Is your car key fob starting to feel… unresponsive? Do you find yourself pressing the unlock button multiple times before your car deigns to acknowledge your presence? It might not be your car playing hard to get, but rather a sign that your key fob battery is nearing the end of its life. Replacing your car key fob battery is a common piece of car maintenance, and thankfully, it’s often something you can handle yourself. But first things first, where do you get a battery for your car key fob?
This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about sourcing the right battery for your car key fob, whether you’re a seasoned DIYer or prefer to leave it to the professionals. We’ll cover the types of batteries used, where to purchase them, and even how to replace the battery yourself, saving you time and potentially money.
Understanding Your Key Fob Battery Needs
Before you rush out to buy just any battery, it’s important to understand what kind of battery your car key fob requires. Most car key fobs utilize small, coin-shaped lithium batteries, often referred to as “coin cell” batteries.
Identifying the Right Battery Type
The most common type is the CR2032 battery. This 3V lithium battery is widely used in various small electronic devices, including car key fobs. However, depending on the make, model, and year of your vehicle, your key fob might require a different battery size. Other common types include:
- CR2025: Slightly thinner than the CR2032, also a 3V lithium battery.
- CR2016: Even thinner, another 3V lithium option.
- CR1632, CR1620, CR1225, CR1220: Various sizes with different thicknesses and capacities.
The best way to determine the correct battery for your key fob is to:
- Check your owner’s manual: Your car’s owner’s manual often contains information about key fob battery replacement and the specific battery type required.
- Examine your key fob: Many key fobs have the battery type embossed on the back casing or inside the battery compartment. Look for markings like “CR2032” or similar codes.
- Open the key fob (carefully): If you can’t find the battery type externally, you may need to carefully open your key fob (we’ll cover how to do this later) to identify the battery already inside.
Opening a key fob with a watch knife is easy, as Mike Harris, Interstate All Battery Center manager of production and engineering shows. | Image: Mike Harris
Signs Your Key Fob Battery is Dying
Recognizing the symptoms of a weakening key fob battery can save you from being stranded or inconvenienced. Common signs include:
- Reduced Range: You need to be closer to your car than usual for the key fob to work.
- Intermittent Operation: The key fob works sometimes but not others, or requires multiple button presses.
- Weak Signal Indicator: Some cars display a warning message on the dashboard indicating a low key fob battery.
- No Response: The key fob completely stops working.
Where to Purchase Car Key Fob Batteries
Once you’ve identified the correct battery type, you have numerous options for where to get a battery for your car key fob:
1. Local Retail Stores: Convenience at Your Doorstep
Your most convenient option is often your local retail stores. Places like:
- Drugstores and Pharmacies: Stores like CVS, Walgreens, and Rite Aid typically carry a selection of coin cell batteries, including CR2032 and other common types, in their battery aisles.
- Grocery Stores: Many larger grocery stores, such as Kroger, Safeway, and Walmart, also stock batteries in their general merchandise or electronics sections.
- Big Box Retailers: Stores like Walmart and Target are reliable sources for a wide variety of batteries, often at competitive prices.
- Electronics Stores: Stores like Best Buy or local electronics retailers will definitely carry coin cell batteries.
2. Automotive Parts Stores: Specialized and Knowledgeable
Automotive parts stores are another excellent option, particularly because they cater specifically to car-related needs. Consider:
- AutoZone, Advance Auto Parts, O’Reilly Auto Parts, NAPA Auto Parts: These stores are likely to stock the most common key fob battery sizes and their staff can often assist you in finding the right one if you’re unsure. They may also offer battery replacement services.
3. Online Retailers: Wide Selection and Home Delivery
The internet offers a vast marketplace for batteries. Online retailers like:
- Amazon: Amazon offers an extensive selection of coin cell batteries from various brands at different price points, often with fast shipping.
- eBay: eBay is another online marketplace where you can find batteries, often from smaller sellers, potentially at discounted prices.
- Specialty Battery Websites: Websites that specialize in batteries, like Battery Mart or Batteries Plus Bulbs (online), offer a comprehensive selection and may have more specialized or less common battery types.
