Key fobs are indispensable in modern vehicles, providing convenient remote access and security features. These small devices rely on batteries to function, and knowing What Size Battery Do Key Fobs Take is crucial for every car owner. A dead key fob battery can be more than just an inconvenience; it can prevent you from accessing or starting your car. This guide will delve into the common battery sizes for key fobs, how to identify the correct one for your vehicle, and offer tips for replacement and maintenance.
Alt text: Close-up of a car key fob interior showing the battery compartment, emphasizing the importance of battery size.
Understanding Key Fob Batteries: Powering Your Remote Access
Key fobs, also known as remote controls or smart keys, use small coin cell batteries to transmit signals to your car. These signals control various functions, including locking and unlocking doors, opening the trunk, and, in many modern vehicles, starting the engine. The battery is the lifeblood of your key fob, and its health directly impacts the reliability of these features.
Common Key Fob Battery Sizes
While various sizes exist, a few battery types are overwhelmingly common in key fobs. Understanding these common sizes is the first step in figuring out what size battery do key fobs take in general and specifically for your car.
- CR2032: This 3-volt lithium battery is perhaps the most prevalent in car key fobs across numerous manufacturers. Its balance of size and power makes it a popular choice.
- CR2025: Another 3-volt lithium battery, the CR2025 is slightly thinner than the CR2032 but shares the same diameter. It is also frequently used in key fobs, although sometimes interchangeably with CR2032 depending on the fob design.
- CR2016: This 3-volt battery is thinner still than the CR2025 and is found in slimmer key fobs or those requiring a less bulky power source.
- CR2450: Larger in diameter and thickness than the CR20xx series, the CR2450 is a 3-volt battery used in some key fobs that may require a longer-lasting or higher-power battery.
- CR1620: A less common but still relevant 3-volt battery, the CR1620 is thinner and smaller than the CR20xx series, sometimes found in older or more compact key fob designs.
Why Key Fob Battery Size Matters
Choosing the correct battery size is not just about physical fit; it’s about ensuring proper functionality and longevity. Using the wrong size can lead to several issues:
- Poor Contact: A battery that is too thin may not make consistent contact with the terminals inside the key fob. This can result in intermittent functionality or complete failure to operate.
- Damage to Fob: Trying to force a battery that is too thick into the fob compartment can damage the delicate internal components or the plastic casing itself.
- Reduced Battery Life: While voltage is typically consistent across these coin cell batteries (3V), different sizes can offer varying capacities. Using a battery with a lower capacity than recommended could mean more frequent replacements.
How to Determine the Right Battery Size for Your Key Fob
Knowing the common battery sizes is helpful, but pinpointing what size battery do key fobs take for your specific car is essential. Here are several reliable methods:
Check Your Owner’s Manual
The most definitive source of information is your vehicle’s owner’s manual. This document often includes a section on key fob maintenance, which should specify the exact battery type required for your key fob. Look for terms like “key fob battery replacement,” “remote control battery,” or similar phrases in the index or table of contents.
Inspect Your Old Battery
The most straightforward method is to open your key fob (carefully, following any instructions you find online or in your manual) and look at the battery currently inside. Coin cell batteries are typically labeled with their type. For example, you will see “CR2032,” “CR2025,” “CR2016,” “CR2450,” or “CR1620” printed directly on the battery itself. Make a note of this code – it’s the key to getting the correct replacement.
Alt text: Inside view of a Nissan key fob, clearly showing the CR2032 battery installed, emphasizing battery identification within the fob.
Online Resources and Databases
If you no longer have your owner’s manual or prefer a quick online lookup, several websites and online retailers offer battery finders. You can typically enter your car’s year, make, and model, and the tool will suggest the likely battery type for your key fob. However, always double-check this information with your old battery if possible to ensure accuracy.
Key Fob Battery Types by Car Brand: Common Examples
While the CR2032 is exceptionally common, variations exist across different car brands and even within models of the same brand. Here’s an expanded list building upon the original article, illustrating what size battery do key fobs take across various manufacturers:
Honda Key Fob Batteries (Primarily CR2032 and CR1620)
- CR2032: Common in models like the Honda Insight (2022), Accord Hybrid (2021), Accord Sedan (2021), CR-V (2021), and Civic Smart Key (2016-2021).
- CR1620: Used in some Honda Civic Remote Head Keys (RHK) (2017-2021).
