Since I'm on the road so much, I wondered what might happen if my key battery suddenly went kaput for some reason. I know I wouldn't be able to start the engine and I'd be stranded. So I went ahead and got a spare battery (CR 1620 3v for this particular key) and a small Philips's head screwdriver and put it in the glove box. Good idea or am I worrying too much?

 

You worry too much. That key should get you in the car and start the engine even if the battery inside it is dead, or without any battery in it at all.
Remove the battery from the fob and see if this is right.

 

You worry too much, but as a boy scout you're well on your way.

The LX does not have the start button. Residual power from the key should get you started, and your manual key will get you into your car. Not as many worries as the EXers. KISS.

 

You are correct. It started right up without the battery.

That's why I love this forum - you learn something new every day.

 

Apparently they have thought ahead with the following procedure for those with the EX/EX-L smart keys:

If the Smart Entry Remote Battery is Weak
If the beeper sounds, the indicator on the ENGINE START/STOP button flashes,
and the engine won’t start.
Start the engine as follows.

1. Touch the center of the ENGINE START/
STOP button with the H logo on the smart
entry remote while the indicator on the
ENGINE START/STOP button is flashing.
The buttons on the smart entry remote
should be facing you.
The indicator flashes for about 30
seconds.

2. Depress the brake pedal (automatic
transmission) or clutch pedal (manual
transmission) and press the ENGINE
START/STOP button within 10 seconds
after the beeper sounds and the indicator
stays on.
If you don’t depress the pedal, the mode
will change to ACCESSORY.

 

It's easier to carry a spare battery than it would be to try to remember that procedure, so I do.

 

Really, holding the key fob to the start button is hard to remember?

 

A lot of factors would have to line up to become stranded by a dead fob battery.
Including the failure of the low battery protocol. Which is a big safety net Honda has built into the whole end of battery life process.

So yeah, I wouldn't worry about it.

BUT.....carrying a screwdriver...not a bad idea anyway.

So the cost of this "paranoia" is simply carrying a battery around?

There are worse sins.
Even if I think it's 99.9% a useless endevour.

 

You don't need a screwdriver to get to the battery on the smart key cars. Those key fobs just pop apart using the metal key insert in a twisting motion. But holding the key to the button will start the car with no battery in the fob.

You do need a micro sized phillips for blade style keys, but they will start without the battery in the key.

 

Well, I didn't remember it when the battery died in the fob the other day.