# 2020 Kia remote start **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Created:** [December 16, 2025, 8:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2020-kia-remote-start/1025764 "2025-12-16T20:39:36Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 18\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![carnivorousplant](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/carnivorousplant/32/3563_2.png) [@carnivorousplant](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/carnivorousplant)\ **Post date:** [December 16, 2025, 8:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2020-kia-remote-start/1025764/1 "2025-12-16T20:39:37Z")
The Google is weak with this one. Kia after 2020 has a remote start function on the key fob, the little (unless you try to put it in your pocket) box that the key folds into, with switches to lock and unlock, sound the horn to annoy bystanders, etc. Sometime after 2020, the box also has a remote start switch. Mrs. Plant’s Kia has a separate tiny black box with a button labeled “START STOP”. It has quit working. My search for how to program this little START STOP switch always ends up with a link on how to use the after 2020 key fob, not the little start stop box. Does anyone have a link or knowledge of how to program the little start stop box for a 2020 Soul? ---
**Author:** ![jnglmassiv](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/f07891/32.png) [@jnglmassiv](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jnglmassiv)\ **Post date:** [December 16, 2025, 8:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2020-kia-remote-start/1025764/2 "2025-12-16T20:49:57Z")
I was going to guess it was aftermarket but, on research, I think this is the second boxfob doodad you describe. It doesn’t answer the question but shows the start/stop button. > **[2020-2022 Kia Soul Remote Starter (G140)](https://kiastuff.com/2020-kia-soul-remote-starter-g140/?srsltid=AfmBOorMVfoFTZKdfDI8vfXK9ZJgoyzmBbZyN9zJb6hnNLQZFcILEv-I)** > > The 2020-2022 Kia Soul Remote Starter allows you to start your Soul up to 500 feet away. Order yours today at KiaStuff.com! ---
**Author:** ![markn\_1](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/f9ae1b/32.png) [@markn\_1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/markn_1)\ **Post date:** [December 16, 2025, 10:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2020-kia-remote-start/1025764/3 "2025-12-16T22:46:53Z")
Probably a silly and obvious question, but have you replaced the batteries in the box? ---
**Author:** ![carnivorousplant](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/carnivorousplant/32/3563_2.png) [@carnivorousplant](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/carnivorousplant)\ **Post date:** [December 17, 2025, 4:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2020-kia-remote-start/1025764/4 "2025-12-17T16:24:51Z")
I think they should still be good after only five years. I don’t think I can get it open without damaging it. I’d like to try a reset before I bang it open. ---
**Author:** ![Dorjan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dorjan/32/12440_2.png) [@Dorjan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dorjan)\ **Post date:** [December 17, 2025, 4:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2020-kia-remote-start/1025764/5 "2025-12-17T16:33:21Z")
You should be able to pop it open to expose the battery using a flathead screwdriver. That’s how they are designed to be opened. After 5 years I’d say the battery would be my #1 suspect. ---
**Author:** ![carnivorousplant](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/carnivorousplant/32/3563_2.png) [@carnivorousplant](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/carnivorousplant)\ **Post date:** [December 17, 2025, 4:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2020-kia-remote-start/1025764/6 "2025-12-17T16:46:02Z")
I’ll give it a shot. Will it need to be be programmed? The LEDs function when the switches are pressed. I really don’t want to approach a dealer. Battery installation was $600.00. I really like driving a 2018 Ford Ranger sometimes. ---
**Author:** ![phs3](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/8491ac/32.png) [@phs3](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/phs3)\ **Post date:** [December 17, 2025, 7:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2020-kia-remote-start/1025764/7 "2025-12-17T19:14:31Z")
OP: Is this it? In any case, post some close-up pics of the edges of the unit, maybe we can spot the slot to open it. I disbelieve that a $335 item does not have a replaceable battery (well, OK, I can BELIEVE it but am pretty sure we’d find people whining about that online if so). ---
**Author:** ![Dorjan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dorjan/32/12440_2.png) [@Dorjan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dorjan)\ **Post date:** [December 17, 2025, 7:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2020-kia-remote-start/1025764/8 "2025-12-17T19:31:39Z")
The programming for those are flashed onto the chip and shouldn’t need reprogramming after a battery swap. $600 to change a battery is insane. if I was looking at the correct key fob, it’s a regular coin cell battery, CR2032 IIRC which is one of the most common sizes out there and costs about $2. ---
**Author:** ![Lsura](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/7993a0/32.png) [@Lsura](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lsura)\ **Post date:** [December 17, 2025, 8:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2020-kia-remote-start/1025764/9 "2025-12-17T20:06:20Z")
> [@carnivorousplant](#): > > I’ll give it a shot. Will it need to be be programmed? The little black box for my 2020 kia soul remote start has a divot on one corner that makes it super easy to open and you can see the battery in there once it’s opened. I didn’t need a screwdriver or anything - just gently using my thumb. ---
