These instructions apply to the Vauxhall Vivaro Mk2 (B) 2014-2019.
For other models, please choose your vehicle here.
Remote stopped locking your Vauxhall Vivaro (2014–2019)? It’s almost always a flat fob battery — and the good news is the van still gets you in and started using the key blade built into the fob.
The Vivaro B (2014–2019) is the second-generation Vauxhall/Opel Vivaro and the last one based on the Renault Trafic — long one of the UK’s best-selling medium vans. The 2019-on Vivaro C is a different, PSA-based van.
Will It Still Start?
Yes. Even with a weak remote battery the key still starts the van — the immobiliser reads the key’s transponder, which needs no battery. A dead fob battery locks you out of the buttons, not the van.
Get In and Start
- Release the key blade — press the fob button and the metal switchblade flips out.
- Unlock the driver’s door with the blade (on some vans behind a cap on the handle).
- Start as normal — key-start vans just turn the key; keyless vans, press start with your foot on the brake and, if it doesn’t detect the fob, hold the fob against the start button.
- Replace the fob battery so remote locking works again.
Replace the Fob Battery
- Open the fob case at the slot with a small flat screwdriver.
- Swap the coin cell, matching the type and polarity marked on the cover — check the marking on your own fob rather than guessing. It lasts about two years.
- Clip the cover back firmly — a loose cover is a common cause of a fob that only works now and then.
There’s no owner resync step; the remote works as soon as a good cell is fitted. If the 12 volt battery was disconnected, the van’s ACCESS mode resets to default.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Vivaro B the same as the newer Vivaro?
No. The Vivaro B (2014–2019) shares the Renault Trafic platform, so these guides apply to it and its NV300 and Talento siblings. The 2019-on Vivaro C moved to the PSA/Stellantis platform and is a different van with different procedures.
Will my Vauxhall Vivaro start with a dead key fob battery?
Yes — use the built-in blade to open the door, then start as normal; the transponder works without a battery.
Where is the emergency key?
It’s the metal switchblade inside the fob — press the release button and it flips out for the driver’s door lock.
What battery does the fob take?
Check the type marked on the back of the cover — a standard coin cell lasting about two years. It varies by trim and year, so read your own fob.
Is it the same as a Renault Trafic?
Yes — as the Renault Trafic-based Vivaro B it uses the same fob and key, so the get-in-and-start method is identical across the Renault Trafic, Fiat Talento and Nissan NV300.
If a warning light or fault code appeared, look it up on autodtcs.com.
Independent guide — not affiliated with Vauxhall. Always follow your official service manual and safety precautions. Read our full disclaimer.