Is your 2009 Corvette key fob not working as reliably as it used to? A common culprit is a dead or dying battery. Fortunately, replacing the battery in your 2009 Corvette key fob is a simple task you can do yourself in just a few minutes. This guide will walk you through each step, ensuring you can easily replace your key fob battery and get back on the road with a fully functioning remote.
First, let’s identify the type of key fob we are working with. The 2009 Corvette key fob typically looks like this:
What You’ll Need
Before you begin, gather these simple tools:
- A new CR2032 battery (the standard replacement battery for most key fobs)
- A thin, flat tool such as a table knife, a stiff guitar pick, or a plastic trim tool (a toothpick can also be helpful)
Step-by-Step Guide to Replacing Your 2009 Corvette Key Fob Battery
Follow these steps to easily replace your Corvette key fob battery:
Step 1: Remove the Emergency Key
Locate the small tab on your key fob. Press this tab and simultaneously pull out the emergency key. This key is a standard feature and needs to be removed to access the key fob casing.
Step 2: Carefully Separate the Fob Halves
This is a crucial step. Caution: Do not attempt to pry apart the key fob halves at the key pocket area. This area is part of a single half of the fob, and prying here can cause damage to the plastic. The opposite side also has a recess that is entirely within one half.
Insert your chosen thin tool into the slit between the two halves of the key fob. A table knife, guitar pick, or plastic tool works well. Avoid using thick or sharp tools like screwdrivers or letter openers, as they can damage the plastic casing or leave unsightly marks.
Work your tool gently around the seam, gradually applying pressure until the plastic tabs begin to release. Take your time and avoid forcing it to prevent breaking the tabs that secure the fob halves. These tabs run along most of the three sides of the fob.
Step 3: Open the Fob
Once you’ve started to separate the halves, work your way around. First, open one side, then the end opposite the emergency key slot, and finally, the remaining side should come apart easily.
Step 4: Handle the Electronics with Care
With the fob open, the internal electronic circuit board may become loose. Handle the green circuit board by its edges only. Caution: Avoid touching the electronic components or metal surfaces on the board, as static discharge from your body can damage sensitive electronics, even if you don’t feel it.
If the components separate, ensure the side of the green board with circular markings is placed against the rubber housing when reassembling.
Step 5: Remove the Old Battery
You’ll see the old CR2032 battery in its compartment. Use a toothpick or your fingernail to gently pry out the old battery. There are no electronics on this side of the fob, so you are less likely to cause damage here. Be careful not to bend or damage the small metal spring contact.
Step 6: Install the New Battery
Insert the new CR2032 battery with the positive (+) side facing down into the compartment. Start by sliding one edge of the battery under the metal spring contact and then gently press the other side down until it clicks into place. If you encounter significant resistance, double-check the battery orientation.
Step 7: Reassemble the Key Fob
Ensure the electronic circuit board is correctly seated in its rubber housing. Then, carefully press the two halves of the key fob back together. Work your way around the edges, squeezing until the case snaps closed. It shouldn’t require excessive force. If the halves don’t align easily, check the alignment of the internal components and make sure the emergency key release button is correctly positioned in its slot.
Step 8: Test Your Key Fob
Once reassembled, slide the emergency key back into place. Test all the buttons on your key fob to ensure they are working correctly. Your 2009 Corvette key fob should now be powered by a fresh battery and ready to use.
Conclusion
Replacing the battery in your 2009 Corvette key fob is a straightforward maintenance task that any owner can accomplish at home. By following these simple steps, you can avoid unnecessary trips to the dealership and keep your key fob functioning perfectly for years to come. Typically, you might expect to repeat this simple battery replacement every few years, depending on usage.
