"Vehicle key: Battery empty." message on instrument panel

mobsync · 12-07-2022, 09:57 AM

Anyone else getting this message even after replacing the 2032 battery in the key fob?

Qsilver7 · 12-07-2022, 10:11 AM

What brand and how old was the replacement battery? I've read the same thing happening across multiple BMW forums. Also make sure that there isn't a protective (clear) cover on the back of the cell battery.

mobsync · 12-07-2022, 10:15 AM

Put in a new Energizer battery last night and still got the message. The key works fine.

The BMW service tech this morning told me that it won't happen if you use a BMW battery. Whatever.

Di3s3l_Power · 12-07-2022, 12:13 PM

Happens to me once in a while

August 23 car build date, so the batteries can’t that old

rmorin1249 · 12-07-2022, 12:50 PM

If you keep the fob close to the vehicle when it's parked I've read that the battery may be discharged more rapidly due to constant communication with the vehicle.

mmm50i · 12-07-2022, 12:52 PM

I was in your situation just last month. My original battery only lasted me 12 months.

Use a Panasonic battery and it’ll resolve your issue. I previously read that the Energizer battery produced a slightly different voltage. Our key fobs are really picky

mobsync · 12-07-2022, 01:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mmm50i

I was in your situation just last month. My original battery only lasted me 12 months.

Use a Panasonic battery and it’ll resolve your issue. I previously read that the Energizer battery produced a slightly different voltage. Our key fobs are really picky

I'll try a Panasonic and see if that does it. Thanks!

Bking60 · 12-07-2022, 04:03 PM

I had one that got very low before any messages were displayed. I put a CVS battery in it, works fine, also have used other brands, not Panasonic or BMW. I would say a module is going out.

Qsilver7 · 12-07-2022, 06:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mobsync

Put in a new Energizer battery last night and still got the message. The key works fine.

The BMW service tech this morning told me that it won't happen if you use a BMW battery. Whatever.

Did you place the remote next to the icon on the steering wheel after replacing the battery? The f15 X5’s owners manual says placing the unit next to the icon is a remedy for remote recognition after a discharged battery in the remote. This is usually required when a no start situation occurs…since start features of the remote are powered through induction (not the battery inside the remote). But perhaps it will help in this situation after a discharged battery for central locking and alarm siren system features, too.

Check your owners manual to see if it is the same for the G05 (there’s an owners manual built into iDrive that has a great searchable feature):

BobsM3Coupe · 12-07-2022, 07:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mobsync

Put in a new Energizer battery last night and still got the message. The key works fine.

The BMW service tech this morning told me that it won't happen if you use a BMW battery. Whatever.

BMW doesn't make batteries. Most keyfobs come from the factory with a Panasonic.

M40i4me · 12-08-2022, 05:30 AM

If your X is still under warranty the dealer will replace the fob battery for free if you ask them. I change all mine yearly regardless. No issues with energizer as well.

Qsilver7 · 12-08-2022, 08:17 AM

Found a G05 X5 PDF version owners manual online...and appears it follows the same procedure as the previous gen F15 X5 if battery dies in remote and you get Check Control messages:

mobsync · 12-09-2022, 09:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Qsilver7

Found a G05 X5 PDF version owners manual online...and appears it follows the same procedure as the previous gen F15 X5 if battery dies in remote and you get Check Control messages:

The key works fine from a distance. Also, while in the car and after the car is turned on it is still gives me the Battery Empty message. Just wierd.

Qsilver7 · 12-10-2022, 08:09 PM

The info was posted to show that the manual mentions multiple scenarios where you will get a Check Control message…and placing the remote next to the icon on the steering wheel is part of the solution.

Have you placed your remote next to the icon yet? If not, see if doing it will stops the check control message.

mobsync · 12-10-2022, 09:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Qsilver7

The info was posted to show that the manual mentions multiple scenarios where you will get a Check Control message…and placing the remote next to the icon on the steering wheel is part of the solution.

Have you placed your remote next to the icon yet? If not, see if doing it will stops the check control message.

Placing the fob to the wheel did nothing. Putting in a Panasonic battery stopped the error.

