Is your car key fob starting to feel a little unresponsive? Maybe you have to press the unlock button multiple times to get your car to react. It could be a sign that your key fob battery is dying and it’s time for a replacement.
While it might seem like a trip to the dealership or a car repair shop is in order, you can actually replace your key fob battery yourself. It’s a surprisingly straightforward task that can save you time and money. With just a few simple tools and a new battery, you can breathe new life into your car key fob.
Think of replacing your key fob battery as the smaller, simpler cousin to replacing your actual car battery. It requires a bit of care and the right type of lithium battery, but it’s well within the capabilities of most car owners. And if you’re not careful, you might be looking at needing a complete key fob replacement, which can be avoided with a little DIY know-how.
The good news is that if your car key fob is acting up, you likely already possess everything you need to get it working perfectly again.
Spare car key fobs available at Interstate All Battery Center
Lost car key fob? Get a spare key without the dealership prices, available at select Interstate All Battery Center locations.
Replacing Your Key Fob Battery: Easier Than You Think
Yes, you absolutely can replace your key fob battery yourself! Here’s what you’ll need to make the process smooth and successful:
- A thin, flat blade: A watch knife or a small flathead screwdriver works perfectly for gently prying open the key fob case.
- A new battery: Most key fobs use a CR2032 coin cell battery, readily available at most drugstores, supermarkets, and online retailers. However, it’s crucial to double-check your specific key fob.
- A precision screwdriver (possibly): Depending on your key fob model, you might need a small precision screwdriver (around 1.4mm to 2.4mm) to remove tiny screws.
- Tweezers: These are incredibly helpful for handling the small battery and placing the new one correctly.
- Your smartphone: Use your phone camera to take pictures as you disassemble the key fob – this is a lifesaver when it comes to putting everything back together correctly.
With your tools assembled, follow these simple steps to install your new key fob battery:
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Open the Key Fob Case: Carefully use your thin blade or screwdriver to pry open the plastic case of your key fob. Look for a small notch or seam where you can insert your tool.
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Remove the Old Battery: Once the case is open, gently locate and remove the old battery. Note its orientation – which side is facing up – before you take it out.
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Insert the New Battery: Place the new battery into the battery compartment, making sure the polarity (+ and – sides) matches the orientation of the old battery.
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Close the Key Fob Case: 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
Before You Start: Check Your Key Fob for the Correct Battery Size
Before you even begin to disassemble your key fob, take a moment to check for any markings indicating the battery size it requires. Sometimes, the battery type (like CR2032) is embossed on the back of the key fob or inside the key sleeve.
Key fob replacements are near you!
Lost, stolen, broken or locked inside — it’s risky having only one key fob. Get a second! Key fob replacements available at select Interstate All Battery Center locations.
It’s crucial to verify the correct battery type before you take your key fob apart. While the CR2032 coin cell is the most common type, used in many car key fobs, the specific battery can vary depending on your car’s year, make, and model. For example, some Honda CR-V models use a CR1250 battery. Also, some key fobs require more than one battery; the Ford Mustang key fob, for instance, uses two batteries.
If you can’t find the battery type indicated on your key fob, don’t worry. Just proceed carefully with opening it, as described below.
Opening Your Key Fob: Gentle Does It
When prying open your key fob, remember to be gentle and patient. Avoid forcing it open from just one point, as this can easily damage the case and lead to needing a full key fob replacement.
Instead, work your flat blade or watch knife around the entire seam of the case. Many key fobs have a small notch specifically designed to help you get started. Once you’ve created a small gap, continue to gently wedge your tool around the fasteners, working your way around the perimeter, similar to peeling an orange. It shouldn’t require excessive force to pop the fasteners open.
Be mindful not to apply too much pressure at once, as this could cause the case to spring open forcefully and scatter the internal components.
The Golden Rule: Take a Picture Before Removing the Battery
Car key fobs can have surprisingly different internal layouts, even within the same car make and model year. Before you remove the old battery, always take a clear picture with your phone. This photo will serve as an invaluable reference when you reassemble the key fob.
This simple step can save you from a lot of frustration and potential key fob replacement costs. Your picture will clearly show the battery orientation (positive side up or down) and the placement of any small parts inside.
Handle with Care: Avoid Disturbing Internal Components
Inside your key fob, you’ll find delicate wiring and a circuit board. It’s essential to avoid touching or disturbing these components unless absolutely necessary. Mishandling them could result in damage and, you guessed it, the need for a key fob replacement.
Use tweezers or a similar precision tool to carefully lift the battery out of its compartment. Some key fobs have small clips or sliding metal pieces that secure the battery. If present, gently move these aside to release the battery, but avoid pulling out the circuit board or any antennas.
The circuit board contains the programming that links your key fob to your car. Disturbing it unnecessarily could lead to needing to reprogram your key fob at the dealership (or at select Interstate All Battery Center locations).
Worried about your other car battery? Get a battery test.
Visit an Interstate All Battery Center or your local repair shop for a free, thorough analysis of your charging and starting system.
Power Up Your Key Fob and Your Car with Interstate Batteries
Replacing your key fob battery is a small but impactful piece of car maintenance you can easily handle yourself. By following these steps, you can restore the convenience of your remote entry and avoid unnecessary expenses. And for all your battery needs, from your car to your key fob, remember to choose the long-lasting power and reliability of Interstate Batteries.
Get an Interstate® for your car and your car key fob.
Choose long-lasting power from the name you trust. Get your next car battery and key fob battery at Interstate All Battery Center.
