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Dead Key Fob Battery on a 2024 Chevy Silverado? Here’s How to Get Back In and Start It

Key fob battery is dead or dying

🚀 Immediate Steps to Take

  1. Use the hidden mechanical key inside the fob to unlock the driver’s door (look for the release on the fob and the key cylinder/hidden cover on the driver handle, depending on trim).
  2. Start the truck using the passive/backup method: hold the fob against the designated reader area (commonly near the start button/steering column area on push-button trucks) and then start the vehicle. If you have a turn-key ignition, try starting with the fob very close to the ignition area.
  3. Replace the key fob battery with the correct coin cell (commonly CR2032 on many GM fobs—verify by opening your fob or checking the owner’s manual) and test lock/unlock, remote start (if equipped), and passive entry.

Your Options

DIY key fob battery replacement (recommended first step)

Cost: $5-$20 Time: Varies

Most 2024 Silverado key fobs use a standard coin-cell battery that you can replace at home with minimal tools. Once replaced, the fob typically works immediately—no programming is usually required for a simple battery swap. This is the fastest, lowest-cost path when the fob is otherwise healthy.

✓ Pros:
  • Lowest cost option
  • Fast—often solved the same day
  • No appointment needed
✗ Cons:
  • Easy to damage the fob case if pried incorrectly
  • If the fob is failing (not just the battery), this won’t fully fix it

Buy a battery locally and have it installed (parts counter or retail help)

Cost: $10-$40 Time: Varies

Many auto parts retailers and some dealership parts counters can help identify the correct coin-cell battery and may install it (policies vary). This reduces the risk of cracking the fob housing and ensures you leave with the right battery size. It’s still a quick fix when the fob is simply out of power.

✓ Pros:
  • Higher confidence you’re using the correct battery
  • Less chance of damaging the fob
  • Usually same-day
✗ Cons:
  • May cost more than DIY
  • Installation help isn’t guaranteed everywhere

Dealership diagnostic if a new battery doesn’t fix it

Cost: $50-$200 Time: Varies

If your Silverado still shows “No Remote Detected,” passive entry doesn’t work, or range is extremely short after a new battery, the issue may be a failing fob, damage/corrosion inside the fob, or a vehicle-side receiver/antenna problem. A dealer-level scan and testing can confirm whether the truck is reading the fob properly and whether a replacement fob is needed. This is the most thorough path when the problem isn’t just the battery.

✓ Pros:
  • Most accurate diagnosis when symptoms persist
  • Can confirm whether the problem is the fob or the truck
  • Access to OEM procedures and parts
✗ Cons:
  • Higher cost than a simple battery swap
  • May require appointment or wait time

Replace the key fob (if the fob itself is failing)

Cost: $200-$600 Time: Varies

If the fob has been dropped, exposed to moisture, or works only intermittently even with a fresh battery, replacement may be more practical than repeated troubleshooting. Replacement fobs typically require pairing/programming to your 2024 Silverado, and pricing varies widely depending on trim and features (remote start, proximity, etc.). Keep at least two working fobs if possible to avoid getting stranded later.

✓ Pros:
  • Restores reliability when the old fob is damaged or worn out
  • Eliminates intermittent issues caused by internal corrosion or broken buttons
  • Peace of mind if you keep a spare
✗ Cons:
  • Most expensive option
  • Programming/pairing may be required

⚠️ What to Avoid

✕ Avoid paying for a full key fob replacement before trying a verified new battery—dead coin cells are far more common than failed fobs.

✕ Avoid forcing the fob open with a large screwdriver or metal pry tool; cracked housings and damaged circuit boards turn a $10 fix into a $300+ problem.

✕ Avoid cheap no-name coin-cell batteries or old stock; weak batteries can cause short range, intermittent “No Remote Detected,” or remote start failures.

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Using wrong battery type
  • Damaging case during opening
  • Not resetting after replacement
  • Buying expensive batteries

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I start my 2024 Chevrolet Silverado if the key fob battery is dead?

Yes. Your Silverado is designed to recognize the fob using a backup/passive method even when the fob battery is dead. Use the mechanical key to get in if needed, then hold the fob at the designated reader area (often near the start button/steering column area on push-button models) and start the truck.

Do I need to reprogram the key fob after replacing the battery?

Usually no. A battery replacement alone typically does not erase programming on a 2024 Silverado fob. If the fob still won’t work after a correct new battery is installed, the issue is likely the fob hardware, battery contact/installation, or a vehicle-side problem.

Why does my Silverado say “No Remote Detected” even after a new battery?

Common causes include the wrong battery size, the battery installed upside down, bent/dirty battery contacts, internal fob damage (drop/water), or radio interference. If the message persists consistently with both fobs (if you have two), it may point to a truck-side receiver/antenna issue that needs diagnosis.

Related Information

Need Detailed Information?

Get vehicle-specific key fob compatibility, part numbers, and a complete price comparison for your 2024 Chevrolet Silverado.

View Silverado Key Fob Guide →

Last updated: 2026-01-04