Is your car struggling to recognize your key fob? Are you pressing the unlock button repeatedly, hoping for a response? It might be more than just wishful thinking; your key fob battery is likely dying. Before you rush to the dealership or assume you need a costly key fob replacement, let’s address the common question: Can You Replace The Battery In A Key Fob yourself? The answer is a resounding yes, and it’s often simpler than you might think.
Yes, Replacing Your Key Fob Battery is Possible (and Easy!)
Changing the battery in your car key fob is a straightforward task you can tackle at home with just a few basic tools. You don’t need to be a car expert to do this. Here’s what you’ll typically need to get the job done:
- A thin, flat tool: A watch knife or a small flathead screwdriver works perfectly for gently prying open the key fob case.
- A new battery: Most key fobs use common coin cell batteries, often CR2032. You can find these at most drugstores, supermarkets, and electronics retailers.
- A small precision screwdriver (possibly): Depending on your key fob, you might need a tiny screwdriver (around 1.4mm to 2.4mm) to remove screws.
- Tweezers (optional but helpful): Tweezers can make handling the small battery easier.
- Your smartphone: For taking a reference photo – you’ll see why this is important later!
Once you have these items gathered, follow these simple steps to install your key fob replacement battery:
- Open the Key Fob Case: Carefully use your thin blade or screwdriver to pry open the plastic casing of your key fob.
- Remove the Old Battery: Take out the old, dead battery from its compartment.
- Insert the New Battery: Place the new battery into the compartment, ensuring the polarity (+ and – sides) is correct. Refer to your photo from step 0 if you are unsure.
- Close the Case: Snap the key fob case back together until it’s securely closed.
Identifying the Right Key Fob Battery
Before you start taking apart your key fob, it’s wise to figure out what kind of replacement battery you need. Sometimes, the battery size is indicated directly on the key fob itself.
Check Your Key Fob: Look closely at the back of your key fob or inside the battery compartment. You might find embossed letters and numbers indicating the battery type.
Common Key Fob Batteries: Many car key fobs use a standard CR2032 coin cell battery. However, battery types can vary depending on your car’s year, make, and model. For example, some Honda CR-V models require a CR1250 battery. Some key fobs use just one battery, while others, like Ford Mustang key fobs, may need two.
When in Doubt, Open Carefully: If you can’t find the battery type listed on your key fob, you’ll need to carefully open it to check the battery already inside.
Step-by-Step Guide to Opening Your Key Fob
Opening your key fob requires a gentle touch. Avoid forcing it, as this could damage the case.
Use a Pry Tool: Insert your watch knife or flathead screwdriver into the seam of the key fob case. Many fobs have a small notch to help you get started.
Wedge and Gently Pry: Once you’ve created a small gap, carefully wedge your tool around the perimeter of the case, gently prying as you go. Imagine you’re peeling an orange, working your way around the edge. The fasteners should pop open with minimal pressure.
Avoid Excessive Force: Don’t apply too much force, or the case might suddenly spring open, sending the internal components flying.
Crucial Step: Take a Picture Before Battery Removal
Car key fobs can have different internal layouts, even within the same car model. Taking a picture before you remove the old battery is a simple yet critical step.
Reference Photo: Use your smartphone to take a clear photo of the key fob’s internal components before you remove the battery.
Why a Photo is Essential: This photo serves as a valuable reference when you reassemble the key fob. It ensures you put everything back in its correct place and, importantly, shows you the correct battery orientation (positive side up or down). This simple step can prevent you from needing a complete key fob replacement due to incorrect reassembly.
Battery Removal and Replacement: Proceed with Caution
With the key fob open and a reference photo taken, you can now remove the old battery and install the new one.
Use Tweezers: Employ tweezers or a similar precision tool to lift the battery out of its housing.
Note Battery Fasteners: Some key fobs have small fasteners or sliding metal pieces that secure the battery. Gently move these out of the way to remove the battery, but avoid detaching any wiring or circuit boards.
Handle with Care: Be careful not to disturb any of the internal wiring or the circuit board. These components are essential for your key fob to communicate with your car. Disrupting them could lead to needing professional reprogramming or even a new key fob.
By following these steps, replacing your key fob battery is a manageable DIY task. You can save yourself time and money while gaining a bit more confidence in your car maintenance skills. Remember to always double-check your battery type and handle the internal components of your key fob with care.
