Is your car key fob becoming less responsive? Are you finding yourself pressing the unlock button multiple times just to get a reaction from your vehicle? It might be a clear sign that the battery in your car key fob is dying and needs replacing.
Like any battery, the ones powering your car key remotes wear out over time. Fortunately, you don’t always need to rush to a dealership or a professional car repair shop to solve this issue. Replacing your car key fob battery can be a straightforward DIY task, saving you both time and money.
While professional services are available, and stores like Interstate All Battery Center offer key fob battery replacement, tackling it yourself is often quicker and more convenient. With a few simple tools and the right replacement battery, you can easily restore your key fob to its optimal working condition.
However, it’s important to proceed with caution. While replacing a car key fob battery is simpler than changing a car battery, carelessness can lead to damage, potentially requiring a complete key fob replacement. If you do need a new key fob, remember that aftermarket options are available.
Is your car key fob not working as reliably as it used to? The solution might be simpler than you think. You might already have everything you need right at home to breathe new life into your car key remote.
Step-by-Step Guide to Replacing Your Key Fob Battery
Replacing your key fob battery yourself is easier than you might think. Here’s what you’ll need and how to do it:
Tools You’ll Need:
- Thin Blade or Pry Tool: A watch knife or a small flathead screwdriver works well for carefully opening the key fob casing.
- Replacement Battery: Most key fobs use a CR2032 coin cell battery, readily available in most stores. However, it’s crucial to check the specific type for your fob.
- Precision Screwdriver: Depending on your key fob model, you might need a small precision screwdriver (around 1.4mm to 2.4mm) to access screws.
- Tweezers: Useful for handling the small battery and placing it correctly.
- Smartphone Camera: Taking pictures during the process, especially before removing the old battery, can be incredibly helpful for reassembly.
Simple Steps to Install a New Battery:
- Open the Key Fob Casing: Gently pry open the plastic case of your key fob using a thin blade or watch knife.
- Remove the Old Battery: Carefully take out the old battery. Note its orientation (+ and – sides).
- Insert the New Battery: Place the new battery in the same orientation as the old one.
- Close the Case: Snap the key fob case back together until it’s securely closed.
Watch Joseph De La Rosa, store manager at Interstate All Battery Center of Surprise, Ariz., demonstrate the process. | Video: Joseph De La Rosa
Identifying the Right Replacement Battery for Your Key Fob
Before you start, it’s essential to determine the correct battery type for your car key fob.
Often, the battery size is indicated directly on the key fob itself. Look for embossed letters and numbers on the back of the fob or inside the battery compartment.
While many car key fobs utilize the standard CR2032 coin cell battery, variations exist depending on your car’s year, make, and model. For example, a Honda CR-V may require a CR1250 battery, and some fobs, like those for Ford Mustangs, might need two batteries.
If you can’t find the battery type on the fob itself, don’t worry. You can still determine the right battery by opening the case carefully.
Safely Opening Your Car Key Fob
When opening your key fob, gentle and careful handling is key to avoid damage.
Insert your pry tool, like a flathead screwdriver or watch knife, into the seam of the key fob casing. Many fobs have a small notch to help you get started. Once you’ve created a small opening, carefully work your tool around the entire perimeter of the case.
Resist the urge to force the case open from just one point. This can easily damage the casing and lead to the need for a key fob replacement. Instead, apply steady, gentle pressure as you move around the fob, gradually separating the fasteners.
Be mindful not to apply excessive force, as this could cause the fob to pop open abruptly and scatter its internal components.
The Importance of Taking a Picture Before Battery Removal
Key fobs can have different internal layouts, even within the same car model and year. Before you remove the old battery, taking a picture with your phone is a highly recommended step.
This photo serves as a crucial reference during reassembly, ensuring that all components, especially the battery, are placed back in their correct positions. It also helps you confirm the correct orientation of the battery – whether the positive (+) side faces up or down. This simple precaution can save you from potential headaches and the expense of replacing the entire key fob due to incorrect reassembly.
Handling the Internal Components with Care
Inside your key fob, you’ll find delicate wiring and a circuit board. It’s vital to avoid disturbing these components. Mishandling them could lead to malfunctions and necessitate a professional key fob replacement or reprogramming.
Use tweezers or a similar precision tool to carefully lift the battery out of its housing. Some key fobs have small clips or sliding metal pieces securing the battery. Gently move these aside to release the battery, but avoid pulling out the circuit board or any antennas.
The circuit board retains your car key fob’s programming. Disrupting it might require a trip to the dealership or a service center like Interstate All Battery Center locations for reprogramming or a new car key fob replacement.
Consider upgrading to long-lasting power for both your car and your key fob. Interstate All Battery Center offers a wide range of reliable batteries for your vehicle and those small but essential batteries for your car key fob. Find a location near you for your next battery needs.
