Is your car key fob acting up? Finding yourself pressing the unlock button multiple times before your car finally responds? It might be a sign that the battery in your key fob is dying and needs replacing. Like any battery, the ones powering your car remote wear out over time. The good news is, replacing Batteries For Key Fob is a straightforward task you can easily tackle yourself, potentially saving you a trip to the dealership or a repair shop.
While you could seek professional help from a dealership, a car repair shop, or even a battery specialist, replacing your car key fob battery yourself is a viable and often simpler option. It’s considerably less complex than changing your car’s main battery and usually just requires a fresh, readily available lithium battery. However, it’s important to proceed with care to avoid damaging your key fob, which might lead to needing a complete key fob replacement. If you’re wondering if your car key fob is on its last legs, this guide will provide you with the knowledge and steps to breathe new life into your car remote.
Tools You’ll Need for Key Fob Battery Replacement
Replacing batteries for key fob is a DIY-friendly task, and you likely already have most of the necessary tools at home. Here’s what you’ll need to get started:
- A thin, flat tool: A watch knife or a small flathead screwdriver works perfectly for carefully prying open the key fob casing.
- Replacement battery: Most key fobs use a CR2032 coin cell battery, which is widely available in stores. However, it’s crucial to check the specific type needed for your car model.
- Precision screwdriver (possibly): Depending on your key fob model, you might need a small precision screwdriver (ranging from 1.4mm to 2.4mm) to remove any tiny screws.
- Tweezers: Tweezers are helpful for handling and inserting the small key fob batteries, especially in tight spaces.
- Smartphone camera: Your phone’s camera is invaluable for taking reference photos as you disassemble the key fob, ensuring you can reassemble it correctly.
Step-by-Step Guide to Replacing Your Key Fob Battery
The process of replacing batteries for key fob is generally simple and follows these steps:
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Open the Key Fob Casing: Carefully use your thin blade or flathead screwdriver to pry open the plastic casing of your key fob. Look for a notch or seam on the fob that indicates where to begin prying.
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Remove the Old Battery: Once the case is open, gently remove the old battery. Note its orientation (positive side up or down) for correct installation of the new battery. Tweezers can be helpful for this step.
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Insert the New Battery: Place the new key fob battery into the battery compartment, ensuring it’s in the correct orientation as the old one.
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Close the Key Fob Casing: Carefully snap the key fob case back together until it’s securely closed. You should hear a click or feel it snap into place.
Store manager Joseph De La Rosa at Interstate All Battery Center of Surprise, Ariz., shows how it’s done. | Video: Joseph De La Rosa
Identifying the Correct Batteries for Key Fob
Before you start the replacement, it’s essential to identify the correct type of battery for your key fob. While many key fobs use the common CR2032 coin cell battery, variations exist depending on your car’s year, make, and model.
Often, the battery size is indicated directly on the key fob itself. Check the back of your key fob or inside the battery compartment for embossed letters and numbers. However, if you can’t find the battery type indicated on the fob, don’t worry. You can still determine the correct battery by carefully opening the case.
Opening Your Key Fob Case Safely
When opening your key fob to replace the battery, gentleness is key. Avoid forcing it open, as this could damage the casing or internal components, potentially leading to a need for a complete key fob replacement.
Instead of trying to pry it open from just one point, work your flat tool around the entire seam of the case. Many key fobs have a small notch to help you get started. Once you’ve created a small opening, continue to gently wedge your tool around the case’s fasteners, similar to peeling an orange. Applying steady, gentle pressure will pop the fasteners open without causing damage. Be mindful not to apply excessive force, which could cause the fob to burst open and scatter its components.
The Importance of Taking a Picture Before Battery Removal
Key fobs can have surprisingly different internal layouts, even within the same car make and model. Before you remove the old battery, taking a quick photo with your smartphone is a highly recommended precaution.
This photo serves as a valuable reference point during reassembly. It helps you remember the exact placement of the battery, ensuring you reinsert the new battery in the correct orientation (positive side up or down) and that all components are put back in their proper positions. This simple step can prevent common errors that might otherwise lead to needing a key fob replacement due to improper reassembly.
Handling the Internal Components with Care
Inside your key fob, you’ll find delicate wiring and a circuit board. It’s crucial to avoid disturbing these components during the battery replacement process. Tampering with the wiring or circuit board could cause damage and necessitate a key fob replacement.
When removing the old battery, use tweezers or a similar precision tool to gently lift it out of its housing. Some key fobs have small clips or metal sliders that secure the battery. Carefully move these aside to release the battery, but avoid pulling out the circuit board or any antennas. These circuits hold the programming that links your key fob to your car. Disrupting them might require a trip to the dealership or a specialized service to reprogram your remote.
Conclusion: Renew Your Key Fob Power Easily
Replacing batteries for key fob is a simple and cost-effective way to restore the functionality of your car remote. By following these steps and taking a little care, you can easily revive your key fob and avoid the expense and hassle of dealership service or a complete key fob replacement. For long-lasting power for both your car and your key fob, consider choosing batteries from trusted brands like Interstate Batteries, available at Interstate All Battery Centers.
