Is your 2009 Honda Accord key fob acting up? Weak signal or inconsistent performance can be frustrating. Often, the culprit is simply a dead or dying battery. Replacing the battery in your 09 Honda Accord key fob is a straightforward DIY task that can save you time and money. This guide will walk you through the process step-by-step, and also highlight a common issue specific to these models that might be the real cause of your key fob problems.
The good news is you likely won’t need to visit a dealership or professional locksmith just for a battery change. With a few basic tools and a few minutes, you can get your key fob working like new.
Step-by-Step Guide to Replacing Your Key Fob Battery
Here’s how to replace the battery in your 2009 Honda Accord key fob:
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Gather Your Tools: You’ll need a small Phillips head screwdriver, specifically a #0 size. For older key fobs, the screw might be tight due to thread locking chemicals used by Honda. In such cases, you might need to gently heat the tip of your screwdriver with a lighter or candle for a few seconds to help loosen the screw. Be careful not to overheat it.
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Locate and Loosen the Screw: Turn your key fob over to find the small Phillips head screw on the back casing. Use your #0 screwdriver to carefully loosen and remove this screw. Keep the screw in a safe place so you don’t lose it.
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Open the Key Fob Casing: Once the screw is removed, you can separate the two halves of the key fob casing. Many Honda key fobs have a small slot along the side to aid in opening. Insert a small flathead screwdriver or your fingernail into this slot and gently pry the two halves apart. You might encounter some resistance, especially if it’s the first time opening the fob. Be patient and apply firm, even pressure until the casing pops open.
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Access the Battery Capsule: Inside the key fob, you’ll see a small black capsule containing the circuit board and battery. Carefully remove this capsule from the key fob casing.
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Open the Battery Capsule: The black capsule itself is also composed of two halves. Use a small flathead screwdriver to gently pry open the capsule from one end. Pay attention to the orientation of these halves as they are designed to fit together only in one direction to ensure proper contact with the battery.
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Identify the Battery Type: Take a look at the battery inside. For a 2009 Honda Accord key fob, the battery type is typically a CR1616 3V lithium battery. It’s a common watch-type battery, readily available at most drugstores, supermarkets, and online retailers.
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Remove the Old Battery and Install the New One: Carefully remove the old battery, noting its orientation (+ and – sides). Install the new CR1616 battery in the same orientation.
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Clean the Battery Contacts (Important for 09 Accords): Before reassembling, this is a crucial step, especially for 2009 Honda Accords and similar models (08 and up Accords, 09 up Pilots). Honda has acknowledged a problem where a protective dielectric grease can sometimes migrate onto the battery contacts. This grease, while intended to protect other components, can interfere with the battery connection, leading to weak signal or key fob malfunction. Inspect the battery contact points inside the capsule and on the battery itself for any signs of grease. If you see grease, gently wipe it away with a clean, lint-free cloth or a cotton swab.
Alt text: Close-up of the back of a Honda Accord key fob showing the location of the Phillips head screw that needs to be removed to access the battery compartment.
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Reassemble the Key Fob: Carefully reassemble the black battery capsule, ensuring the two halves are correctly aligned. Place the capsule back into the key fob casing. Snap the two halves of the key fob casing back together, and finally, re-insert and tighten the Phillips head screw.
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Test Your Key Fob: Test the buttons on your key fob to ensure they are working correctly. Your remote should now have a strong and reliable signal.
The Grease Problem: A Potential Free Fix at Honda Dealers
If you’ve replaced the battery and are still experiencing issues with your 2009 Honda Accord key fob, the dielectric grease issue might be the primary cause. Many Honda owners have reported this problem, and Honda dealerships are often aware of it.
It’s worth contacting your local Honda dealer and explaining the situation. In some cases, dealerships may clean the grease from the battery contacts free of charge as a known service issue, even if your car is out of warranty. This could save you the cost of unnecessary repairs or a new key fob.
Alt text: Image showing a Honda Accord key fob opened in two halves, displaying the internal components including the battery capsule and circuit board.
Conclusion
Replacing the battery in your 2009 Honda Accord key fob is typically a quick and easy fix. By following these steps, you can restore your key fob’s functionality and avoid unnecessary dealership visits. Remember to check for the dielectric grease issue, as cleaning the contacts might be all that’s needed, and could potentially be a free service at your Honda dealer. Keep your key fob working reliably and enjoy the convenience it provides!
