Key fobs are essential for modern car owners, offering convenience and security. However, like any electronic device, they rely on batteries, and knowing the right type is crucial for uninterrupted functionality. If you’ve encountered a dead key fob, you might be searching for the correct replacement battery. Often, confusion arises around battery sizes, especially when encountering numbers like 1620. This article will clarify the mystery behind the “1620 Battery For Key Fob,” explore compatible options, and guide you in choosing the right power source for your car key.
To understand the 1620 battery in key fobs, we first need to decipher battery codes. Batteries used in key fobs, like the CR1620, CR1616, and CR2016, follow a standardized naming convention. The “CR” prefix indicates a lithium battery, and the numbers specify the dimensions. The first two digits represent the diameter in millimeters, and the last two indicate the thickness in tenths of millimeters. Therefore, a CR1620 battery is 16mm in diameter and 2.0mm thick. Similarly, a CR1616 is 16mm in diameter but only 1.6mm thick, making it slightly thinner than the CR1620. The CR2016 battery, while also 1.6mm thick, has a larger diameter of 20mm.
Now, why might you find a DL1620 or a CR1620 battery in your key fob when online searches or even your owner’s manual suggest a different type, such as CR1616? The “DL” in DL1620 simply indicates that it’s a Duracell brand battery; functionally, it’s the same as a CR1620. The original poster in the forum thread discovered a DL1620 in their 2004 Land Cruiser key fob, where some sources suggested a CR1616. This raises a valid question: is the 1620 battery a suitable replacement?
While a CR1620 battery, being slightly thicker than a CR1616, might fit into a key fob designed for a CR1616, it’s generally not recommended as the standard replacement. As mentioned in the forum, a thicker battery could potentially put pressure on the internal components of the key fob and, in the long run, might cause damage. However, as some users have experienced, a CR1620 can function in a key fob designed for a CR1616, and it might even offer a slightly longer lifespan due to its higher capacity. This is because the increased thickness provides a bit more space for the energy-storing chemicals inside the battery.
Owner's manual extract showing CR1616 battery specification for the key fob.
It’s also important to note that different car models and even different years of the same model can use different key fob batteries. One forum user with a 2007 Land Cruiser discovered that their fob used a CR2016 battery, contrary to the CR1616 suggested for earlier models. This variation highlights the importance of verifying the correct battery for your specific key fob.
So, how do you determine the correct battery for your key fob? The most reliable method is to check your owner’s manual. As pointed out in the forum, the owner’s manual usually specifies the correct battery type in the key or remote control section. If you no longer have your manual, you can often find a digital version online on the manufacturer’s website.
Alternatively, carefully open your key fob and examine the old battery. The battery type is typically printed directly on the battery itself. This is a foolproof way to ensure you purchase the exact replacement. If you are still unsure, especially if you find a battery type different from what you expected, it’s always best to err on the side of caution and consult your owner’s manual or a reliable online resource specific to your car model and year.
In conclusion, while a 1620 battery (CR1620 or DL1620) might function in some key fobs designed for slightly thinner batteries, it’s not always the recommended or safest option. To avoid potential damage and ensure optimal performance, always prioritize using the battery type specified by your car manufacturer. Check your owner’s manual or the existing battery in your key fob to identify the correct replacement, ensuring your key fob remains powered and reliable. For more information on key fob maintenance and battery replacements, visit keyfobprog.com, your trusted resource for automotive key solutions.
