Is your car struggling to respond when you press the unlock button on your key fob? You might be facing a common issue: a dead Batteries Key Fob. Like any battery, the one in your car key fob wears out over time, and knowing how to replace it can save you time and money.
While dealerships and car repair shops can handle this for you, and even your local battery store might offer a replacement service, changing your batteries key fob yourself is a surprisingly straightforward task. It’s definitely less involved than replacing your car battery and only requires a few simple tools and a fresh lithium battery. However, proceed with care, as being too rough could lead to needing a complete key fob replacement. (If that happens, remember there are aftermarket key fob options available.)
Is your car key fob giving you trouble? The good news is you probably already have everything you need to bring it back to life.
Replacing Your Key Fob Batteries: Yes, You Can!
Changing your batteries key fob is achievable at home with these basic tools:
- A thin, flat blade: A watch knife or small flathead screwdriver works to gently pry open the key fob casing.
- Replacement battery: Usually a CR2032 coin cell battery, widely available in stores.
- Precision screwdriver: Sizes between 1.4mm and 2.4mm might be needed, depending on your key fob screws.
- Tweezers: Helpful for handling the small battery.
- Smartphone: To take reference photos during disassembly.
The process for a batteries key fob replacement is simple:
- Carefully pry open the plastic case of your key fob.
- Remove the old, depleted battery.
- Insert the new batteries key fob.
- Snap the case firmly back together.
Watch Joseph De La Rosa, store manager at Interstate All Battery Center of Surprise, Ariz., demonstrate the process. | Video: Joseph De La Rosa
Identify the Right Batteries Key Fob Size
Before you start, check your key fob case for the battery size. Often, the back of the key fob or the inside of the key sleeve will have embossed letters indicating the battery type.
It’s crucial to confirm the correct batteries key fob before disassembling everything, preventing a trip back to the store for the right size. While many car key fobs use the common CR2032 coin cell watch battery, variations exist depending on your car’s year, make, and model. For example, some models might use a CR1250 battery, and some key fobs, like those for Ford Mustangs, require two batteries.
If your key fob doesn’t show the battery type, you’ll need to carefully open it to check.
Gently Pry Open Your Key Fob Case
Opening your car key fob requires a delicate touch. Avoid forcing it open, which can damage the casing and lead to needing a complete key fob replacement.
Instead, use your flathead screwdriver or watch knife to gently wedge around the seam of the case. Many key fobs have a small notch to help you begin. Once you’ve created a small opening, continue to carefully work your tool around the case fasteners, similar to peeling an orange. You’ll find it doesn’t take much pressure to pop the fasteners apart.
Be mindful not to apply excessive force, as the case could spring open forcefully and scatter the internal components of your batteries key fob.
Capture a Photo After Opening Your Batteries Key Fob
The internal layouts of car key fobs can vary considerably, even within the same car year, make, and model.
Taking a picture after opening your batteries key fob, but before removing the old battery, is a vital step. This photo serves as a reference, ensuring you can correctly reassemble everything later. This simple step can prevent you from accidentally misplacing parts and needing a costly key fob replacement.
The photo will also clearly show the orientation of the battery, indicating whether the positive (+) side faces up or down.
Handle the Internal Components of Your Batteries Key Fob with Care
Avoid disturbing any wiring or the circuit board inside your batteries key fob. Mishandling these components can cause damage and necessitate a key fob replacement.
Use tweezers or a similar precision tool to carefully lift the old battery out of its housing. Some key fobs have a small clip or sliding metal piece securing the battery to the circuit board. You’ll need to move these aside to remove the battery, but be careful not to pull out the circuit board or antennas.
The circuit board retains the programming that links your key fob to your car. Disturbing it unnecessarily might require a trip to the dealership or a specialized service like those offered at select Interstate All Battery Center locations to reprogram your batteries key fob.
Choose long-lasting power for both your car and your batteries key fob. For reliable performance, consider Interstate Batteries for your next car battery and batteries key fob replacement.
