips. Note the orientation of the battery (which side is facing up – typically the positive (+) side). Use your screwdriver or a non-metallic tool to gently pry the old CR2450 battery out of its holder. 5. **Insert the New Battery:** Take your new CR2450 battery. Ensure you insert it with the correct polarity. The positive (+) side, which usually has markings, should face the same direction as the old battery. Gently push it into place until it clicks securely. 6. **Reassemble the Key Fob:** Align the two halves of the key fob casing. Press them firmly together until you hear them snap back into place. Ensure there are no gaps and the casing is securely closed. 7. **Reinsert the Mechanical Key:** Slide the mechanical key blade back into its slot until it clicks and locks into position. 8. **Test the Key Fob:** Stand near your 2017 Ford GT and test all functions of the key fob: lock, unlock, remote start (if applicable), and trunk release. You should notice an immediate improvement in responsiveness and range. ## FAQ: 2017 Ford GT Key Fob Battery Replacement ### How long does a 2017 Ford GT key fob battery typically last? Typically, a key fob battery for a 2017 Ford GT will last between 2 to 4 years. This can vary based on usage frequency, environmental conditions, and how often the fob is within range of the vehicle. ### What type of battery does the 2017 Ford GT key fob use? Your 2017 Ford GT key fob uses a CR2450 lithium coin cell battery. It's important to use this specific type for proper function and fit. ### What if my key fob still doesn't work after replacing the battery? If your key fob remains unresponsive after a fresh battery replacement, first double-check the battery's orientation and ensure the fob is securely closed. If the issue persists, the fob might need to be reprogrammed (which often requires dealer tools) or it could be faulty. In rare cases, there might be an issue with the vehicle's receiver. You might consider contacting a Ford service center or visiting a [Ford vehicle hub](/vehicles/ford) for more specific model information. ## Conclusion Replacing the key fob battery in your 2017 Ford GT is a simple, cost-effective maintenance task that can quickly resolve issues with remote access and functionality. By following this step-by-step guide, you can restore your key fob to full working order, ensuring reliable control over your high-performance vehicle. Regular battery replacement every few years is a small effort that prevents significant inconvenience. ## Disclaimer This article is intended for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional advice from a qualified technician. Always exercise caution and consult your vehicle's owner's manual for specific instructions and warnings. ClearTheCode is not responsible for any damage or injury resulting from the application of this information.