Is your 2009 Honda Accord key fob giving you trouble? A weak or dead battery is a common culprit. Understanding the correct battery size and how to replace it can save you time and money. This guide will walk you through identifying the right battery for your 2009 Honda Accord key fob and provide a step-by-step process for replacing it yourself.
Identifying the Correct Battery Size
The battery you’ll need for your 2009 Honda Accord key fob is a CR1616 3V lithium coin cell battery. This is a standard size for many Honda key fobs of this era. You can typically find these batteries at most drugstores, supermarkets, and online retailers. It’s always a good idea to double-check your owner’s manual for confirmation, although as mentioned in the original user experience, Honda often omits this specific detail in their documentation.
Step-by-Step Battery Replacement for Your 2009 Honda Accord Key Fob
Replacing the battery in your 2009 Honda Accord key fob is a straightforward process that you can accomplish with a few simple tools. Here’s how:
1. Gather Your Tools:
- You will need a small #0 Phillips head screwdriver. For older key fobs or those that haven’t been opened before, a higher quality screwdriver might be necessary. Honda uses a thread-locking chemical on the screw, which can make it initially difficult to remove. Some users find that slightly heating the screwdriver tip with a lighter or candle (briefly!) can help loosen the screw. Exercise caution when using heat.
- A small flat-head jeweler’s screwdriver can also be helpful for prying open the key fob casing and the battery capsule.
2. Locate and Loosen the Key Fob Screw:
- Examine your Honda Accord key fob. You will find a small Phillips head screw on the back casing.
- Using your #0 Phillips head screwdriver, carefully loosen and remove this screw. Be patient and apply steady pressure. Do not force it, as you could strip the screw head.
3. Open the Key Fob Casing:
- Once the screw is removed, you should be able to separate the two halves of the key fob casing.
- Many Honda key fobs have a small slot along the side to aid in opening. If you find a slot, insert a small flat-head screwdriver or your fingernail and gently pry the two halves apart.
- If your key fob is stubborn, like the experience noted with a 2010 Accord key, you may need to apply slightly more force. Be firm but cautious to avoid breaking the plastic casing. Work your way around the seam until the case pops open.
4. Access the Battery Capsule:
- After opening the key fob, you will see a small black capsule containing the circuit board, buttons, and battery.
- Carefully remove this capsule from the key fob casing.
5. Open the Battery Capsule and Replace the Battery:
- Now, you need to open the black battery capsule. There is usually a small slot at one end of the capsule.
- Use your flat-head jeweler’s screwdriver to gently pry open the capsule at this slot.
- Important: Take note of the orientation of the capsule halves before fully separating them. They only fit back together correctly in one direction to ensure proper contact with the battery. Observe how the contacts align with the battery’s negative and positive sides.
- Remove the old CR1616 battery.
- Insert the new CR1616 battery, ensuring it is placed in the correct orientation (positive side up is usually indicated).
6. Clean the Battery Contacts (If Necessary):
- A common issue with 2008 and newer Honda Accord key fobs, including the 2009 model, is dielectric grease on the battery contacts. Honda uses this grease as a protective measure, but sometimes it can interfere with battery conductivity, leading to a weak signal or non-functioning key fob even with a new battery.
- If you notice any grease on the battery contacts (both on the battery itself and the metal contact points inside the capsule), gently wipe it away with a clean, dry cloth or a cotton swab.
7. Reassemble the Key Fob:
- Carefully close the battery capsule, ensuring the two halves are correctly aligned.
- Place the capsule back into the key fob casing.
- Snap the two halves of the key fob casing back together.
- Replace and tighten the Phillips head screw. Do not overtighten.
Conclusion
Replacing the battery in your 2009 Honda Accord key fob is a simple maintenance task that can often resolve issues with key fob range or functionality. By using the correct CR1616 battery size and following these steps, you can easily perform this replacement yourself. Remember to check for and clean any dielectric grease on the battery contacts, as this is a known issue for these models. If you continue to experience problems after replacing the battery and cleaning the contacts, it’s recommended to consult with a Honda dealer or a qualified automotive locksmith for further diagnosis and repair.
