Is your car key fob starting to act up? Maybe you have to press the button multiple times to unlock your doors, or the range seems to have diminished. It’s a common problem, and the culprit is often a dead or dying battery in your key fob. Before you rush to a dealership or repair shop, you might be wondering, “What Type Of Battery Does My Key Fob Take?” The good news is that replacing your key fob battery is usually a straightforward DIY task, and we’re here to guide you through it.
Replacing the battery in your key fob is much simpler than tackling your car’s main battery. With just a few basic tools and the correct replacement battery, you can restore your key fob to its full functionality. However, it’s essential to proceed carefully to avoid damaging your key fob, which could lead to needing a costly replacement. If your key fob is already malfunctioning, a new battery is the first and easiest fix to try.
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Identifying the Right Key Fob Battery for Your Car
So, what type of battery does your key fob require? While many key fobs use a standard type of battery, it’s crucial to confirm the specific battery needed for your vehicle’s make, model, and year. There are a couple of ways to determine the correct battery for your key fob.
One of the easiest methods is to check your key fob itself. Many key fobs have markings on the case indicating the battery type.
Check Your Key Fob Case for Battery Information
Take a close look at your key fob. Examine both the back of the fob and inside the key compartment if your key fob has a physical key that slides out. You might find embossed letters and numbers that specify the battery type. Common markings include CR2032, CR2025, CR2016, or CR1620. These codes refer to coin cell lithium batteries, with the “CR” indicating lithium and the four-digit number specifying the size (diameter and thickness).
Opening a key fob with a watch knife for battery access. | Image: Mike Harris
While the CR2032 is a very common key fob battery, used in many makes and models, variations exist. For example, some Honda CR-V models may use a CR1250 battery. Furthermore, some key fobs, like those for certain Ford Mustang models, can even require two batteries. Therefore, directly checking your key fob for markings is always a good first step in determining “what type of battery does my key fob take.”
If you can’t find the battery type on the case, don’t worry. You can still determine the correct battery by opening your key fob.
Step-by-Step Guide to Accessing Your Key Fob Battery
If your key fob doesn’t show the battery type externally, you’ll need to carefully open it to identify the battery inside. This process is usually quite simple and only requires a few basic tools.
Tools You’ll Need for Key Fob Battery Replacement
Before you begin, gather these tools:
- A thin, flat blade: A watch knife or a small flathead screwdriver works well for gently prying open the key fob case.
- A replacement battery: Once you identify the battery type (likely a CR2032 or similar coin cell), purchase a new one. These are widely available at most stores selling batteries.
- A precision screwdriver (possibly): Depending on your key fob model, you might need a small Phillips head screwdriver (around 1.4mm to 2.4mm) to remove tiny screws.
- Tweezers: Tweezers are helpful for handling the small battery and placing the new one.
- Your smartphone: Using your phone to take pictures during the process is highly recommended as a reference.
Safely Opening Your Key Fob Case
Most key fob cases are designed to snap together. Here’s how to open yours:
- Inspect the Key Fob Case: Look for a small notch or seam on the key fob case. This is usually where you should insert your prying tool.
- Insert Your Pry Tool: Gently insert the thin blade of your watch knife or flathead screwdriver into the notch or seam.
- Pry Gently: Apply gentle pressure to pry the case open. Avoid forcing it, as this could damage the plastic case. Work your tool around the seam, gradually separating the two halves of the key fob case. Think of it like carefully peeling an orange. Many cases have small plastic fasteners that will pop open with gentle pressure.
Demonstrating how to wedge a tool around a key fob case to open it. | Image: Mike Harris
Once the case is open, you’ll see the battery compartment and the battery itself. Now you can clearly see “what type of battery does my key fob take” by reading the markings on the old battery. Note down this battery type before removing the old battery.
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Replacing Your Key Fob Battery: A Quick Guide
Now that you’ve identified the correct replacement battery, and have your new battery ready, follow these simple steps to replace it:
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Take a Picture: Before removing the old battery, take a picture of the battery compartment with your phone. This is crucial! It will show you the battery orientation (positive side up or down) and how any retaining clips or components are positioned. Key fobs can have different internal layouts, even for similar car models.
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Remove the Old Battery: Use tweezers or your fingertip to carefully remove the old battery. Some key fobs have a small clip or sliding metal piece holding the battery in place. If so, gently move it aside to release the battery. Avoid touching any of the circuit board components or wiring.
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Install the New Battery: Place the new battery into the compartment, ensuring the correct orientation (positive side up or down, as noted in your picture). Make sure it is securely seated in the battery holder.
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Close the Key Fob Case: Carefully snap the two halves of the key fob case back together. Ensure they are firmly closed and all fasteners are engaged.
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Test Your Key Fob: Test your key fob to ensure it’s working correctly. Try locking and unlocking your doors, and starting your car if your key fob has that function.
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Final Thoughts on Key Fob Batteries
Determining “what type of battery does my key fob take” and replacing it yourself is a simple way to save time and money. By following these steps, you can easily restore your key fob’s functionality and avoid the inconvenience of a dead remote. Remember to always double-check the battery type and handle your key fob with care during the replacement process. With a fresh battery, your key fob will be back to reliably unlocking your car for years to come.
