Is your 2012 Honda CRV key fob starting to act up? Perhaps you’ve noticed it’s becoming less responsive, or maybe it’s completely stopped working. Before you rush to the dealership and spend unnecessary money, consider this simple DIY fix: replacing the key fob battery. It’s an incredibly easy task that requires minimal tools and can save you a significant amount of cash. Like the original poster for an earlier CR-V model noted, even spare keys that aren’t used regularly can experience battery depletion over time, highlighting the inevitability of battery replacement. This guide will walk you through the process of a 2012 Crv Key Fob Battery Replacement, ensuring you can get your remote working again in no time.
What You’ll Need for the Replacement
Before you begin, gather these few items to make the battery replacement process smooth and efficient:
- New Battery: You’ll need a CR1616 3V lithium battery. This specific battery type is readily available at most drugstores, online retailers like Amazon, and some auto parts stores. While the original author mentioned difficulty finding it at big box stores, drugstores like Walgreens or CVS are good places to check, as are online marketplaces.
- Small Phillips Head Screwdriver: A mini Phillips head screwdriver is essential to open the key fob casing.
- Soft Cloth: A terrycloth or microfiber cloth will protect your key fob from scratches during the process and can be used to handle the new battery.
Step-by-Step 2012 CRV Key Fob Battery Replacement
Replacing the battery in your 2012 CRV key fob is straightforward. Just follow these steps:
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Locate the Screw: On the back of your key fob, you will find a small Phillips head screw. This screw holds the two halves of the key fob casing together.
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Loosen and Remove the Screw: Using your mini Phillips head screwdriver, carefully loosen and remove this screw. As the original poster mentioned, this screw can be tight, possibly due to threadlocker. Apply firm, steady pressure while turning to avoid stripping the screw head. Placing the key fob on a soft cloth can provide a stable surface and prevent damage.
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Open the Key Fob Casing: Once the screw is removed, gently pry open the two halves of the key fob casing. They should separate easily.
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Open the Inner Cassette: Inside the key fob, you’ll find a black plastic inner cassette that houses the electronics and the battery. This cassette is also in two halves. Carefully pry open this inner cassette to access the battery.
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Remove the Old Battery: You will now see the CR1616 battery. Gently remove the old battery from its slot. Take note of the battery’s orientation – specifically which side is facing up (+ side).
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Insert the New Battery: Take your new CR1616 battery and insert it into the slot, ensuring the (+) side (the side with the writing) is facing down, just like the original battery. Use a cloth to press the battery into place, avoiding touching the battery contacts with your fingers.
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Reassemble the Inner Cassette: Carefully close the two halves of the inner cassette until they snap back together.
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Reassemble the Key Fob Casing: Place the inner cassette back into the key fob casing and close the two halves of the key fob.
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Replace and Tighten the Screw: Reinsert the Phillips head screw and tighten it securely, but don’t overtighten.
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Test Your Key Fob: Test the buttons on your key fob to ensure it is working correctly. Your 2012 CRV key fob should now be functioning with its new battery!
Where to Purchase CR1616 Batteries
As highlighted in the original post, CR1616 batteries might not be as common as other battery types in all stores. Here are some reliable places to find them for your 2012 CRV key fob battery replacement:
- Drugstores: Pharmacies like Walgreens and CVS often carry CR1616 batteries in their battery sections.
- Online Retailers: Amazon, eBay, and other online retailers offer a wide selection of CR1616 batteries, often at competitive prices. You might find options to buy in bulk if you want to have spares.
- Battery Specialty Stores: Stores that specialize in batteries are highly likely to stock CR1616 batteries.
- Some Auto Parts Stores: While not always guaranteed, some auto parts stores might carry this battery type. It’s worth checking your local auto parts retailer.
Save Money with DIY Key Fob Battery Replacement
The original author mentioned that a dealer quoted $15 for a key fob battery replacement. By performing this simple task yourself, you can save that service fee and only pay for the cost of the battery, which is typically under $5. This DIY approach to your 2012 CRV key fob battery replacement is not only cost-effective but also empowers you to handle basic car maintenance yourself. Enjoy the satisfaction of a quick and easy fix!
