Is your car key fob starting to act up? Maybe you have to press the buttons multiple times to lock or unlock your doors, or perhaps it’s stopped working altogether. Before you rush to the dealership, you should know that in many cases, the problem is just a dead battery. Replacing the battery in your key fob is a simple task you can easily do at home with just a few basic tools. This guide will walk you through the process of how to take the battery out of your key fob and replace it, saving you time and money.
Tools You’ll Need
Before you begin, gather these simple tools:
- Small flathead screwdriver or pry tool: This will be used to gently open the key fob casing. A plastic pry tool is ideal to avoid scratches, but a small screwdriver will also work carefully.
- New battery: You’ll need the correct replacement battery for your key fob. The battery type is usually indicated inside the fob itself or in your vehicle’s owner’s manual. Common types are CR2032, CR2025, or CR1632.
- Soft cloth (optional): To protect the key fob from scratches while prying it open.
Step-by-Step Guide: Taking Out the Key Fob Battery
Follow these steps to safely remove the old battery and install a new one in your key fob:
Step 1: Locate the Emergency Key and Remove It
Most key fobs contain a physical emergency key that can be used to manually unlock your car door. This key is usually hidden and needs to be detached first.
Look for a small button or release latch on your key fob. This is often located on the side or bottom of the fob. Press and hold the release button while gently pulling out the emergency key. Set the key aside in a safe place.
Step 2: Find the Opening Point on Your Key Fob
With the emergency key removed, you should now be able to see a seam or a small notch on the key fob casing. This is where you will insert your screwdriver or pry tool to open the fob.
Step 3: Carefully Pry Open the Key Fob Casing
Using your flathead screwdriver or pry tool, gently insert the tip into the seam or notch you located in the previous step. Apply gentle pressure and twist the screwdriver or pry tool to start separating the two halves of the key fob casing.
Work your way around the seam of the key fob, gently prying it open little by little. Be patient and avoid using excessive force, as you could damage the plastic casing. If you’re having trouble, try working from a different angle or double-checking for any hidden screws (though most key fobs don’t have screws). You may hear some clicks as the clips holding the casing together release.
Step 4: Access and Remove the Old Battery
Once the key fob is open, carefully separate the two halves of the casing. You will now see the battery compartment. Take note of how the old battery is positioned in the compartment, specifically the orientation of the positive (+) and negative (-) terminals. This is crucial for installing the new battery correctly.
Gently remove the old battery. You might be able to pry it out with your fingernail or the tip of the screwdriver if needed, but be careful not to damage the battery compartment or any of the electronic components.
Step 5: Install the New Battery
Take your new battery and ensure it is the correct type for your key fob. Install the new battery into the compartment, making sure to match the polarity (positive and negative sides) to the orientation you noted earlier. Usually, the positive side of the battery (+) faces upwards.
Step 6: Reassemble the Key Fob
Carefully align the two halves of the key fob casing back together. Press firmly until the casing snaps back into place and you hear a clicking sound, indicating that it is securely closed.
Step 7: Test Your Key Fob
Insert the emergency key back into the key fob. Now, test your key fob by pressing the lock and unlock buttons to see if it is working properly. If the car responds, you have successfully replaced your key fob battery!
Tips for Key Fob Battery Replacement
- Check your owner’s manual: Your vehicle’s owner’s manual may have specific instructions for changing the key fob battery and will tell you the correct battery type.
- Be gentle: When prying open the key fob, be gentle and patient to avoid damaging the plastic casing.
- Note battery orientation: Always pay attention to the orientation of the old battery before removing it to ensure you install the new one correctly.
- Battery type: Use the correct replacement battery type for your key fob to ensure proper function.
- If it doesn’t work: If your key fob still doesn’t work after replacing the battery, there might be another issue. In this case, it’s best to consult a professional automotive technician.
Conclusion
Replacing your key fob battery is a simple and straightforward maintenance task that most car owners can handle themselves. By following these steps on How To Take Battery Out Of Key Fob, you can save yourself a trip to the dealership and get your remote working again quickly. For more car maintenance tips and guides, be sure to visit our website and subscribe to our YouTube channel for helpful video tutorials! If you prefer professional assistance, don’t hesitate to contact us for service.
