Is your 2010 Honda CRV key fob not working as reliably as it used to? You might be facing a dead battery. The good news is, replacing the battery in your 2010 CRV key fob is a straightforward task you can easily do yourself, saving you time and money compared to dealership service. This guide will walk you through the process step-by-step.
Identifying the Right Battery for Your 2010 CRV Key Fob
The battery you’ll need for your 2010 Honda CRV key fob is a CR1616 3V lithium battery. This type of battery, while not as common as AA or AAA batteries, is readily available at most drugstores, online retailers, and some electronics stores. You might find brands like Energizer or similar reputable manufacturers. It’s worth noting that even if you don’t use your spare key fob often, its battery can still drain over time, so it’s a good idea to replace both at the same time if one goes out.
Tools Needed for Key Fob Battery Replacement
Fortunately, you won’t need any specialized tools for this task. All you’ll need is a small Phillips head screwdriver, often referred to as a mini or micro Phillips head, to open the key fob. Having a soft cloth on hand is also recommended to protect the key fob from scratches during the process.
Step-by-Step Guide to Replacing Your 2010 CRV Key Fob Battery
Replacing the battery is a simple process that should take just a few minutes. Here’s how to do it:
Step 1: Accessing the Screw and Opening the Key Fob
First, locate the small Phillips head screw on the back of your 2010 CRV key fob. Using your mini Phillips head screwdriver, carefully unscrew and remove this screw. It might be a little tight initially, possibly due to threadlocker used during assembly. Apply firm, steady pressure while turning to avoid stripping the screw head. Placing your key fob on a soft cloth can prevent damage as you work. Once the screw is removed, you should be able to gently pull apart the two halves of the key fob.
Step 2: Opening the Inner Cassette to Reveal the Battery
After opening the key fob, you’ll see a black plastic inner cassette containing the electronics and the battery. This cassette is also designed to be opened. Carefully pry apart the two halves of this inner cassette. You can usually do this with your fingernail or the edge of a small tool, being gentle to avoid damaging the plastic.
Step 3: Removing and Replacing the Old CR1616 Battery
With the inner cassette open, you’ll see the CR1616 battery. Take note of the battery’s orientation – usually, the positive (+) side with the writing faces down, so it’s not visible when installed. Gently remove the old battery. When inserting the new CR1616 battery, ensure it’s placed in the same orientation as the old one, with the positive side facing down. Using a cloth to press the battery into place can help avoid touching the battery contacts directly, which is good practice for electronics.
Step 4: Reassembling Your 2010 CRV Key Fob
Now, carefully reassemble the inner cassette, ensuring both halves snap back together securely. Next, align the two halves of the outer key fob casing and press them together until they close firmly. Finally, replace the Phillips head screw and tighten it snugly. Avoid over-tightening to prevent damage.
Open 2010 Honda CRV key fob showing the battery compartment ready for CR1616 battery replacement.
Tips for a Smooth Battery Replacement
- If the screw is very tight: As mentioned, the screw might be tight. If you’re having trouble, ensure you are using the correct size Phillips head screwdriver and applying firm, even pressure. Using a tool like a vice-grip to get a better hold on the screwdriver can provide more leverage, but be extremely careful not to damage the screw head.
- Battery Availability: While CR1616 batteries are generally available, it’s always a good idea to check online retailers if you have trouble finding them locally or are looking for better prices.
- Dealer Cost Savings: Dealerships often charge a significant amount for simple services like battery replacement. By doing it yourself, you can save around $15 or more, as indicated by experiences shared by other CRV owners.
Replacing the battery in your 2010 CRV key fob is an easy and cost-effective DIY task. By following these steps, you can quickly restore the functionality of your key fob and avoid unnecessary expenses.
