Is your Dodge key fob starting to feel a bit unresponsive? Or maybe it’s completely stopped working, leaving you struggling to lock, unlock, or start your vehicle remotely. Don’t worry, you’re likely just dealing with a dead battery. Replacing the battery in your Dodge key fob is a simple task you can easily handle yourself in just a few minutes. This guide will walk you through the process step-by-step, ensuring you get your key fob back in perfect working order without any hassle.
Step-by-Step Guide to Replacing Battery in Modern Dodge Key Fob
If your Dodge vehicle uses a modern key fob that doesn’t require insertion into the dashboard to start the engine, follow these straightforward steps to replace its battery:
Step 1: Locate and Slide the Emergency Key Lever
On the back of your Dodge key fob, you’ll find a small lever or button designed to release the emergency key. Slide this lever to detach the mechanical emergency key. Pull the key out completely and set it aside in a safe place. This key is a backup and won’t be needed for the battery replacement, but it’s good to have it accessible.
Step 2: Prepare a Flat, Thin Tool
To open the key fob casing, you’ll need a slim, flat-edged tool. A flathead screwdriver is ideal for this task. If you don’t have a screwdriver handy, a thin knife or even the edge of a sturdy plastic card can work carefully.
Step 3: Pry Open the Key Fob Casing
Examine the bottom of your key fob, specifically where the emergency key was just removed. You should see a small slot or seam line. This is where you need to insert your flat tool. Gently insert the tip of your screwdriver or chosen tool into this slot and carefully pry the two halves of the key fob apart. Apply steady, gentle pressure to avoid damaging the plastic casing.
Step 4: Access and Remove the Old Battery
Once the key fob casing is open, carefully separate the two halves to reveal the internal components, including the battery. The battery is usually a small, round, silver disc. Note the orientation of the battery before removing it – pay attention to which side is facing up (usually marked with a “+” sign). Use your flat tool again to gently slide the old battery out of its housing.
Step 5: Install the New CR2032 Battery
Your Dodge key fob typically uses a CR2032 battery. You can find these batteries at most auto parts stores, drugstores, and online retailers. Take your new CR2032 battery and slide it into the battery housing, ensuring the “+” side is facing the correct direction (match it to the orientation you noted when removing the old battery, or look for “+” markings in the battery compartment).
Step 6: Reassemble the Key Fob
Carefully take the two halves of the key fob casing and press them back together until they click securely. Ensure there are no gaps and the casing is firmly closed. Finally, slide the emergency key back into its slot until it clicks into place. Your modern Dodge key fob battery replacement is now complete!
Step-by-Step Guide to Replacing Battery in Older Dodge Key Fob
If your Dodge is an older model and uses a key fob that needs to be inserted into the ignition or dashboard, the battery replacement process is slightly different but still easy to manage:
Step 1: Release and Remove the Emergency Key
Similar to the modern key fob, locate the lever on the back of your older Dodge key fob to release the emergency key. Slide the lever, remove the key, and set it aside.
Step 2: Locate and Remove the Phillips Head Screw
Flip the key fob over so the buttons are facing down and the rounded end (where the key ring attaches) is pointing upwards. On the back of the fob, you’ll see a tiny Phillips head screw. You’ll need a small Phillips head screwdriver to remove this screw. Turn the screw counterclockwise until it’s completely removed and carefully set it aside – these screws are small and easy to lose.
Step 3: Pry Open the Key Fob Casing
Once the screw is removed, you can proceed to open the casing. Use a flat, thin tool like a flathead screwdriver. Insert the tool into the seam of the key fob casing, near where the screw was located, and gently pry the two halves apart.
Step 4: Access and Replace the Battery
After separating the casing, you should see the internal components. In older key fobs, the inner electronic piece may be separate. Carefully lift out this inner piece and flip it over to access the battery compartment. Again, note the orientation of the old battery before removing it. Use your flat tool to slide the battery out of its housing.
Step 5: Install the New CR2032 Battery
Just like the modern key fob, older Dodge key fobs typically use a CR2032 battery. Insert the new CR2032 battery into the housing with the “+” side facing the correct direction.
Step 6: Reassemble the Key Fob
Carefully put the three pieces (two halves of the casing and the inner electronic piece) back together, ensuring they fit snugly. Fasten the casing back together by reinserting and tightening the small Phillips head screw. Don’t overtighten. Finally, slide the emergency key back into its slot. Your older Dodge key fob battery is now replaced!
By following these simple steps, you can easily replace your Dodge key fob battery and restore full functionality to your remote locking and starting system. Keep a spare CR2032 battery handy so you’re always prepared!
