Is your 2012 Nissan Maxima key fob not working as reliably as it used to? A common culprit is a low or dead battery. Fortunately, replacing the battery in your Nissan Maxima key fob is a straightforward task you can easily handle yourself. Knowing the correct battery size is the first step, and for your 2012 Maxima, it’s a CR2032 battery.
Understanding the Right Battery: CR2032 for Your 2012 Nissan Maxima Key Fob
The battery you need for your 2012 Nissan Maxima key fob is a CR2032 3-volt lithium coin cell battery. You might also see this battery listed under different manufacturer designations such as DL2032 or ECR2032. Rest assured, these are all the same size and voltage and will work perfectly in your key fob. This type of battery is widely available and can be found at most drugstores, electronics stores, and retailers like Walmart or Radio Shack.
Step-by-Step Guide to Replace Your 2012 Maxima Key Fob Battery
Replacing the battery is a simple process that requires minimal tools. Here’s how to do it:
Tools You’ll Need
- A new CR2032 battery
- A small flathead screwdriver
Opening the Key Fob
Start by locating the small release latch on your key fob. Slide this latch to remove the mechanical key from inside the fob. Once the key is removed, you will see small slots exposed on the fob casing. Insert the tip of your small flathead screwdriver into one of these slots. Gently twist the screwdriver. This should begin to separate the two halves of the key fob. Avoid prying forcefully to prevent damaging the plastic casing.
Battery Replacement
With the fob open, you’ll see the battery. Take note of the battery’s orientation before removing it – typically, the side with the writing (positive side) faces up when you open the fob in this manner, and will be face down when installed in the fob’s housing. Carefully remove the old battery. Now, install the new CR2032 battery, ensuring the same orientation as the old one (face down in the housing). Avoid touching the electronic components inside the fob to prevent any static discharge issues.
Closing the Fob
After placing the new battery, carefully snap the two halves of the key fob back together until they click securely. Replace the mechanical key back into the fob.
When It’s Not Just the Battery: Troubleshooting Key Fob Issues
If you replace the battery and still experience issues, or if both of your key fobs suddenly indicate a low battery around the same time and the batteries are relatively new, there might be another issue. In some cases, problems with the Nissan Maxima’s intelligent key system antenna can cause these symptoms. Diagnosing and repairing such antenna issues requires specialized knowledge and equipment. If you suspect a deeper problem beyond the battery, it’s best to consult a qualified and experienced automotive service technician to properly diagnose and fix the problem.
Replacing your 2012 Nissan Maxima key fob battery is usually a quick and easy fix. By following these steps and ensuring you use the correct CR2032 battery size, you can often restore your key fob to proper working order.
