Is your 2010 Honda Accord key fob starting to feel unresponsive? You might be experiencing the common issue of a low battery. Fortunately, replacing the battery in your key fob is a straightforward task you can easily do yourself, saving time and money compared to a dealership visit. This guide will walk you through each step of replacing your 2010 Honda Accord key fob battery, ensuring you get back to unlocking your car with ease.
Tools You’ll Need
Before you begin, gather these simple tools:
- Small Phillips Head Screwdriver (#0 or Jeweler’s size): This is crucial for removing the tiny screw holding the key fob together. A magnetic tip can be helpful to avoid losing the screw.
- Small Flathead Screwdriver or Pry Tool: This will assist in gently separating the two halves of the key fob casing and opening the internal battery capsule.
- New CR1616 3V Battery: This is the correct replacement battery for your 2010 Honda Accord key fob. You can find these at most drugstores, supermarkets, or online retailers.
Step-by-Step Battery Replacement Guide
Follow these steps to replace your 2010 Honda Accord key fob battery:
Step 1: Loosening the Screw
Locate the small Phillips head screw on the back of your Honda Accord key fob. Using your Phillips head screwdriver, carefully turn the screw counterclockwise to loosen it. Be gentle, as these screws can be tight and stripping them can make removal difficult. For older key fobs, the screw may be secured with a thread-locking chemical, making it initially stiff. Applying a little heat to the screwdriver tip (warming it with a lighter or candle briefly) can help loosen the screw if needed.
Step 2: Opening 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 your flathead screwdriver or pry tool into this slot and gently twist or pry to begin separating the halves. Be patient and apply steady pressure. The casing might be a bit tight, especially if it hasn’t been opened before. As one user noted, applying firm but careful force should pop it open.
Step 3: Accessing the Battery Capsule
After opening the key fob, you’ll see a small black plastic capsule containing the circuit board and battery. Carefully remove this capsule from the key fob casing.
Step 4: Identifying and Replacing the Battery
Now, you need to open the black capsule itself to access the battery. Look for a seam or opening on the capsule. Using your small flathead screwdriver, gently pry open the capsule halves. Pay attention to the orientation of the two halves as you open it, noting how they fit together. This will ensure you reassemble it correctly later.
Inside the capsule, you will find the CR1616 3V battery. Note the battery’s orientation (+ side up or down) before removing it. Gently pry out the old battery and replace it with the new CR1616 battery, ensuring the new battery is placed in the same orientation as the old one.
Step 5: Cleaning Dielectric Grease (Optional but Recommended)
A common issue with 2008 and newer Honda Accord key fobs is the presence of dielectric grease on the battery contacts. Honda uses this grease as a protectant, but sometimes it can interfere with battery contact, leading to a weak signal. If you notice any grease on the battery contacts (both on the battery and the contact points inside the capsule), gently wipe it away with a clean, dry cloth or cotton swab. This simple step can often resolve signal issues even with a relatively new battery.
Step 6: Reassembling the Key Fob
Carefully reassemble the black battery capsule, ensuring the two halves are correctly aligned and snapped back together. Then, place the capsule back into the key fob casing. Finally, align the two halves of the key fob casing and press them firmly together until they snap closed. Reinsert and tighten the Phillips head screw. Do not overtighten the screw.
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