Is your 2011 Honda CRV key fob starting to act up? You might notice the range is decreasing, or it’s simply not working as reliably as it used to. Often, the culprit is just a dead battery. The good news is replacing the battery in your Honda CRV key fob is a straightforward DIY task that can save you time and money. Knowing the correct battery size is the first step.
Identifying the Right Battery for Your 2011 Honda CRV Key Fob
For the 2011 Honda CRV key fob, the battery you’ll need is a CR1616 battery. This is a 3V lithium coin cell battery. It might seem like an unusual size, but it’s commonly used in car key fobs and other small electronic devices. While you might not find it at every corner store, most drugstores, electronics stores, and online retailers carry the CR1616 battery. Brands like Energizer and Panasonic are reliable options. It’s always a good idea to keep a spare CR1616 battery at home so you’re prepared when your key fob battery eventually runs out.
Step-by-Step Battery Replacement for Your 2011 Honda CRV Key Fob
Replacing the battery is an easy process that should only take a few minutes. Here’s how to do it:
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Gather your tools: You’ll need a small Phillips head screwdriver (sometimes called a mini or micro Phillips screwdriver) and a new CR1616 battery. A soft cloth can also be helpful to protect the key fob.
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Open the key fob: On the back of your key fob, you’ll find a small Phillips head screw. Use your screwdriver to carefully remove this screw. It might be a little tight the first time, so apply firm and steady pressure while turning to avoid stripping the screw head. Working on a soft surface like a terrycloth can prevent scratches.
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Separate the key fob halves: Once the screw is removed, you can gently pry open the two halves of the key fob. They should separate easily.
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Open the inner cassette: Inside the key fob, you’ll see a black plastic cassette that houses the electronics and the battery. This cassette also splits into two halves. Carefully pry this open as well.
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Remove the old battery: You’ll now see the CR1616 battery. Take out the old battery.
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Install the new battery: Place the new CR1616 battery into the slot. Ensure the positive (+) side of the battery (the side with the writing) is facing down, so it’s not visible when installed. Using a cloth to press the battery into place can help avoid touching the battery contacts directly.
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Reassemble the key fob: Carefully snap the two halves of the inner cassette back together, then reassemble the two halves of the key fob. Replace and tighten the Phillips head screw, being firm but not over-tightening.
Save Money with DIY Key Fob Battery Replacement
Changing your 2011 Honda CRV key fob battery yourself is a significant saving compared to going to the dealership. Dealers often charge a service fee for this simple task, sometimes around $15 or more just for a battery replacement. By doing it yourself, you only pay for the cost of the CR1616 battery, which is usually just a few dollars. Plus, you gain the satisfaction of knowing you can handle this simple car maintenance task yourself!
Replacing your 2011 Honda CRV key fob battery is a quick and easy way to restore the reliability of your remote and save money. Just remember to use the correct CR1616 battery and follow these simple steps.