Is your car key fob starting to feel a little… unresponsive? Do you have to press the unlock button multiple times to get your car to acknowledge you? The culprit is likely a dying battery in your key fob. Before you rush to the dealership or a repair shop, you should know that replacing your key fob battery is a straightforward task you can easily handle yourself.
While it might seem daunting, changing your key fob battery is considerably simpler than replacing your car battery. With just a few basic tools and a fresh battery, you can breathe new life into your car key remote. And don’t worry about messing things up – even if you’re not particularly handy, this guide will walk you through each step to minimize any risk of needing a complete key fob replacement.
Is your car key fob not working at all? Don’t panic! You might be surprised to find that you already possess everything you need to get it working again.
Get a Spare Car Key Fob at Interstate All Battery Center
Need a backup key fob? Avoid expensive dealership prices and find spare key fobs at select Interstate All Battery Center locations.
Yes, You Can Easily Replace Your Key Fob Battery Yourself
Replacing your key fob battery is a DIY-friendly project. Here’s what you’ll need to get the job done:
- A thin, flat tool for prying: A watch knife or a small flathead screwdriver works perfectly for carefully opening the key fob case.
- A new battery: Most key fobs use a CR2032 coin cell battery, widely available at retailers.
- A small precision screwdriver: Depending on your key fob, you might need a 1.4mm to 2.4mm precision screwdriver.
- Tweezers: These are helpful for handling the small battery.
- Your smartphone: Taking photos during the process will be invaluable for reassembly.
The process for installing a new key fob battery is surprisingly simple:
- Open the key fob case: Carefully pry open the plastic case using your flat tool.
- Remove the old battery: Take out the depleted battery.
- Insert the new battery: Place the new battery into the fob, ensuring correct polarity.
- Close the case: Snap the key fob case back together.
Store manager Joseph De La Rosa from Interstate All Battery Center in Surprise, Arizona, demonstrates the process. | Video: Joseph De La Rosa
First, Check Your Key Fob for the Correct Replacement Battery Size
Before you even start, take a close look at your key fob case. Sometimes, the battery size you need is indicated right on the fob itself. Check the back of the fob or inside the key sleeve for any embossed markings.
Key Fob Replacements are Available Near You!
Don’t risk being stranded with only one key fob. Whether it’s lost, stolen, broken, or locked inside your car, getting a spare key fob is a smart move. Find key fob replacements at select Interstate All Battery Center locations.
It’s crucial to identify the correct battery before you disassemble your key fob. While many car key fobs utilize the standard CR2032 coin cell battery, variations exist depending on your car’s year, make, and model. For example, a Honda CR-V might require a CR1250 battery. Furthermore, while most key fobs use a single battery, some, like the Ford Mustang key fob, require two.
If you can’t find the battery size on the case, don’t worry. You’ll simply need to open the fob to check.
Opening a key fob using a watch knife is a straightforward process, as shown by Mike Harris, Interstate All Battery Center manager of production and engineering. | Image: Mike Harris
Gently Wedge Your Pry Tool Around the Key Fob Case to Open It
When opening your car key fob, gentleness is key. Avoid forcing it open, which could damage the case. Once you’ve found a starting point, resist the urge to pull the case apart from just that spot – this is a common mistake that can lead to needing a key fob replacement.
Instead, carefully work your flathead screwdriver or watch knife around the perimeter of the case. Many key fob cases have a small notch designed to help you begin prying. After creating an initial gap, continue to gently wedge your tool around the case’s seams, much like you’re peeling an orange. You’ll find that only minimal pressure is needed to pop the fasteners open.
Concerned About Your Car Battery? Get a Free Battery Test.
Ensure your car’s starting system is in top shape. Visit an Interstate All Battery Center or your local repair shop for a complimentary, comprehensive check of your charging and starting system.
Be careful not to apply excessive force, as this could cause the fob to spring open unexpectedly and scatter its components.
Always Take a Picture of the Inside of Your Key Fob Before Removing the Battery
The internal layout of car key fobs can vary significantly, even within the same car year, make, and model. Before you remove the old battery, take a clear photo of the key fob’s internal components. This simple step can save you from potential headaches and the expense of a key fob replacement if you struggle to reassemble it correctly.
Your photo will serve as a valuable reference, especially when it comes to battery orientation, ensuring you place the new battery with the positive side facing the correct direction.
Be Careful Not to Damage the Wiring or Circuit Board Inside Your Key Fob
Inside your key fob are delicate components, including wiring and a circuit board. It’s crucial to avoid disturbing these elements. Tampering with them could indeed lead to a situation where you need a complete key fob replacement.
Use tweezers or another precision tool to carefully lift the battery out of its housing. Some key fobs have small fasteners or sliding metal pieces that secure the battery to the circuit board. You’ll need to move these out of the way to release the battery, but make sure you do not attempt to remove the circuit board or any antennas.
The electronic circuits within your key fob retain the programming that links it to your car. Disrupting these circuits might require you to visit the dealership (or select Interstate All Battery Center locations) to reprogram a new car key fob replacement.
Power Your Car and Key Fob with Interstate® Batteries.
Choose dependable, long-lasting power from a trusted brand. Get your next car battery and key fob battery at Interstate All Battery Center.
