It’s always a smart move to proactively maintain your vehicle, and that includes the often-overlooked key fob. For owners of a 2014 Acura MDX, ensuring your key fob battery is fresh can prevent unexpected hassles. Even if your key fob seems to be working fine, replacing the battery is a cheap and easy DIY task that provides peace of mind. Let’s dive into how to change the battery in your 2014 Acura MDX key fob.
Identifying the Right Battery for Your Acura MDX Key Fob
The battery you’ll need is a common 3-volt CR2032 button cell battery. These are readily available at most drug stores, grocery stores, and electronics retailers. You can find them under various brands like Panasonic or Duracell. For this guide, we’ll be using a Duracell, but any reputable CR2032 battery will work perfectly for your 2014 Acura MDX key fob.
Step-by-Step Guide to Replacing Your Key Fob Battery
Changing the battery in your 2014 Acura MDX key fob is a straightforward process that requires no special tools. Here’s how to do it:
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Remove the Metal Key: Locate the small release button on your key fob. Press and hold this button to slide out and remove the metal valet key.
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Open the Key Fob Casing: Once the metal key is removed, you’ll see a slot where the key was. Use a coin – a penny or a nickel works well – and gently insert it into this slot. Twist the coin to pry the two halves of the key fob casing apart.
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Replace the Old Battery: With the case open, you’ll see the old CR2032 battery. Take it out, noting the polarity (+ and -). Pop in the new CR2032 battery, ensuring the polarity is the same as the old one.
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Reassemble the Key Fob: Carefully snap the two halves of the key fob casing back together until they are securely closed. Replace the metal valet key back into the fob until it clicks into place.
Image showing steps of Acura MDX key fob battery replacement with coin and CR2032 battery
Understanding Key Fob Battery Voltage
While testing battery voltage isn’t strictly necessary for a simple replacement, it can be informative. In general, a new CR2032 battery should measure around 3.2V or higher. An older battery that’s been in use for a couple of years might read around 2.9V. While a battery at 2.9V might still function, replacing it preemptively, as we’re doing here, avoids potential issues. Battery degradation over time is normal, even with minimal use, due to shelf life and natural discharge.
Conclusion: Preventative Maintenance for Your Key Fob
Replacing the battery in your 2014 Acura MDX key fob is a quick, inexpensive, and simple piece of preventative maintenance. While the original battery might last several years, swapping it out every couple of years, or when you notice any decrease in range, is a smart way to avoid being stranded with a dead key fob battery at an inconvenient time. It’s a small effort that can save you from potential headaches down the road.
