Is your 2010 Honda CRV key fob not working as reliably as it used to? You might be facing the common issue of a dead or dying key fob battery. The good news is, replacing the battery in your Honda CRV key fob is a straightforward process you can easily do yourself, saving you time and money compared to dealership service. Knowing the correct battery type is the first step to getting your key fob back in top shape.
The battery you’ll need for your 2010 Honda CRV key fob is a CR1616 battery. This is a 3V lithium coin cell battery. While it’s mentioned as somewhat “oddball” in some places, these batteries are actually quite accessible and commonly found in various retail locations. You shouldn’t have trouble locating one.
Why bother replacing it yourself? Dealerships often charge a significant amount for this simple service, sometimes quoting around $15 just for a battery replacement. Doing it yourself is not only cost-effective but also a quick and simple task that takes just a few minutes.
Here’s how you can replace the battery in your 2010 Honda CRV key fob:
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Gather Your Tools: You’ll need a small Phillips head screwdriver (often described as mini or micro Phillips) and a new CR1616 battery. A soft cloth can also be helpful to protect the key fob and battery.
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Open the Key Fob Casing: Locate the small screw on the back of your key fob. Using your Phillips head screwdriver, carefully unscrew and remove this screw. Be patient, as it might be a bit tight. Applying firm and steady pressure while turning is key to avoid stripping the screw head. Having a terrycloth underneath can prevent scratches.
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Separate the Key Fob Halves: Once the screw is removed, gently pry open the two halves of the key fob. They should separate relatively easily.
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Access the Battery Cassette: Inside the key fob, you’ll see a black plastic cassette that houses the electronic components and the battery. This cassette itself is also in two parts.
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Open the Battery Cassette: Carefully pry open the two halves of the battery cassette to expose the battery.
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Remove the Old Battery: Take out the old CR1616 battery. Note the orientation of the battery before removing it – usually, the positive (+) side with the writing faces downwards, hidden from view once assembled.
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Insert the New Battery: Place the new CR1616 battery into the cassette, ensuring the positive (+) side is facing down in the same orientation as the old battery. Use a cloth to press the battery into place, avoiding touching the battery contacts directly with your fingers.
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Reassemble the Cassette and Key Fob: Snap the two halves of the battery cassette back together. Then, reassemble the two halves of the key fob casing.
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Replace the Screw: Finally, put the screw back in and tighten it securely, but don’t overtighten.
Where to Purchase CR1616 Batteries:
You can find CR1616 batteries at various locations:
- Drug Stores: Pharmacies like Walgreens or CVS often carry CR1616 batteries.
- Online Retailers: Websites like Amazon or eBay are excellent sources and may offer more competitive prices, especially if you buy in multi-packs.
- Big Box Stores: While the original article mentioned difficulty finding them at big box building supply stores or Walmart, it’s still worth checking electronics sections of stores like Walmart or Target.
Remember, even if you don’t use your spare key fob often, the battery can still drain over time. It’s a good idea to replace the battery in all your key fobs around the same time to avoid future surprises.
Replacing the battery in your 2010 Honda CRV key fob is a simple DIY task that can save you money and keep you on the road. By knowing the correct battery type – CR1616 – and following these easy steps, you can ensure your key fob is always ready to unlock your CRV.
