Is your car key fob starting to act up? Maybe you have to press the buttons harder, or perhaps it’s stopped working altogether. One of the most common culprits is a dead battery. Luckily, changing the battery in your key fob is a straightforward task you can often do yourself in just a few minutes. This guide will walk you through the process of how to take the battery out of your key fob and get you back on the road with a fully functional remote.
Step 1: Locate and Remove the Mechanical Key
Most modern key fobs come with a hidden mechanical key for emergency access to your vehicle. This key is usually detached by a small release button or latch on the key fob.
Look closely at your key fob for a differently colored section or a seam. In many cases, like the one pictured, the silver portion is the detachable key. You’ll typically find a small button or slider that, when pressed or moved, will allow you to pull out the mechanical key. Set the mechanical key aside; you’ll need the space it occupied to access the key fob battery compartment.
Step 2: Open the Key Fob Casing
With the mechanical key removed, you’ll now need to open the key fob casing to get to the battery. Key fobs are designed to be secure, so they can sometimes be a little tricky to open, especially the first time.
For this step, you’ll need a small flathead screwdriver or a similar thin, sturdy tool. Examine the key fob where the mechanical key was removed; you should see a small slot or seam. This is where you’ll insert your tool to gently pry the two halves of the key fob apart.
Insert the tip of your screwdriver into the slot and apply gentle pressure. Work your way around the seam of the key fob, carefully twisting or levering the screwdriver to separate the top and bottom pieces. Be patient and avoid applying excessive force, as you don’t want to damage the casing. You might hear a few clicks as the clips holding the fob together release.
Step 3: Access and Replace the Battery
Once the key fob is open, you’ll see the battery compartment. Take a moment to observe how the old battery is positioned before removing it. Note the positive (+) and negative (-) sides, as you’ll need to insert the new battery in the same orientation.
Gently remove the old battery. You might be able to pry it out with your small screwdriver, or sometimes you can just nudge it out with your finger. Take your new battery – most key fobs use coin cell batteries like CR2032, CR2025, or CR1632 (check your owner’s manual or the old battery for the correct type) – and insert it into the compartment, making sure the polarity is correct.
Step 4: Reassemble and Test Your Key Fob
With the new battery in place, carefully align the two halves of the key fob casing and press them firmly back together until they snap shut. You should hear a clicking sound, indicating that the casing is securely closed.
Finally, reinsert the mechanical key back into the key fob. Now, test your key fob by pressing the lock, unlock, and other buttons to ensure it’s working correctly. If everything works as expected, you’ve successfully changed your key fob battery! If you’re still having trouble, it might be time to consult a professional. You can also check out our YouTube channel for more visual guides and car maintenance tips.
