Is your 2012 Honda CRV key fob not working reliably, or has it stopped working altogether? A common culprit is a dead battery. Fortunately, replacing the battery in your CRV key fob is a straightforward process you can easily do yourself, saving you time and money compared to going to a dealership. This guide will walk you through each step to replace your 2012 Crv Key Fob Battery quickly and efficiently.
The battery you’ll need is a CR1616, a 3V lithium battery. While this might not be the most common battery type in every store, you can typically find it at drug stores like Walgreens or online retailers. You might have less luck finding it at big box home improvement stores or general retailers like Walmart or CVS, but it’s worth checking a local pharmacy or ordering online for convenience and potentially better prices. Brands like Energizer offer this battery, and you might find options made in various countries, including Japan and Mexico.
To begin the replacement, you’ll need a mini-Phillips head screwdriver. The key fob is held together by a small screw. Once you have your screwdriver and new CR1616 battery ready, follow these steps:
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Locate the Screw: On the back of your 2012 CRV key fob, you’ll see a small Phillips head screw.
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Remove the Screw: This screw can sometimes be quite tight from the factory, possibly even having thread locker applied. Use a properly sized mini-Phillips screwdriver. It can be helpful to apply firm, steady pressure while turning to avoid stripping the screw head. If you’re having difficulty, you might try using pliers to get a better grip on the screwdriver for more leverage, but be careful not to damage the key fob or the screw head itself. Working on a soft surface like a terrycloth can protect the key fob from scratches.
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Open the Key Fob: After removing the screw, the key fob casing will split into two halves. Gently pull them apart.
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Access the Battery Cassette: Inside the key fob, you’ll find a black plastic cassette that houses the electronics and the battery. This cassette itself is also in two halves.
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Open the Cassette: Carefully pry open the plastic cassette. You can usually do this with your fingernail or the edge of a small tool. This will reveal the battery and the electronic components.
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Replace the Battery: The CR1616 battery is now accessible. Remove the old battery. When installing the new battery, it’s best to use a cloth or wear gloves to avoid touching the battery contacts directly with your fingers. Make sure to install the new battery with the (+) side (the side with the writing) facing down, so you can’t see the writing when it’s correctly placed in the slot.
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Reassemble: Carefully put the two halves of the plastic cassette back together until they snap closed. Then, align the two halves of the key fob casing and press them together. Finally, replace and tighten the Phillips head screw. Don’t overtighten the screw.
By following these simple steps, you’ve successfully replaced your 2012 CRV key fob battery. Dealerships often charge a significant amount for this simple service (like the $15 mentioned in the original experience), but with a little DIY effort, you can handle it yourself for just the cost of the battery, keeping more money in your pocket and ensuring your key fob is working reliably.
