Is your car key fob becoming less responsive? Are you finding yourself pressing the unlock button multiple times just to get a reaction from your vehicle? It might be a sign that you need a new battery in your key fob. Many drivers automatically assume a trip to the dealership or a professional mechanic is necessary, but the good news is that you can often handle a key fob battery replacement yourself, saving both time and money.
While replacing a car battery under the hood can be a more complex task, changing the battery in your key fob is surprisingly straightforward. With just a few common household tools and a readily available replacement battery, you can restore your key fob to its optimal working condition. However, it’s important to proceed carefully to avoid damaging the delicate components inside, which could lead to needing a complete key fob replacement.
Is your car key fob acting up? Before you panic and consider expensive solutions, you might be pleased to discover that a simple battery swap could be the only fix you need. Let’s dive into how you can easily breathe new life into your car key remote.
Get Spare Key Fobs at Interstate All Battery Center
Need a backup key fob? Avoid dealership prices and get a spare at select Interstate All Battery Center locations.
Yes, You Can Replace Key Fob Batteries Easily at Home
Replacing the battery in your key fob is a task you can confidently tackle at home. 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 carefully prying open the key fob casing.
- The correct replacement battery: Most key fobs use CR2032 coin cell batteries, widely available at drugstores, supermarkets, and online retailers.
- A small precision screwdriver (possibly): Depending on your key fob model, you might need a very small screwdriver (around 1.4mm to 2.4mm) to remove tiny screws.
- Tweezers: These are helpful for handling the small battery and ensuring precise placement.
- Your smartphone camera: Taking photos as you disassemble the fob can be a lifesaver when putting it back together.
With these simple tools at hand, follow these easy steps to perform your key fob battery replacement:
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Open the Key Fob Casing: Gently use your flat tool to pry open the plastic case of your key fob.
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Remove the Old Battery: Carefully take out the old battery from its compartment.
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Insert the New Battery: Place the new key fob battery into the compartment, ensuring correct polarity (usually the positive side facing up).
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Close the Case: Snap the key fob case back together until it’s securely closed.
Joseph De La Rosa, store manager at Interstate All Battery Center of Surprise, Ariz., demonstrates the process. | Video: Joseph De La Rosa
Identify the Correct Key Fob Battery Size Before You Start
Before you begin taking apart your key fob, it’s wise to check if the battery size is indicated on the case itself. Look closely at the back of your key fob or inside the battery compartment for any embossed markings.
Key Fob Replacements are Readily Available
Having only one key fob can be risky if it’s lost, stolen, broken, or locked inside your car. Get a spare key fob replacement at select Interstate All Battery Center locations for peace of mind.
It’s crucial to confirm the correct battery type before you disassemble your key fob to avoid frustration later. While the CR2032 coin cell is a common key fob battery, different car makes, models, and years can use different sizes. For example, some Honda CR-V models require a CR1250 battery. Also, be aware that some key fobs, like those for certain Ford Mustang models, may require two batteries instead of one.
If your key fob doesn’t specify the battery type externally, you’ll need to carefully open it to check.
- Mike Harris, Interstate All Battery Center manager of production and engineering, shows how easy it is to open a key fob with a watch knife. | Image: Mike Harris*
Use a Wedge Tool Around the Key Fob Case to Prevent Damage
When prying open your car key fob, apply gentle and even pressure. Avoid forcing it open from just one point, as this could easily damage the case and lead to needing a complete key fob replacement.
Instead, work your flathead screwdriver or watch knife around the seam of the case, much like you would peel an orange. Many key fobs have a small notch specifically designed to help you begin the opening process. Once you create a small gap, continue to carefully wedge your tool around the perimeter, gently popping open the fasteners.
Concerned About Your Car Battery’s Health? Get a Free Battery Test.
Visit your local Interstate All Battery Center or a trusted repair shop for a complimentary and comprehensive check of your car’s starting and charging system.
Remember to use controlled pressure to prevent the key fob from suddenly snapping open and scattering its internal components.
Always Take a Photo of the Key Fob Internals Before Battery Removal
The internal layout of car key fobs can vary significantly, even within the same car make, model, and year.
Taking a quick photo of the key fob’s internal components before you remove the old battery is an essential step. This visual reference will be invaluable when you reassemble the fob, ensuring all parts are placed back correctly. This simple step can prevent you from needing to buy a new key fob due to incorrect reassembly.
Your photo will also clearly show the battery’s orientation, confirming whether the positive (+) side faces up or down.
Handle the Internal Components with Care to Avoid Key Fob Replacement
Be extremely careful not to touch or disturb any of the internal wiring or the circuit board inside your key fob. Mishandling these delicate parts could cause damage and necessitate a costly key fob replacement.
Use tweezers or a similar precision tool to carefully lift the battery out of its housing. Some key fobs have small clips or sliding metal pieces that secure the battery. You’ll need to gently move these aside to remove the battery, but avoid pulling out the circuit board or any antennas.
The electronic circuits inside your key fob retain the programming that links it to your car. Disturbing these circuits could lead to losing the key fob’s programming. In such cases, you might have to visit a dealership or select Interstate All Battery Center locations to reprogram or replace your car key fob.
Trust Interstate® for Both Your Car and Key Fob Batteries.
Rely on the trusted power of Interstate for long-lasting batteries in your vehicle and your key fob. Find both your car battery and key fob battery needs at Interstate All Battery Center.