TurtleBoy · 12-10-2022, 10:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mobsync

Placing the fob to the wheel did nothing. Putting in a Panasonic battery stopped the error.

Figured that would do it, Energizers are known to cause problems with the fobs. Glad you got it worked out.

aMIC · 12-11-2022, 12:45 AM

Maybe the battery that was not working was covered with a bitterant coating?

Garmin has recommendations for that.
https://support.garmin.com/en-US/?fa...Dy8fDGEXYxtMM9

https://www.zdnet.com/home-and-offic...x-the-problem/

Qsilver7 · 12-11-2022, 04:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mobsync

Placing the fob to the wheel did nothing. Putting in a Panasonic battery stopped the error.

soray · 01-19-2024, 09:59 AM

I had the same problem. With a new Duracell battery it said "battery empty". I tried the VARTA battery and it works fine.

Tejas1836 · 01-19-2024, 10:21 AM

Energizer Li-ion here. I do not use Duracell in anything, worse batteries made. Any electronic device gets Energizer Li-ion

irishmom78 · 02-02-2024, 11:41 AM

I replaced the battery with a Panasonic battery as recommended and fob is still not working.

328_X5_X7 · 02-02-2024, 04:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by irishmom78

I replaced the battery with a Panasonic battery as recommended and fob is still not working.

Im having the same issue right now. I held the key fob next to the steering column and that fixed it for one trip and now it's back. Besides the error message, the key fob works as intended.

12-07-2022, 09:57 AM	#1
mobsync Lieutenant 228 Rep 519 Posts Drives: '24 X5 50e Join Date: Sep 2019 Location: MS iTrader: (0)	"Vehicle key: Battery empty." message on instrument panel Anyone else getting this message even after replacing the 2032 battery in the key fob?
	Appreciate 0 Tweet Quote

12-07-2022, 10:11 AM	#2
Qsilver7 Major General 4482 Rep 7,519 Posts Drives: F06 650ix GC / F15 X5 50i Join Date: Oct 2016 Location: Indiana, USA iTrader: (0)	What brand and how old was the replacement battery? I've read the same thing happening across multiple BMW forums. Also make sure that there isn't a protective (clear) cover on the back of the cell battery. __________________ 2015 F06 650ix Gran Coupe`(Moonstone/Cohiba Brown)\| 2014 F15 X5 50i MSport (Space Gray/Mocha) Become a BMW CCA member! Click HERE to join and feel free to use my BMW CCA member #191509 as a referral.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

12-07-2022, 10:15 AM	#3
mobsync Lieutenant 228 Rep 519 Posts Drives: '24 X5 50e Join Date: Sep 2019 Location: MS iTrader: (0)	Put in a new Energizer battery last night and still got the message. The key works fine. The BMW service tech this morning told me that it won't happen if you use a BMW battery. Whatever.
	Appreciate 1 MJBradley1967195.00 Quote

12-07-2022, 12:13 PM	#4
Di3s3l_Power Second Lieutenant 83 Rep 257 Posts Drives: X5 Join Date: Feb 2022 Location: NW Chicago ‘burbs iTrader: (0)	Happens to me once in a while August 23 car build date, so the batteries can’t that old
	Appreciate 0 Quote

12-07-2022, 12:50 PM	#5
rmorin1249 Lieutenant Colonel 821 Rep 1,790 Posts Drives: 2019 X5 MSport 40i Join Date: Jan 2019 Location: Hagerstown MD iTrader: (0)	If you keep the fob close to the vehicle when it's parked I've read that the battery may be discharged more rapidly due to constant communication with the vehicle.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

12-07-2022, 12:52 PM	#6
mmm50i Captain 407 Rep 626 Posts Drives: '22 X5 M50i & '23 Model Y Join Date: Sep 2021 Location: BC iTrader: (0)	I was in your situation just last month. My original battery only lasted me 12 months. Use a Panasonic battery and it’ll resolve your issue. I previously read that the Energizer battery produced a slightly different voltage. Our key fobs are really picky
	Appreciate 0 Quote

