Is your 2012 Honda CRV key fob starting to act up? You might notice the range is decreasing, or perhaps it’s completely stopped working. Before you rush to the dealership, the most common culprit is a dead 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. This guide will walk you through each step to get your key fob working like new again.
Identifying the Right Battery for Your Honda CRV Key Fob
For the 2012 Honda CRV key fob, the battery you’ll need is a CR1616 3V lithium coin cell battery. This type of battery might not be as common as standard AA or AAA batteries, but it’s readily available at most drugstores, electronics stores, and online retailers. Brands like Energizer and Panasonic are reliable choices. While some older posts mention CR1620, the CR1616 is the correct and standard size for the 2012 CRV key fob. It’s always a good idea to double-check the markings on your old battery once you open the fob to confirm, but CR1616 is what you should be looking for.
Tools You’ll Need for the Replacement
Luckily, you won’t need any specialized tools for this task. Here’s what you’ll need:
- A new CR1616 battery
- A small Phillips head screwdriver (often called a mini or micro Phillips screwdriver)
- A soft cloth or towel (to protect the key fob)
- Optionally, a small vice-grip or pliers for loosening a tight screw (if needed)
Step-by-Step Guide to Replacing Your 2012 Honda CRV Key Fob Battery
Now, let’s get to the battery replacement process. Follow these simple steps:
Step 1: Open the Key Fob
- Place the soft cloth on a flat, stable surface. This will protect your key fob from scratches.
- Locate the small Phillips head screw on the back of your Honda CRV key fob.
- Using your mini Phillips screwdriver, carefully unscrew and remove this screw. Be patient, as it might be a little tight. If it’s very stiff, you might need to use a vice-grip gently clamped onto the screwdriver handle for extra leverage, but apply firm and steady pressure while turning to avoid stripping the screw head.
Step 2: Access the Battery Compartment
- Once the screw is removed, gently separate the two halves of the key fob casing. They should easily split apart.
- Inside, you’ll see a black plastic inner cassette that houses the electronics and the battery.
- Carefully pry open this inner cassette. It usually splits into two halves as well. You can use your fingernail or the tip of the screwdriver to gently separate it at the seam.
Step 3: Replace the Old Battery
- With the inner cassette open, you’ll see the CR1616 battery. Take note of the battery’s orientation – usually, the positive (+) side with the writing faces down, so you can’t see it when installed.
- Gently remove the old battery. You can often pry it out with your fingernail or the tip of the screwdriver.
- Take your new CR1616 battery and insert it into the compartment, ensuring the positive (+) side is facing in the correct direction (usually down, as mentioned before). Use a cloth to press the battery into place, avoiding touching the battery contacts directly with your fingers.
Step 4: Reassemble and Test
- Carefully reassemble the two halves of the inner cassette, making sure they snap back together securely.
- Place the inner cassette back into the key fob casing and close the two halves of the fob.
- Replace the small Phillips head screw and tighten it gently but firmly. Don’t overtighten.
- Test your key fob by pressing the buttons to lock and unlock your Honda CRV and, if applicable, test the remote start function. It should now be working perfectly with the new battery.
Tips and Considerations
- Battery Shelf Life: Key fob batteries, even in spare keys, can deplete over time due to natural discharge. It’s a good idea to replace the battery in both your primary and spare key fobs around the same time to avoid future issues.
- Screw Tightness: As mentioned, the screw can be quite tight initially. Be sure to use the correct size screwdriver and apply firm, steady pressure to avoid stripping the screw head.
- Dealer Cost: Dealerships often charge a significant amount for simple key fob battery replacements, sometimes upwards of $15 or more, as mentioned in the original post. Doing it yourself saves you money and is a quick and easy task.
- Battery Availability: While CR1616 batteries are generally available, it’s always wise to have a spare on hand, especially if you rely heavily on your key fob.
By following these steps, you can easily replace your 2012 Honda CRV key fob battery and restore its functionality. This simple DIY task can save you money and keep you on the road with a working key fob.