Nissan Key Fob Batteries (Predominantly CR2032)
- CR2032: Widely used across Nissan models, including Altima (2019-2022), Sentra (2020-2022), Versa Note (2020), Versa Sedan (2020-2022), Murano (2019-2022), Pathfinder (2019-2021), and Titan (2019-2021).
Toyota Key Fob Batteries (Mix of CR2032, CR2016, and CR2450)
- CR2032: Used in many Toyota models like 4Runner (2021-2022), Avalon (2021-2022), C-HR (2021), Camry (2021-2022), Corolla (2021-2022), Highlander (2021-2022), Prius (2021), Prius Prime (2021), RAV4 (2021), Sequoia (2021-2022), and Tacoma/Tundra Smart Keys (2021-2022).
- CR2016: Found in Toyota Tacoma and Tundra Remote Head Keys (RHK) (2021).
- CR2450: Used in larger keys like those for Toyota Sienna (2022) and Venza (2021).
Mazda Key Fob Batteries (Mainly CR2032)
- CR2032: Common across the Mazda lineup, including Mazda 3 (2021), Mazda 6 (2021), CX-3 (2021), CX-30 (2021), CX-5 (2021), CX-9 (2021), and MX-5 Miata (2021).
Jeep Key Fob Batteries (CR2450 and CR2032)
- CR2450: Used in larger Jeep models like Grand Wagoneer (2022), Wagoneer (2022), and Wrangler (2021).
- CR2032: Found in models like Cherokee (2021), Compass (2021), Grand Cherokee (2021), and Renegade (2021).
Subaru Key Fob Batteries (CR1620 and CR2032)
- CR1620: Used in Subaru Impreza (RHK) (2021-2022) and Forester (RHK) (2021).
- CR2032: Found in Subaru Impreza (smart key) (2021), Legacy (2021-2022), Outback (2021-2022), and Forester (smart key) (2021).
Other Car Brands
While the list above covers common brands, remember that specifics can vary. Brands like Ford, Chevrolet, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Audi, Hyundai, Kia, and many others also utilize these common battery types, especially CR2032 and CR2025, but may also use others depending on the model and year. Always verify what size battery do key fobs take for your specific vehicle using one of the methods mentioned earlier.
Replacing Your Key Fob Battery: A Quick Guide
Once you know what size battery do key fobs take, replacing it is usually a straightforward DIY task.
DIY Steps for Key Fob Battery Replacement
- Open the Fob: Most key fobs have a small notch or seam. Use a small flathead screwdriver or a coin to gently pry the fob open. Some may have screws that need to be removed first (often very small Phillips head screws).
- Locate the Battery: Once open, you’ll see the battery compartment. Note the orientation of the old battery (+ side up or down).
- Remove the Old Battery: Gently pry out the old battery. A small non-metallic tool can be helpful.
- Insert the New Battery: Place the new battery in the same orientation as the old one.
- Close the Fob: Snap the fob casing back together until it clicks securely. If screws were removed, replace them and tighten gently.
- Test: Test your key fob to ensure it’s working correctly.
Alt text: Image showing a Honda RHK key fob opened, highlighting the battery compartment and the simple access for battery replacement.
When to Seek Professional Help
While DIY replacement is usually easy, consider professional help if:
- You are uncomfortable opening electronic devices.
- You encounter resistance or difficulty opening the fob.
- Your key fob still doesn’t work after battery replacement.
- You prefer the convenience of professional service.
Locksmiths specializing in automotive services, like Keyway Lock Service, can quickly and efficiently replace your key fob battery and diagnose any more complex issues if needed.
Extending Your Key Fob Battery Life
While key fob batteries are designed to last, you can take steps to maximize their lifespan:
- Avoid Extreme Temperatures: Extreme heat or cold can drain battery life faster. Avoid leaving your key fob in direct sunlight or freezing temperatures for extended periods.
- Limit Button Presses: Unnecessary button presses drain the battery. Avoid accidentally pressing buttons when the fob is in your pocket or bag.
- Store Fobs Away from Car: For smart keys that constantly communicate with the vehicle, storing them further away when at home can reduce unnecessary communication and battery drain.
Conclusion: Staying Powered Up
Understanding what size battery do key fobs take and how to replace them is a simple yet essential aspect of car ownership. By identifying the correct battery type for your vehicle and following the replacement steps, you can ensure your key fob remains functional and reliable. Whether you choose to DIY or seek professional assistance, keeping your key fob powered up ensures seamless access and operation of your vehicle. If you need assistance or prefer professional key fob battery replacement or other automotive locksmith services, contact us today.