12-07-2022, 04:03 PM	#8
Bking60 Private First Class 82 Rep 176 Posts Drives: BMW X5 2019 Join Date: Sep 2020 Location: SC iTrader: (0)	I had one that got very low before any messages were displayed. I put a CVS battery in it, works fine, also have used other brands, not Panasonic or BMW. I would say a module is going out.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

12-08-2022, 05:30 AM	#11
M40i4me Lieutenant Colonel 1037 Rep 1,527 Posts Drives: 2021 X3 M40i Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: NJ iTrader: (0) Garage List 2021 X3 M40i [10.00]	If your X is still under warranty the dealer will replace the fob battery for free if you ask them. I change all mine yearly regardless. No issues with energizer as well. __________________ 2021 M40i Phytonic Blue / Black Vernasca 2020 X5 xDrive 40i Tanzanite Blue / Coffee Vernasca 2011 328xi. Space Grey - Sold 188,925 great miles
	Appreciate 0 Quote

12-08-2022, 08:17 AM	#12
Qsilver7 Major General 4482 Rep 7,519 Posts Drives: F06 650ix GC / F15 X5 50i Join Date: Oct 2016 Location: Indiana, USA iTrader: (0)	Found a G05 X5 PDF version owners manual online...and appears it follows the same procedure as the previous gen F15 X5 if battery dies in remote and you get Check Control messages: Attached Images __________________ 2015 F06 650ix Gran Coupe`(Moonstone/Cohiba Brown)\| 2014 F15 X5 50i MSport (Space Gray/Mocha) Become a BMW CCA member! Click HERE to join and feel free to use my BMW CCA member #191509 as a referral.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

12-10-2022, 08:09 PM	#14
Qsilver7 Major General 4482 Rep 7,519 Posts Drives: F06 650ix GC / F15 X5 50i Join Date: Oct 2016 Location: Indiana, USA iTrader: (0)	The info was posted to show that the manual mentions multiple scenarios where you will get a Check Control message…and placing the remote next to the icon on the steering wheel is part of the solution. Have you placed your remote next to the icon yet? If not, see if doing it will stops the check control message. __________________ 2015 F06 650ix Gran Coupe`(Moonstone/Cohiba Brown)\| 2014 F15 X5 50i MSport (Space Gray/Mocha) Become a BMW CCA member! Click HERE to join and feel free to use my BMW CCA member #191509 as a referral.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

12-11-2022, 12:45 AM	#17
aMIC Private 31 Rep 78 Posts Drives: BMW 325 XIT , X5 45e Join Date: Nov 2022 Location: Bay Area, California iTrader: (0)	Maybe the battery that was not working was covered with a bitterant coating? Garmin has recommendations for that. https://support.garmin.com/en-US/?fa...Dy8fDGEXYxtMM9 https://www.zdnet.com/home-and-offic...x-the-problem/
	Appreciate 1 2heeldrive58.50 Quote

01-19-2024, 09:59 AM	#19
soray New Member 15 Rep 19 Posts Drives: BMW X5 30d X-line Join Date: Jan 2022 Location: Beroun iTrader: (0) Garage List 2022 BMW X5 30d X-line [0.00]	I had the same problem. With a new Duracell battery it said "battery empty". I tried the VARTA battery and it works fine. __________________ 2022 BMW X5 X-line 30d Phytonic Blue Detailingshop.cz www.detailingshop.cz
	Appreciate 0 Quote

01-19-2024, 10:21 AM	#20
Tejas1836 Captain 999 Rep 830 Posts Drives: 2023 X5MC Workmaster 75 Join Date: Oct 2022 Location: Tejas iTrader: (0)	Energizer Li-ion here. I do not use Duracell in anything, worse batteries made. Any electronic device gets Energizer Li-ion __________________ Two is One and One is None
	Appreciate 0 Quote

02-02-2024, 11:41 AM	#21
irishmom78 Registered 0 Rep 1 Posts Drives: X3 Join Date: Feb 2024 Location: NJ iTrader: (0)	vehilce key battery empty I replaced the battery with a Panasonic battery as recommended and fob is still not working.
	Appreciate 0 Quote