Battery problem

After moving my wife's car out of the garage to wash it the battery in the remote key block decided to die. Temporarily the car was immobilized until I noticed the message displaying on the dash board. Sure enough the key symbol showing on the dash display was visible on the side of the steering column. Holding the dead remote against this symbol miraculously allowed the car to be started. All is now solved with a new battery inserted in the remote. I have learned something new.