Is your car key fob acting up? Perhaps you’re finding yourself pressing the buttons multiple times to lock or unlock your doors, or maybe it’s stopped working altogether. Before you rush to the dealership for an expensive replacement, the solution might be as simple as changing the battery. This guide will walk you through how to open your key fob to change the battery yourself, saving you time and money. It’s a straightforward process that most car owners can handle with just a few basic tools.
Step-by-Step Guide to Open Your Key Fob and Change the Battery
Changing your key fob battery is a common maintenance task for any vehicle owner. Modern car keys, while convenient, rely on small batteries to transmit signals to your car. When these batteries die, your key fob becomes less effective or stops working entirely. Here’s how to easily replace it.
1. Gather Your Tools and Supplies
Before you begin, make sure you have everything you need. For most key fobs, you will only require a couple of simple items:
- A Small Screwdriver: Typically, a small flathead screwdriver will work. Some fobs might require a Phillips head screwdriver, so it’s good to have both types available. The size should be small enough to fit into the crevices of your key fob without causing damage.
- A New Battery: The type of battery varies depending on your car model and key fob. Common key fob batteries include CR2032, CR2025, and CR1620. Check your old battery for the exact type printed on it before you purchase a replacement. You can usually find these batteries at drugstores, supermarkets, or auto parts stores.
- A Soft Cloth or Microfiber Towel (Optional): This is useful to protect the surfaces of your key fob from scratches while you are working on it.
2. Locate and Remove the Emergency Key
Many modern key fobs contain a detachable emergency key, often hidden as part of the fob itself. This mechanical key can be used to manually unlock your car door if the electronic functions fail completely.
Look for a small button or release latch on your key fob. It’s often located on the side or bottom of the fob, and may be a different color or texture from the rest of the casing to make it easily identifiable. Press or slide this release to detach the emergency key from the fob body.
The silver portion at the bottom of this Dodge key fob is the detachable emergency key that needs to be removed first.
3. Identify the Opening Point on the Fob
Once you’ve removed the emergency key, you’ll need to locate the point where you can open the key fob casing. Look closely at the seam that runs around the edge of the fob. There’s usually a small slot or notch designed to allow you to pry the two halves of the fob apart. This opening is often near where the emergency key was housed.
4. Carefully Pry Open the Key Fob
This is where your small screwdriver comes into play. Gently insert the tip of your flathead screwdriver into the slot or notch you identified. Apply gentle pressure and twist the screwdriver to start separating the two halves of the key fob.
Be patient and work your way around the seam. The latches holding the fob together can be quite tight, especially the first time it’s opened. Avoid applying excessive force in one spot, as this could damage the plastic casing. Work slowly and carefully, gently prying at different points along the seam until the fob begins to split open.
After removing the emergency key, insert a small screwdriver or similar tool into the designated slot to carefully pry apart the key fob casing.
Using a small screwdriver, gently pry around the seam of the key fob until the casing begins to separate.
Note: Opening the key fob for the first time can sometimes be the most challenging part. If you encounter significant resistance, double-check that you are prying at the correct opening point and continue to work gently around the fob.
5. Access and Remove the Old Battery
With the key fob open, you will now see the battery compartment. Pay close attention to the orientation of the old battery before you remove it. Notice which side is facing up (positive or negative). This is crucial to ensure you install the new battery correctly.
Gently remove the old battery. In some fobs, the battery might be held in place by small clips, which you may need to slightly move to release the battery.
6. Install the New Battery
Take your new battery and install it in the battery compartment, matching the orientation of the old battery you just removed. Usually, the positive (+) side of the battery should face upwards, but always double-check the markings inside the battery compartment or refer to your vehicle’s owner’s manual if you are unsure.
Ensure the new battery is securely seated in the compartment.
This image displays the internal components of a key fob once opened, with the battery now accessible for replacement.
7. Reassemble the Key Fob
Carefully align the two halves of the key fob casing back together. Press them firmly until they snap back into place. You should hear a clicking sound, indicating that the latches are securely fastened. Ensure there are no gaps between the two halves of the fob.
8. Test Your Key Fob
Once the fob is reassembled, test it to make sure it’s working correctly. Press the lock, unlock, and any other buttons on your key fob to verify they are functioning as expected. You should see the car respond to the signals from your key fob. Don’t forget to reinsert the emergency key back into the fob.
If your key fob still doesn’t work after replacing the battery, double-check that you installed the new battery with the correct orientation and that you purchased the correct battery type. If problems persist, there might be another issue with your key fob or vehicle, and it may be time to seek professional assistance.
Need Help? We’re Here for You!
While changing your key fob battery is often a simple DIY task, we understand that not everyone is comfortable working on their car keys, or you might encounter a key fob that’s particularly tricky to open. If you’d rather have a professional handle your key fob battery replacement, or if you’re experiencing any issues, our expert service team at Dale Howard Auto Center is here to help!
You can also find more helpful videos and guides on our YouTube channel for visual learners. Don’t hesitate to give us a call at 641-648-4695 or contact us through our website. We are always happy to assist with your car maintenance needs!
