As a modern car owner, you rely on your key fob daily, often without a second thought – until it stops working. A dead key fob battery can be more than just an inconvenience; it can prevent you from starting your car altogether, especially with today’s push-to-start vehicles. Understanding what batteries key fobs take, how to recognize when they’re dying, and how to replace them is essential for every driver. This guide from the experts at keyfobprog.com will walk you through everything you need to know about key fob batteries to keep you on the road.
Recognizing the Signs of a Dying Key Fob Battery
Just like any battery, the one in your key fob has a limited lifespan. Being aware of the warning signs can help you avoid being stranded. Here are common indicators that your key fob battery is nearing the end of its life:
- Reduced Range: This is often the first and most noticeable sign. You’ll find you need to be significantly closer to your car than usual for the remote functions (locking, unlocking, starting) to work. If you used to be able to unlock your car from across the parking lot, and now you have to be right next to it, battery weakness is likely the culprit.
- Inconsistent Signal: You press the button on your key fob, and sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn’t. This unreliable behavior indicates that the battery is struggling to consistently send a strong signal.
- Multiple Presses Required: You have to press the buttons on your key fob multiple times – sometimes forcefully – before your car responds. This is another clear sign the battery is weakening and can’t reliably transmit the signal on the first try.
- No Signal at All: In the most extreme case, your key fob might stop working entirely. No lights flashing, no door locks clicking – complete silence. While other issues can cause this, a dead battery is the most common and easiest to check first.
- Dashboard Warning Light: Some newer vehicles are equipped with a dashboard warning light specifically to indicate a low key fob battery. If you see a key symbol illuminated on your dashboard, check your owner’s manual to see if it’s related to the key fob battery.
Alt text: Close-up of a car key fob opened to show the internal components, highlighting the location of the battery.
What Types of Batteries Do Key Fobs Use?
Key fobs typically use small, coin-shaped batteries known as “coin cell” or “button cell” batteries. These batteries are compact, long-lasting, and provide the necessary power for the fob’s remote functions. While various types exist, here are some of the most common batteries you’ll find in key fobs:
- CR2032 Battery: This is arguably the most common key fob battery. It’s a 3-volt lithium battery known for its long life and reliability. Many Honda, Nissan, Toyota, Mazda, and Jeep models utilize CR2032 batteries.
- CR2025 Battery: Another 3-volt lithium battery, the CR2025 is slightly thinner than the CR2032 but has the same diameter. It’s also frequently used in key fobs, although sometimes interchangeably with CR2032 depending on the fob design.
- CR2016 Battery: This 3-volt lithium battery is even thinner than the CR2025. While less common than CR2032, it’s still found in some key fobs, particularly in older models or remote head keys (RHKs), as seen in some Honda and Toyota models.
- CR2450 Battery: This 3-volt lithium battery is larger in diameter and thickness compared to the CR20xx series, offering a higher capacity. You’ll find CR2450 batteries in key fobs that require more power, such as those with added features or in certain Jeep and Toyota models.
- CR1620 Battery: A 3-volt lithium battery, thinner and smaller in diameter than CR20xx batteries. It’s used in some slimmer key fob designs, like certain Honda and Subaru remote head keys.
Important Note: While CR2032 and CR2025 are prevalent, it’s crucial to identify the exact battery type your key fob requires. Using the wrong battery type, even if it physically fits, can lead to malfunction or damage.
Finding the Right Battery for Your Key Fob
Determining “What Batteries Do Key Fobs Take” for your specific car is straightforward. Here are a few reliable methods:
- Consult Your Owner’s Manual: Your vehicle’s owner’s manual is the most authoritative source. Look for the section on key fobs or remote controls. It should specify the exact battery type required for your key fob model.
- Check the Old Battery: Carefully open your key fob (instructions below) and remove the existing battery. The battery type (e.g., CR2032, CR2025) is usually clearly printed on the battery itself. Note this down before discarding the old battery.
- Online Key Fob Battery Finders: Many websites and online retailers that sell batteries have compatibility finders. You can typically enter your car’s year, make, and model, and the tool will identify the correct key fob battery type.
- Contact a Professional: If you’re unsure or uncomfortable opening your key fob, a locksmith specializing in automotive keys or your car dealership can quickly identify the correct battery for you. Services like Keyway Lock Service are experts in this area and can provide assistance.
DIY Key Fob Battery Replacement: A Simple Guide
Replacing your key fob battery is usually a quick and easy DIY task that can save you time and money compared to going to a dealership. Here are the general steps:
- Gather Your Tools and New Battery: You’ll typically need a small flathead screwdriver (or a similar prying tool) and the correct replacement battery.
- Open the Key Fob: Examine your key fob for a small notch or seam. Carefully insert the flathead screwdriver into the notch and gently twist to pry the fob casing open. Some fobs may have screws that need to be removed first – check for tiny screws before prying.
