Is your 2009 Honda CRV key fob not working like it used to? You might be facing a dead battery. The good news is, replacing the battery in your key fob is a straightforward task you can easily do yourself, saving you time and money compared to dealership service. This guide will walk you through the simple steps to replace your 2009 Honda CRV key fob battery.
What Battery Do You Need for Your 2009 Honda CRV Key Fob?
The battery you’ll need is a CR-1616, a 3V lithium battery. Interestingly, this type of battery isn’t always readily available at every store. While you might not find it at big box home improvement stores or your typical Walmart, drugstores like Walgreens or CVS are often a good bet. You can also purchase these batteries online, sometimes at a lower price point. Brands like Energizer are reliable options.
Step-by-Step Guide to Replacing Your 2009 Honda CRV Key Fob Battery
Replacing the battery is a simple process that only requires a few minutes and a small Phillips head screwdriver. Here’s how to do it:
- Locate the screw: On the back of your key fob, you’ll find a small Phillips head screw.
- Remove the screw: Use a mini Phillips screwdriver to carefully remove this screw. It might be a bit tight initially, possibly due to threadlocker. Apply firm and steady pressure while turning to avoid stripping the screw head. Using a tool like a vice-grip to get a better hold on the screwdriver can be helpful if needed.
- Open the key fob: Once the screw is removed, the key fob casing will split open into two halves.
- Open the inner cassette: Inside the key fob, you’ll see a black plastic inner cassette containing the electronics and the battery. Gently pry this cassette open, separating it into two halves.
- Replace the battery: You’ll now see the CR-1616 battery. Remove the old battery and replace it with a new one. When inserting the new battery, ensure the positive (+) side (usually marked with writing) faces down, so the writing is not visible when installed. It’s best to use a cloth to press the battery into place, avoiding direct contact with the battery surfaces.
- Reassemble: Carefully reassemble the inner cassette and then snap the key fob casing back together.
- Replace the screw: Finally, re-insert and tighten the Phillips head screw. Be firm but avoid over-tightening.
2009 Honda CRV key fob opened for battery replacement, showing CR1616 battery location
Tips for a Smooth Battery Replacement
- Dealing with a tight screw: If the screw is very difficult to remove, make sure you are using the correct size Phillips head screwdriver and applying firm, direct pressure. Placing a soft cloth like terrycloth under the key fob can protect it from scratches during this process.
- Battery orientation: Double-check the orientation of the old battery before removing it to ensure you insert the new one correctly.
Save Money with DIY Battery Replacement
Dealerships often charge a significant amount for simple services like battery replacement. Some reports indicate dealers charging around $15 just to replace a key fob battery. By purchasing a CR-1616 battery for around $5 and doing it yourself, you can save a considerable amount of money and gain the satisfaction of handling this simple car maintenance task independently. Replacing your 2009 Honda CRV key fob battery is an easy and cost-effective DIY project.
