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‘It’s Not Used to This:’ Florida Driver Says Key Fob Is Fritzing Out—But It Doesn’t Need a New Battery. Is It the Cold Weather?’

"It's telling me that there's no key fob."

Florida Driver Says Key Fob Is Fritzing Out

Photo by: Unsplash.com

Steve Ecker

By: Steve Ecker

Nov 13, 2025 at 4:00pm ET

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A Kia Sportage driver reveals how her key fob stopped working when an unexpected cold front hit Florida.

Driving in the cold can be an uncomfortable experience. Getting into a cold car certainly builds character, as the wait for the car to warm up on a winter day can sometimes feel like an eternity.

While many drivers in cold climates deal with this, this isn’t a typical everyday experience for Florida drivers.

In a video that generated over 800 views as of this writing, content creator @moatsonthemove shares how her key fob all of a sudden stopped working after the cold front hit Florida.

“My Car Did Not Like the Cold Weather”

The TikTok starts out with @moatsonthemove in a McDonald's drive-thru with her daughter as they process the cold weather in Florida.

“Good morning, it’s currently 37 degrees in Florida, and we are freezing,” she begins.

The mom reveals how they are running late due to her car acting up.

“We are running late because my car decided that it was going to be cray cray,” she shares.

“It feels like it’s going to snow. It’s going to snow, I bet,” the daughter chimed in.

The mother then seeks information about key fobs in cold weather.

“Does anybody have a car that acts crazy during the cold? ... We came into the car to start it up, and it’s telling me that there is no key fob, but the key fob is right here,” she says.

The mother then reveals the key fob and how, in order to start the car, she had to place the fob onto the push-to-start button to get it going.

“I have to touch it to start it with the key fob in order for it to start. It’s yelling at me every now and then that the key fob has left the vehicle,” she shares.

The mother also makes it clear that the battery is fine and a new one is not needed.

“Don’t tell me the key fob needs a new battery because I promise you it doesn’t. Something else is wrong,” she says.

The mother and daughter believe the weather has impacted the function of the key fob.

“Yep, I think it’s too cold,” the daughter adds.

“Yeah, it’s too cold; it’s not used to this cold weather,” the mother replies.

Gallery: 2026 Kia Sportage

2026 Kia Sportage

2026 Kia Sportage Interior

Source: Kia

Do Key Fobs Get Impacted by Cold Weather?

The mother isn’t the only one wondering if key fobs get impacted by colder weather.

According to Mr-Key, the battery inside the fob can be affected by colder weather.

This is due to the battery’s chemicals slowing down when experiencing cold weather. This will cause a reduced charge or stop the fob from working altogether.

“In addition to battery performance, the cold can also cause the internal components of the key fob to contract. This may interfere with the fob’s functionality, causing it to not respond when you press the buttons,” per Mr-Key.

The cold weather isn’t the only thing that can impact fob functionality. Any moisture from rain, snow, or condensation getting into the fob may cause short circuits or further damage.

To know if your fob is being impacted by the cold, some indicators will include delayed reactions, reduced range, or unresponsive buttons.

What Should You Do When Your Key Fob Gets Cold?

While it’s impossible to control the weather, there are a few things that can be done to protect your key fob from the cold.

Here are a few precautions that can be done to protect a key fob in colder weather, according to Mr-Key:

Keep the Key Fob Warm: Keeping the key fob in an insulated area, such as a pocket, small pouch, or insulated key fob holder, will do the trick.
Use a Backup Key: Most cars will have a hidden traditional key inside the key fob, which can be used during harsh winter conditions.
Replace Fob Battery Before Winter: Any signs of a weak battery should be replaced promptly. Most key fob batteries can be replaced at home.
Avoid Moisture Exposure: Keeping the key fob dry is essential for it to work properly. Any moisture can cause the internal components to fail.
Regularly Test Your Key Fob: If any signs of malfunction occur, it’s best to address them quickly so you don’t get stuck in a bad situation.

What do you think?

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Now, if your key fob stops working entirely, a few things can be done. This includes warming up the key, replacing the battery, or contacting a professional for service.

Motor1 has contacted @moatsonthemove via email and TikTok direct message. This story will be updated if she replies.

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