Just like any battery-operated device, the key fob for your Dodge Journey will eventually need a battery replacement. Don’t worry, you don’t need to be a mechanic to handle this simple task. Changing the battery in your Dodge Journey key fob is an easy do-it-yourself job that can save you time and a trip to the dealership. This guide will walk you through the steps for both modern and older style Dodge Journey key fobs, ensuring you can quickly get back to unlocking your vehicle with ease.
Replacing the Battery in Modern Dodge Journey Key Fobs
If your Dodge Journey key fob is the type that doesn’t require insertion into the dashboard to start the vehicle, follow these straightforward steps to replace its battery:
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Step 1: Locate the Lever and Remove the Emergency Key. On the back of your key fob, you’ll find a small lever. Slide this lever to release the mechanical emergency key. Pull the key out and set it aside in a safe place.
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Step 2: Gather a Flat, Prying Tool. A flathead screwdriver or a similar flat-sided tool is ideal for gently separating the key fob halves.
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Step 3: Pry Open the Key Fob Casing. Examine the bottom of the key fob, where the emergency key was just removed. You’ll see a slot or seam. Insert your flathead screwdriver into this slot and carefully pry the two halves of the key fob apart. Take your time and apply gentle pressure to avoid damaging the plastic casing.
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Step 4: Access and Remove the Old Battery. Once the fob is open, you’ll see the internal electronics and the battery. Note the orientation of the battery, specifically the positive (+) side. Use your flat tool to gently slide the old battery out of its housing. Most Dodge Journey key fobs use a CR2032 battery.
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Step 5: Install the New CR2032 Battery. Take your new CR2032 battery and slide it into the battery compartment, ensuring the positive (+) side is facing the correct direction (match it to the orientation you noted from the old battery or look for “+” markings in the housing). CR2032 batteries are commonly available at most auto parts stores, drugstores, and online retailers.
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Step 6: Reassemble the Key Fob. Carefully align the two halves of the key fob and press them back together until they click securely. Finally, slide the emergency key back into its slot until it clicks into place. Your key fob battery replacement is now complete!
Battery Replacement for Older Dodge Journey Key Fobs
For older Dodge Journey models that utilize a key fob designed to be inserted into the dashboard, the battery replacement process is slightly different but still manageable:
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Step 1: Release and Remove the Emergency Key. Similar to the modern fob, locate the lever on the back of the key fob and slide it to release the emergency key. Remove the key and set it aside.
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Step 2: Locate and Remove the Phillips Head Screw. Flip the key fob so the buttons are facing down and the rounded end is pointing upwards. You will see a small Phillips head screw. Use a small Phillips head screwdriver to remove this screw. Keep the screw in a safe place so you don’t lose it.
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Step 3: Separate the Key Fob Halves. After removing the screw, use a flat-sided tool, like a flathead screwdriver, to gently pry apart the two halves of the key fob casing. Insert the tool into the seam and carefully twist or pry to separate the pieces.
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Step 4: Access and Remove the Battery from the Inner Piece. Once open, you’ll see an inner piece containing the electronics. Carefully lift this inner piece out of the fob casing and flip it over to access the battery compartment. Again, note the battery’s orientation before removal. Use your flat tool to slide the old battery out of its housing. These older fobs also typically use a CR2032 battery.
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Step 5: Install the New CR2032 Battery. Place the new CR2032 battery into the compartment, ensuring the positive (+) side is oriented correctly.
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Step 6: Reassemble the Key Fob. Carefully put the three pieces (two fob halves and the inner piece) back together. Make sure they are properly aligned and fasten securely. Replace the Phillips head screw and tighten it gently. Finally, slide the emergency key back into its slot. You’ve successfully changed the battery in your older Dodge Journey key fob.
Changing the battery on your Dodge Journey key fob is a simple maintenance task that anyone can accomplish. By following these steps, you can avoid the inconvenience of a dead key fob and ensure you’re always ready to hit the road. Remember to use a CR2032 battery for replacement and you can find these at most retailers that sell batteries.
