Is your 2012 Honda Civic key fob starting to act up? A common culprit is often a low battery. Knowing the correct battery size for your key fob is the first step in getting it back in working order. This guide will provide you with the information you need to quickly replace your 2012 Honda Civic key fob battery and address some common issues you might encounter.
The battery size you’ll need for your 2012 Honda Civic key fob is a CR1620 battery. This is a common 3V lithium coin cell battery that provides reliable power for your key fob’s functions, including remote locking, unlocking, and panic button activation.
Replacing the battery in your 2012 Honda Civic key fob is a straightforward process you can easily do yourself. Here’s a simple step-by-step guide:
- Gather your tools: You’ll need a small Phillips head screwdriver. While some might suggest an eyeglasses screwdriver, a normal screwdriver with a 5/8 handle, like one from ACE Hardware, can also work effectively.
- Open the key fob: Locate the small screw(s) on the back of your key fob. Use your screwdriver to carefully remove these screws.
- Separate the fob halves: Once the screws are removed, gently pry apart the two halves of the key fob casing.
- Remove the old battery: Carefully take out the old CR1620 battery. Note the orientation of the battery (+ side up) before removing it.
- Insert the new battery: Place the new CR1620 battery into the battery compartment, ensuring the + side is facing up, matching the orientation of the old battery.
- Reassemble the key fob: Carefully align the two halves of the key fob casing and snap them back together.
- Replace the screws: Reinsert and tighten the screws you removed earlier, ensuring the fob is securely closed.
Alt text: Hands using a screwdriver to open the casing of a 2012 Honda Civic key fob to access and replace the battery.
Sometimes, even after replacing the battery, your key fob might still malfunction. One common issue, as experienced by some users, is moisture getting inside the key fob. If you notice the red LED light on your key fob doesn’t illuminate consistently when you press the buttons, moisture could be the problem.
In such cases, a contact cleaner like CRC 2-26 might be helpful. Carefully open your key fob as described above and, as a last resort, you can try spraying CRC 2-26 on the circuit board, particularly around the buttons. Let it dry completely before reassembling the key fob. Avoid using WD-40, as CRC 2-26 is specifically designed for electrical contacts.
Replacing your 2012 Honda Civic key fob battery is usually a quick fix. By using the correct CR1620 battery size and following these steps, you can often resolve common key fob issues and keep your Honda Civic secure and convenient to operate.
