Giulia Key Fob Problems: Dead Battery Warning Guide

Having some experience with key fob issues, I dealt with a similar problem on my 2018 Giulietta last winter. The auto key system started acting up, showing the same low battery warning on the dashboard. The dead key symptoms were exactly like yours, inconsistent door locking and error messages. I first thought it might need reprogramming, but it turned out to be just a low voltage issue with the key fob battery. Took it to an auto shop where they did a battery replacement. Total cost was 37 Euro for the new battery and labor. The fix was quick and solved all the problems, no more error codes or locking issues. Before you head to a shop though, what exact error codes is your Giulia showing? Also, can you still start the car with the physical key part of the fob? This info would help determine if its really just a simple battery issue or something more complex. Would also help to know: How old is the current key battery? Does the issue happen with all key fobs? Are there any other electrical issues with the car?

Thanks for sharing your experience. My Giulia has 82719 KM and just had its annual service last month. Those electronic key symptoms sound very similar. I managed to check and both key fobs are showing the same issue, which makes me think its not just a unusual dead key problem. While the physical key part still works, the keyless functions are completely dead now. The error code showing is error 016234 for both key fobs, along with the low battery indicator light. No other electrical problems noticed so far. Not sure about the age of the current key batteries since I have not changed them since getting the car in 2020. Will try replacing the batteries first before considering more expensive repairs.

Based on your description, this definitely points toward depleted key fob batteries. Having the same error code 016234 on both fobs actually strengthens the case that its a battery-related issue rather than a system malfunction. Just like in my case with the Giulietta, the symptoms perfectly match a low voltage situation, the physical key still works while the keyless functions fail. The fact that both fobs are showing identical behavior is actually good news, as its extremely unlikely for both units to fail simultaneously for any reason other than old batteries. Original key fob batteries typically last 3-4 years, so reaching 2024 with the original 2020 batteries matches the expected lifespan. In my experience, once the low battery warning appears, you usually have about 2-3 weeks before the keyless functions stop working completely. For reference, my repair involved: New CR2032 batteries for both fobs, Quick system reset after battery replacement, Total cost around 40 Euro for both keys The auto key system should return to normal immediately after fresh batteries are installed. If problems persist after replacing the batteries, then we might need to look at other potential issues. But given the matching symptoms and timeline, I would be very surprised if new batteries dont resolve this completely.

Thanks everyone for the helpful advice. Your experiences really helped clarify things. Just got back from getting both key fob batteries replaced at a local shop, total cost was 35 Euro for both electronic keys. Happy to report that replacing the key batteries fixed everything. The error codes are gone and all keyless functions are working perfectly again. The shop confirmed the original batteries were completely dead after nearly 4 years of use. Really glad it turned out to be just a simple key fob battery issue rather than something more serious with the electronic system. Will definitely keep track of when these new batteries were installed so I can replace them proactively next time before getting stuck with non-working keys. Thanks again for helping diagnose this, saved me from potentially spending much more at the dealership for what turned out to be a quick and affordable fix.