Is your 2012 Honda CRV key fob not working as reliably as it used to? You might be facing a dead battery. Fortunately, replacing the 2012 Honda Crv Key Fob Battery is a straightforward task you can easily handle yourself, saving time and money compared to dealership service.
Identifying a Dead Key Fob Battery
Before you start, how do you know if it’s really the battery? Common signs of a dying 2012 Honda CRV key fob battery include:
- Reduced Range: You need to be closer to your CRV for the remote to work.
- Intermittent Functionality: The buttons work sometimes, but not others.
- No Response: The key fob completely fails to lock, unlock, or start your vehicle remotely.
If you’re experiencing these issues with your 2012 Honda CRV key fob, a battery replacement is likely the solution.
What You’ll Need
Replacing your 2012 Honda CRV key fob battery is simple and requires just a few items:
- Replacement Battery: You’ll need a CR1616 3V lithium battery. This specific battery type is essential for your 2012 Honda CRV key fob to function correctly. You can find these at most drug stores, online retailers, and some auto parts stores.
- Small Phillips Head Screwdriver: A mini Phillips screwdriver is needed to open the key fob casing.
- Soft Cloth (Optional): A soft cloth can be helpful to protect the key fob from scratches and to handle the new battery without touching the contacts directly.
Step-by-Step Battery Replacement Guide for Your 2012 Honda CRV Key Fob
Follow these easy steps to replace the battery in your 2012 Honda CRV key fob:
Step 1: Locate the Screw and Open the Key Fob
Flip your 2012 Honda CRV key fob over and locate the small Phillips head screw on the back casing. Using your mini Phillips screwdriver, carefully unscrew and remove this screw. It might be a bit tight initially. Be sure to apply firm, steady pressure to avoid stripping the screw head. Once the screw is removed, you can gently pry open the two halves of the key fob casing.
Step 2: Open the Inner Cassette
After opening the main casing, you’ll see a black plastic inner cassette containing the electronics and the battery. This inner cassette also bivalves. Carefully pry open this inner cassette to access the battery compartment. You might need to use your fingernail or the edge of the screwdriver to gently separate the two halves.
Step 3: Battery Removal and Replacement (CR1616)
With the inner cassette open, you’ll see the old CR1616 battery. Note the orientation of the battery – usually, the positive (+) side (with writing) faces down. Gently remove the old battery. You can use your fingertip or the screwdriver edge to pry it out if needed.
Now, take your new CR1616 battery. Using a soft cloth or your clean fingers (avoid touching the flat surfaces as much as possible to prevent oil transfer), insert the new battery into the compartment, ensuring the positive (+) side is facing down, just like the old battery.
Step 4: Reassembly
Carefully snap the two halves of the inner cassette back together until they are securely closed. Then, align the two halves of the key fob casing and press them together until they snap shut. Finally, reinsert and tighten the Phillips head screw. Be careful not to overtighten it.
Tips for a Smooth Battery Replacement
- Tight Screw: If the screw is very tight, as mentioned in the original post, use a good quality mini Phillips screwdriver and apply firm, downward pressure while turning to avoid stripping the screw head. Using a vice-grip on the screwdriver handle can give you extra leverage if needed, but be very careful.
- Battery Orientation: Always double-check the orientation of the old battery before removing it and install the new battery in the same way. The positive (+) side usually faces down, meaning the writing on the battery will be facing away from you when installed correctly.
- Cleanliness: While not critical, try to avoid touching the flat surfaces of the new battery with your bare fingers to prevent transferring oils, which could theoretically affect battery performance or lifespan. Using a cloth is a good practice.
Cost Savings
Going to a dealership for a 2012 Honda CRV key fob battery replacement can cost you significantly more, often around $15 or more for just the battery replacement service, not including potential labor charges or key reprogramming fees in some cases. By doing it yourself, you only pay for the cost of the CR1616 battery, which is usually under $5. This simple DIY task can save you a considerable amount of money.
Replacing your 2012 Honda CRV key fob battery is a quick and easy way to restore the functionality of your remote and save money. With a CR1616 battery and a small screwdriver, you can handle this maintenance task yourself in just a few minutes.
