It’s a familiar scenario for many Dodge owners: you reach for your key fob to unlock your vehicle, and nothing happens. Before you panic, the solution is often simpler than you think – it’s likely just time for a new battery for your Dodge key fob. Replacing the battery in your Dodge key fob is a straightforward task you can easily handle yourself, saving you time and a trip to the dealership. This guide will walk you through the process for both modern and older Dodge key fob styles, ensuring you get back on the road quickly.
Replacing the Battery in Modern Dodge Key Fobs
If your Dodge key fob is the type that doesn’t require insertion into the dashboard to start the vehicle, follow these simple steps to replace its battery:
Step 1: Locate and Slide the Emergency Key Lever
On the backside of your Dodge key fob, you’ll find a small lever or button designed to release the emergency key. Slide this lever to detach the emergency key from the fob. Set the key aside in a safe place; you’ll need it later.
Step 2: Gather a Flat, Thin Tool
To open the key fob casing, you’ll need a slim, flat-edged tool. A flathead screwdriver is ideal, but a plastic trim removal tool or even a butter knife can work in a pinch. The key is to use something that can gently pry the two halves of the fob apart without causing damage.
Step 3: Carefully Pry Open the Key Fob
Examine the bottom of your key fob, specifically the area where the emergency key was housed. You should see a small slot or seam. This is where you need to insert your flat tool. Gently insert the tool into the slot and carefully pry the two halves of the key fob apart. Avoid using excessive force to prevent cracking the plastic casing.
Step 4: Access and Remove the Old Battery
Once the key fob is open, you’ll see the internal electronics and the battery. The battery is usually a small, round, coin-shaped cell. Take note of the battery’s orientation before removing it – observe which side is facing up (usually marked with a “+” sign). Use your flat tool again to gently slide the old battery out of its housing.
Step 5: Install the New CR2032 Battery
Most Dodge key fobs use a CR2032 battery. You can find these batteries at most auto parts stores, drugstores, and online retailers. Take your new CR2032 battery and slide it into the battery housing, ensuring the “+” side is facing the correct direction, matching the orientation of the old battery. If unsure, look for “+” markings inside the battery compartment as a guide.
Step 6: Reassemble Your Key Fob
With the new battery in place, carefully align the two halves of the key fob and press them firmly back together until they click shut. Ensure there are no gaps and the casing is securely closed. Finally, slide the emergency key back into its slot until it clicks into place. Your modern Dodge key fob battery replacement is now complete.
Replacing the Battery in Older Dodge Key Fobs
For older Dodge vehicles with key fobs that need to be inserted into the dashboard, the battery replacement process is slightly different but still manageable:
Step 1: Remove the Emergency Key
Just like with modern fobs, the first step is to remove the emergency key. Locate the release lever on the back of the fob, slide it, and detach the emergency key. Set it aside safely.
Step 2: Locate and Remove the Phillips Head Screw
Flip the older style Dodge key fob so the buttons are facing down and the rounded end is pointing upwards. You’ll find a tiny Phillips head screw on the back casing. Use a small Phillips head screwdriver to carefully remove this screw. Keep the screw in a safe place so you don’t lose it, as it is essential for reassembly.
Step 3: Pry Open the Key Fob Casing
With the screw removed, you can now separate the two halves of the key fob. Use a flat, thin tool, such as a flathead screwdriver, to gently pry open the casing. Insert the tool into the seam where the two halves meet and carefully twist or lever to separate them.
Step 4: Access and Replace the Battery
Once open, you’ll see the inner components of the fob. Carefully lift out the inner piece to access the battery compartment, which is usually located on the underside of this inner piece. Identify the battery, noting its orientation. Use your flat tool to slide out the old battery.
Step 5: Insert the New CR2032 Battery
Take a new CR2032 battery and slide it into the battery housing, ensuring the correct polarity (usually “+” side up).
Step 6: Reassemble the Key Fob
Carefully place the inner piece back into the fob casing and align the two halves. Press them together firmly. Replace the Phillips head screw and tighten it securely, but avoid over-tightening. Finally, slide the emergency key back into its slot. Your battery replacement for your older Dodge key fob is now complete.
By following these steps, you can easily replace the battery for your Dodge key fob at home, ensuring you’re never locked out due to a dead battery. Remember to always dispose of old batteries responsibly at designated battery recycling locations.
