Is your car key fob starting to feel a bit sluggish? Are you pressing the unlock button multiple times before your car finally responds? It might not be your car acting up – it could be a dead battery in your key fob. Like any battery, the one powering your car remote wears out over time, and knowing how to perform an Auto Key Fob Battery Replacement can save you time and money.
While you could take your key fob to a dealership or a car repair shop, the good news is that replacing the battery yourself is often a straightforward process. In fact, changing a key fob battery is considerably easier than replacing your car’s main battery. With just a few common tools and a fresh battery, you can breathe new life into your car key remote.
Is your car key fob not working at all? Don’t worry, you might already have everything you need right at home to get it working again.
Tools You’ll Need for a Key Fob Battery Change
Performing an auto key fob battery replacement is a DIY task that requires minimal tools. Gather these items before you begin:
- A thin, flat blade: A watch knife or a small flathead screwdriver works perfectly for gently prying open the key fob case.
- Replacement battery: Most key fobs use a CR2032 coin cell battery, readily available at most drugstores, supermarkets, and online retailers. However, it’s crucial to confirm the correct battery type for your specific key fob.
- Precision screwdriver (possibly): Depending on your key fob model, you might need a small Phillips head screwdriver, typically between 1.4mm and 2.4mm, to remove tiny screws.
- Tweezers: These are helpful for grabbing and maneuvering the small battery, especially in tight spaces.
- Your smartphone camera: This is an optional but highly recommended tool for taking pictures as you disassemble the fob, ensuring you remember how everything fits back together.
Step-by-Step Guide to Replacing Your Auto Key Fob Battery
Once you have your tools and replacement battery ready, follow these simple steps for a successful auto key fob battery replacement:
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Open the Key Fob Case: Carefully inspect your key fob. Some models have a small screw that needs to be removed first. If there are no screws, locate a small notch or seam on the case. This is where you’ll insert your thin blade or flathead screwdriver. Gently wedge the tool into the notch and twist or pry to separate the two halves of the case. Work your way around the seam, gently popping open the fasteners. Avoid forcing it open from just one point, as this can damage the case.
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Identify the Battery Type: Once the case is open, take a moment to note the type and orientation of the battery currently inside. You can usually find the battery type printed directly on the old battery. Common types include CR2032, CR2025, or CR1632. Make sure your replacement battery is the exact same type.
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Remove the Old Battery: Depending on the design, the battery might be held in place by small clips or a tight fit. Use your tweezers or fingertip to gently lift or slide the old battery out of its compartment. Pay attention to the positive (+) and negative (-) sides of the battery and how it is positioned in the case.
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Insert the New Battery: Install the new battery, ensuring the polarity (+ and -) matches the markings in the battery compartment or your reference photo (if you took one). The positive side of the battery is usually marked with a “+” symbol.
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Reassemble the Key Fob: Carefully align the two halves of the key fob case and snap them back together. Ensure they are securely closed, and if there were screws, replace and tighten them.
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Test Your Key Fob: Try using your key fob to lock and unlock your car, or activate other remote functions. If it works, you’ve successfully completed your auto key fob battery replacement! If it doesn’t work, double-check the battery polarity and ensure the battery is correctly seated in the compartment.
Finding the Right Replacement Battery Size
Before you even open your key fob, it’s a good idea to try and determine the correct battery size. Sometimes, the battery type is embossed on the back of the key fob or inside the key sleeve. Look for markings like “CR2032” or similar codes.
While the CR2032 coin cell is the most common, battery types can vary based on your car’s year, make, and model. For example, some Honda CR-V models require a CR1250 battery. Also, be aware that some key fobs, like those for Ford Mustangs, can take two batteries instead of just one.
If you can’t find the battery type on the exterior of your key fob, you’ll need to carefully open it to check the battery inside before purchasing a replacement.
Important Tips and Cautions
- Gentle is Key: When prying open your key fob, always be gentle. Avoid using excessive force, which can damage the plastic case or internal components.
- Take a Picture: Before removing the old battery, taking a photo of the key fob’s internal layout, especially the battery orientation, can be incredibly helpful during reassembly. This is especially useful as key fob internals can vary, even for the same car model.
- Handle with Care: Avoid touching the circuit board or any wiring inside the key fob. Focus solely on replacing the battery to prevent accidental damage and the need for a complete key fob replacement. Use tweezers to handle the battery to avoid transferring oils from your fingers.
- Polarity Matters: Always ensure you insert the new battery with the correct polarity (+ and -). Incorrect polarity will prevent the key fob from working.
- Proper Disposal: Dispose of the old battery responsibly at a designated battery recycling location.
By following these steps and tips, you can confidently perform an auto key fob battery replacement and keep your car remote working smoothly. This simple DIY task can save you a trip to the dealership and keep you on the road.