- Access the Battery Compartment: Once the fob is open, you’ll see the circuit board and the battery. The battery is usually held in place by small clips or a retainer.
- Remove the Old Battery: Note the orientation of the old battery (positive side up or down). Use your fingertip or the tip of the screwdriver to gently pry the old battery out of its compartment.
- Install the New Battery: Place the new battery into the compartment, ensuring the correct orientation (match the positive and negative sides as the old battery was installed). You should feel it snap or click into place.
- Reassemble the Key Fob: Carefully snap the two halves of the key fob casing back together until they are securely closed. If there were screws, re-insert and tighten them.
- Test Your Key Fob: Try locking and unlocking your car remotely to ensure the new battery is working correctly.
Caution: Be gentle when opening your key fob, especially if it’s made of plastic. The plastic tabs holding it together can break easily. Also, always ensure you install the new battery in the correct orientation for it to function.
Alt text: Image showing the process of unscrewing a Honda remote head key fob to access the battery compartment during a battery replacement.
Alt text: An opened Honda remote head key fob with the internal components visible, clearly indicating the location where the battery is housed.
Alt text: Hands screwing back together the casing of a Honda remote head key fob after a battery replacement, completing the reassembly process.
Cost and Where to Buy Key Fob Batteries
Key fob batteries are inexpensive and readily available.
- Cost: A single replacement key fob battery typically costs around $5 or less. Buying in multi-packs can sometimes reduce the per-battery price.
- Where to Buy: You can purchase key fob batteries at various locations:
- Online Retailers: Amazon, Walmart.com, and other online retailers offer a wide selection of coin cell batteries, often at competitive prices.
- Electronics Stores: Stores like Best Buy or electronics specialty stores usually carry a range of coin cell batteries.
- Auto Parts Stores: AutoZone, Advance Auto Parts, and similar stores also stock common key fob batteries.
- Drugstores and Grocery Stores: Many drugstores and supermarkets have a battery section where you can find coin cell batteries.
How Long Do Key Fob Batteries Last?
The lifespan of a key fob battery depends on several factors, including:
- Type of Key Fob: Smart keys, which are constantly communicating with the vehicle, may drain batteries slightly faster than basic remote key fobs.
- Frequency of Use: More frequent use of the key fob’s remote functions will naturally shorten battery life.
- Battery Quality: Higher-quality batteries from reputable brands tend to last longer than cheaper, generic batteries.
- Environmental Factors: Extreme temperatures (both hot and cold) can sometimes affect battery performance and lifespan.
Generally, you can expect a key fob battery to last 2-4 years for regular key fobs and 1-3 years for smart keys. Proactive replacement every couple of years, or when you first notice signs of weakening, can prevent unexpected issues.
Key Fob Battery Types by Vehicle Make (Examples)
While the best way to determine your specific battery is to check your manual or old battery, here are some common examples of “what batteries do key fobs take” for popular car makes:
- Honda Key Fob Battery: Many Honda models, including Accord, Civic, CR-V, and Insight, commonly use CR2032 batteries. Some remote head keys (RHK) might use CR1620.
- Nissan Key Fob Battery: Nissan Altima, Sentra, Murano, Pathfinder, and Titan models often use CR2032 batteries.
- Toyota Key Fob Battery: Toyota Camry, Corolla, RAV4, Highlander, and Tacoma (Smart Key) frequently use CR2032. Remote Head Keys (RHK) for Tacoma and Tundra may use CR2016. Toyota Sienna and Venza sometimes use CR2450.
- Mazda Key Fob Battery: Mazda3, Mazda6, CX-3, CX-5, and CX-9 models typically use CR2032 batteries.
- Jeep Key Fob Battery: Jeep Cherokee, Compass, Grand Cherokee, and Renegade often use CR2032. Larger Jeep models like Grand Wagoneer and Wagoneer may use CR2450.
- Subaru Key Fob Battery: Subaru Impreza, Legacy, and Outback (smart key) often use CR2032. Remote Head Keys (RHK) for Impreza and Forester may use CR1620.
Disclaimer: This is not an exhaustive list, and battery types can vary even within the same car make depending on the model year and specific key fob design. Always verify the correct battery for your key fob.
Conclusion
Knowing “what batteries do key fobs take” and how to maintain them is a simple yet crucial aspect of car ownership. By recognizing the signs of a dying battery and being prepared to replace it, you can avoid the frustration of a non-functioning key fob. While DIY replacement is usually straightforward, remember that professional help is always available. If you prefer assistance or encounter any issues, don’t hesitate to contact automotive locksmith experts like Keyway Lock Service for fast and reliable key fob battery replacement and other automotive locksmith services.