**Author:** ![Wallaby](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/dc4da7/32.png) [@Wallaby](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wallaby)\ **Post date:** [December 18, 2025, 6:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2020-kia-remote-start/1025764/10 "2025-12-18T06:35:45Z")
> [@Dorjan](#): > > it’s a regular coin cell battery, CR2032 IIRC That seems to be the standard size for a lot of things these days. It fits the remotes for 2 different brands of cars we have (Subaru and Toyota), the garage door opener, the bathroom scales and probably a few other things we dont use enough to have run the battery flat. ---
**Author:** ![jnglmassiv](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/f07891/32.png) [@jnglmassiv](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jnglmassiv)\ **Post date:** [December 18, 2025, 4:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2020-kia-remote-start/1025764/11 "2025-12-18T16:17:49Z")
> [@Wallaby](#): > > That seems to be the standard size for a lot of things these days. Yes and I’ve spotted them at Dollar Tree, though I’d try to use a better one for a car’s keyfob if I could help it. It’s also not universal, my own Mazda, awesome in most other ways, uses the less common CR2025. I’d say I get a little less than a year each batt and I seldom use the higher power transmit buttons and instead just the presumably lower draw keyless entry & start. I don’t have a remote starter. OP’s five years is remarkable. ---
**Author:** ![Marvin\_the\_Martian](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/marvin_the_martian/32/2898_2.png) [@Marvin\_the\_Martian](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Marvin_the_Martian)\ **Post date:** [December 18, 2025, 4:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2020-kia-remote-start/1025764/12 "2025-12-18T16:21:28Z")
> [@jnglmassiv](#): > > Yes and I’ve spotted them at Dollar Tree Costco is selling Duracell brand CR2032 at $15/dozen. > [@Wallaby](#): > > That seems to be the standard size for a lot of things these days. Including Apple air tags. ---
**Author:** ![Dewey\_Finn](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dewey_finn/32/4222_2.png) [@Dewey\_Finn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dewey_Finn)\ **Post date:** [December 18, 2025, 11:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2020-kia-remote-start/1025764/13 "2025-12-18T23:33:27Z")
I buy CR2032 batteries for Apple AirTags, except many have a bitter coating to discourage children from swallowing them. Supposedly the bitter coating can interfere with the electrical contacts in the AirTags. ---
**Author:** ![Marvin\_the\_Martian](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/marvin_the_martian/32/2898_2.png) [@Marvin\_the\_Martian](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Marvin_the_Martian)\ **Post date:** [December 19, 2025, 3:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2020-kia-remote-start/1025764/14 "2025-12-19T03:49:39Z")
Haven’t had a problem with the AirTag contacts. They look like many other Cr2032 contacts. My issue is that sometimes they are packaged in so many layers of plastic that they are a pain to get out. ---
**Author:** ![Dewey\_Finn](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dewey_finn/32/4222_2.png) [@Dewey\_Finn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dewey_Finn)\ **Post date:** [December 19, 2025, 11:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2020-kia-remote-start/1025764/15 "2025-12-19T11:17:04Z")
Yes, the layers of plastic requires scissors to cut the battery free. ---
**Author:** ![jnglmassiv](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/f07891/32.png) [@jnglmassiv](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jnglmassiv)\ **Post date:** [December 19, 2025, 2:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2020-kia-remote-start/1025764/16 "2025-12-19T14:50:56Z")
I saw some coin cell packaging conspicuously touting Three!! child safety measures: the bitterant coating, the microdots of blue dye (so you can see if baby was gumming them or if you have damp hands), and, third, the very difficult to open packaging. It’s a feature, see? ---
**Author:** ![carnivorousplant](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/carnivorousplant/32/3563_2.png) [@carnivorousplant](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/carnivorousplant)\ **Post date:** [December 19, 2025, 4:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2020-kia-remote-start/1025764/17 "2025-12-19T16:34:05Z")
Indeed it does have a slot. Thanks, Lsura. Two CR2025s, both showing 3.2v on my DVM. I replaced them, and will test it when Mrs. Plant brings the car back from work. ---
**Author:** ![carnivorousplant](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/carnivorousplant/32/3563_2.png) [@carnivorousplant](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/carnivorousplant)\ **Post date:** [December 20, 2025, 4:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2020-kia-remote-start/1025764/18 "2025-12-20T16:38:53Z")
Success! I Googled the part number on the little black box, which is called a “key” and “fob”. We had set the remote to “valet mode”; you don’t want to have your little brother start the car by remote when you are changing the fan belt. Turning the real key from on to off, stepping on the brake and pressing the button on the remote for two and a half seconds while holding you left ear in you right hand restores remote operation. There are also instructions to connect the replacement I bought on Ebay for $15.00. My Google Fu is restored.