4. Interstate All Battery Center: Your Battery Experts
For a dedicated battery specialist, Interstate All Battery Center is a prime choice. They offer:
- Wide Range of Batteries: They stock a variety of car key fob batteries, including less common types.
- Expert Advice: Their knowledgeable staff can help you identify the correct battery for your specific key fob.
- Battery Replacement Service: If you prefer not to DIY, many locations offer key fob battery replacement services.
- Key Fob Replacement: In case of lost or damaged key fobs, select locations can provide replacement key fobs and programming services.
Spare car key fobs available at Interstate All Battery Center
Lost car key fob? Get a spare key without the dealership prices, available at select Interstate All Battery Center locations.
DIY Key Fob Battery Replacement: A Step-by-Step Guide
Replacing your car key fob battery yourself is often a straightforward process that can save you time and money compared to going to a dealership or repair shop. Here’s a general guide; always refer to your owner’s manual or search online for specific instructions for your car model.
Tools You’ll Need:
- New Battery: The correct replacement battery for your key fob.
- Small Flathead Screwdriver or Watch Knife: For prying open the key fob case.
- Precision Screwdriver Set (Optional): Some fobs use tiny screws.
- Tweezers (Optional): For handling the battery.
- Phone Camera: To take pictures as a reference.
Steps:
- Prepare Your Workspace: Find a clean, well-lit area to work to avoid losing any small parts.
- Open the Key Fob Casing:
- Locate the Opening Point: Look for a small notch or seam on the key fob casing.
- Use Your Pry Tool: Gently insert the flathead screwdriver or watch knife into the notch and carefully twist or pry to separate the two halves of the case. Avoid forcing it, work your way around the seam.
Pry your car key fob open gently. Do not force it.
- Take a Photo: Before removing anything, take a picture of the inside of the key fob, paying attention to the battery orientation (+ and – sides). This is crucial for reassembly.
Take a photo of the key fob before you remove the battery so you can refer to it later.
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Remove the Old Battery:
- Note the Orientation: Observe how the old battery is positioned (positive side up or down).
- Gently Pry or Slide: Some batteries are held in place by clips or pressure. Use tweezers or your fingertip to carefully remove the old battery.
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Install the New Battery:
- Match Orientation: Install the new battery in the exact same orientation as the old one (positive side up or down as noted in your photo).
- Secure the Battery: Ensure the new battery is firmly seated in its compartment.
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Close the Key Fob Casing:
- Align the Halves: Carefully align the two halves of the key fob casing.
- Snap Shut: Press the two halves together until they snap securely closed. You should hear a click.
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Test Your Key Fob: Try locking and unlocking your car to ensure the new battery is working correctly.
When to Seek Professional Help
While DIY key fob battery replacement is often simple, there are situations where seeking professional assistance is advisable:
- Difficulty Opening the Fob: If you’re struggling to open the key fob case without excessive force, you risk damaging it.
- Complex Key Fob Design: Some key fobs have intricate internal components or require specialized tools.
- Concerns About Programming: Although rare for simple battery changes, some advanced key fobs might require reprogramming after battery replacement. If you’re worried, professional help can ensure proper function.
- Convenience: If you simply prefer not to handle it yourself, professional services are readily available.
Where to get professional key fob battery replacement:
- Car Dealerships: Dealerships can replace your key fob battery, but it’s often the most expensive option.
- Car Repair Shops: Many general car repair shops offer key fob battery replacement services at a potentially lower cost than dealerships.
- Interstate All Battery Center: As mentioned, many Interstate locations provide key fob battery replacement services, offering expertise and convenience.
Worried about your other car battery? Get a battery test.
Visit an Interstate All Battery Center or your local repair shop for a free, thorough analysis of your charging and starting system.
Conclusion: Powering Up Your Key Fob
Knowing where to get a battery for your car key fob is the first step to resolving key fob issues and regaining convenient access to your vehicle. Whether you choose the DIY route with a battery from your local store or opt for professional replacement at a service center like Interstate All Battery Center, keeping your key fob powered is a small but essential part of car ownership. Don’t let a dead battery leave you locked out – take action and ensure your key fob is always ready to go.
Get an Interstate® for your car and your car key fob.
Choose long-lasting power from the name you trust. Get your next car battery and key fob battery at Interstate All Battery Center.
