Just like any other portable electronic device, your car key fob relies on a battery to function. Have you been noticing that you need to press the unlock button on your key fob multiple times before your car finally responds? It might be a clear sign that your key fob battery is getting weak and needs replacing.
Fortunately, replacing the battery in your car key fob is a straightforward task that you can easily handle yourself. While you could visit a dealership or an auto repair shop to have a professional replace it for you, it’s often unnecessary and can cost you more than needed. You might even consider going to a battery-specific store, but even that might be an extra trip you can avoid.
Changing your car key fob battery yourself is not only possible, but it’s also typically simpler than replacing your actual car battery. All it usually requires is a little bit of patience, the correct replacement battery, and some basic tools. However, it’s important to proceed with care, as mishandling the fob could potentially lead to needing a complete key fob replacement. (If you ever do need to replace the entire key fob, remember there are aftermarket options available that can be more budget-friendly than dealership replacements.)
Is your car key fob acting up or not working at all? The good news is that the solution might be simpler than you think. You might already possess everything you need to breathe new life into your car key remote.
Yes, You Can Replace Key Fob Batteries Yourself – Here’s How
Replacing the battery in your key fob is a task well within the capabilities of most car owners. With just a few common household tools, you can easily get your key fob working like new again. Here’s what you’ll typically need:
- A thin, flat tool: A watch knife or a small, flat-head screwdriver works perfectly for gently prying open the key fob case.
- A new battery: Most key fobs use a CR2032 coin cell battery, which is widely available at drugstores, supermarkets, and online retailers.
- A small precision screwdriver (possibly): Depending on the design of your key fob, you might need a small screwdriver (ranging from 1.4mm to 2.4mm) to remove any tiny screws holding the case together.
- Tweezers: Tweezers can be very helpful for carefully removing the old battery and inserting the new one, especially in tight spaces.
- Your smartphone (optional but recommended): Using your phone’s camera to take pictures during the process, especially before removing the old battery, can be an invaluable reference when putting everything back together.
Once you have gathered your tools and replacement battery, follow these simple steps to install a new key fob battery:
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Open the Key Fob Casing: Carefully use your flat tool to pry open the plastic case of your key fob. Most fobs are designed to snap together, and you’ll usually find a small notch or seam where you can insert your tool to begin prying. Be gentle and avoid applying excessive force to prevent damaging the case.
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Remove the Old Battery: Once the case is open, you’ll see the battery inside. Take a mental note (or a photo!) of how the battery is positioned, specifically noting which side is facing up (positive or negative). Use your tweezers or your fingertip to gently lift out the old battery.
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Insert the New Battery: Take your new key fob battery and insert it into the battery compartment. Make sure to orient it in the same way as the old battery was positioned (positive side up or down as needed). It should fit snugly into place.
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Close the Key Fob Case: Carefully snap the two halves of the key fob case back together. Ensure that they are securely closed and that there are no gaps. You should hear a click as the case snaps shut.
Identifying the Correct Replacement Battery Size
Before you take apart your key fob, it’s a good idea to try and determine what type of replacement battery you’ll need. This can save you a trip back to the store if you accidentally purchase the wrong size.
Often, you can find the battery size information directly on your key fob itself. Look closely at the back of the key fob or inside the battery compartment (if accessible without opening the fob). You might see embossed letters and numbers indicating the battery type.
While many car key fobs utilize the standard CR2032 coin cell battery, the specific battery type can vary depending on the year, make, and model of your vehicle. For example, some vehicles might use a CR2450, CR1632, or other types of coin cell batteries. Even within the same car brand, different models or years can use different batteries. For instance, while many Honda vehicles might use a CR2032, a Honda CR-V might require a CR1250 battery, as mentioned in the original article. Furthermore, some key fobs may require more than one battery; for example, a Ford Mustang key fob might need two batteries.
If you can’t find the battery type indicated on your key fob, don’t worry. You can still determine the correct battery by carefully opening the fob as described earlier and visually inspecting the old battery before removing it. Make a note of the battery type printed on it, and then you can purchase the exact replacement.
Gentle Does It: Opening Your Key Fob Without Damage
When you’re prying open your key fob, it’s crucial to exercise caution and avoid using excessive force. While it might be tempting to just jam your tool into the first gap you find and pull, this can easily damage the key fob casing and potentially lead to needing a complete replacement.
Instead, take your time and carefully wedge your flat tool, whether it’s a small screwdriver or a watch knife, into the seam of the key fob case. Many key fobs have a small notch specifically designed to help you get started. Once you’ve created a small opening, gently work your tool around the perimeter of the case, gradually separating the fasteners. Think of it like carefully peeling an orange – you want to work your way around, gently separating the segments without crushing the fruit inside. You should feel the fasteners pop open with minimal pressure.
Applying too much force can cause the key fob to suddenly burst open, potentially scattering the internal components and making reassembly much more difficult. It’s always better to be patient and gentle to ensure a smooth and successful battery replacement.
The Importance of Taking a Picture Before Battery Removal
Car key fobs, even for vehicles of the same make, model, and year, can have different internal layouts. This is why taking a photograph of the key fob’s interior before you remove the old battery is a highly recommended step. This simple precaution can be a lifesaver and prevent potential headaches during reassembly.
Your photograph serves as a visual reference guide, ensuring that you put all the components back in their correct positions. It’s especially helpful in noting the battery orientation (positive and negative sides) and the placement of any small plastic or metal clips or contact points.
By having a clear picture to refer to, you can confidently reassemble the key fob without guessing or potentially misplacing internal parts. This significantly reduces the risk of damaging the fob or rendering it non-functional, potentially saving you the cost and hassle of a key fob replacement.
Handle with Care: Avoiding Damage to Internal Components
Inside your key fob, you’ll find delicate wiring and a circuit board that are essential for its operation. It’s crucial to avoid disturbing or damaging these components during the battery replacement process. Rough handling or accidentally pulling on wires can lead to malfunctions and necessitate a key fob replacement.
When removing the old battery, use tweezers or another precision tool to gently lift it straight out of its compartment. Some key fobs have small metal clips or sliding mechanisms that secure the battery in place. If you encounter these, carefully move them out of the way to release the battery, but avoid pulling or forcing anything. Never attempt to remove the circuit board or any antennas that might be visible.
The electronic circuits within your key fob hold the programming that allows it to communicate with your car. Disrupting these circuits can cause the key fob to lose its programming, meaning it will no longer unlock or start your vehicle. In such cases, you might need to take your car and key fob to a dealership to have it reprogrammed, which can be an added expense and inconvenience. Therefore, handling the internal components with care is paramount to a successful and trouble-free key fob battery replacement.
By following these detailed steps and taking your time, you can confidently replace your key fob battery yourself, saving money and avoiding unnecessary trips to the dealership. A fresh battery will restore your key fob’s functionality, ensuring you can once again remotely unlock your car with ease.
