Maintaining your vehicle goes beyond oil changes and tire rotations. Even small components like your Dodge key fob require occasional attention, specifically when it’s time for a battery replacement. A dead key fob battery can be frustrating, leaving you locked out or unable to start your car remotely. Fortunately, replacing the battery in your Dodge key fob is a straightforward process you can easily handle yourself. This guide will walk you through the steps for both modern and older style Dodge key fobs, ensuring you can quickly get back to smooth, keyless access.
Replacing the Battery in a Modern Dodge Key Fob
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 Release Lever
On the back of your key fob, you’ll find a small lever. Slide this lever to the side to release the emergency key. Once released, pull the emergency key out of the fob and set it aside. This key will be helpful if you encounter any issues during the battery replacement process or need to manually unlock your car.
Step 2: Prepare a Flat, Prying Tool
For the next step, you’ll need a slim, flat-sided tool. A flathead screwdriver is ideal, but a thin plastic trim removal tool or even a butter knife can work carefully. This tool will be used to gently separate the two halves of the key fob casing.
Step 3: Pry Open the Key Fob Casing
Examine the bottom of the key fob, specifically the area where the emergency key was housed. Above this slot, you should see a small, blank slot or seam. This is the designated point to insert your flat tool. Carefully insert the tip of your screwdriver or chosen tool into this slot and gently twist or pry. This action should begin to separate the two halves of the key fob. Work your tool around the seam, gently prying until the case begins to open. Avoid applying excessive force, as you could damage the plastic casing.
Step 4: Access and Remove the Old Battery
Once the two pieces of the key fob are separated, you’ll see the internal electronics and the battery. The battery is typically a small, round, coin-cell type battery. Observe the battery’s orientation in its housing, noting the positive (+) and negative (-) sides. This is important for correct installation of the new battery. Use your flat tool again, or your fingertip, to carefully slide the old battery out of its housing.
Step 5: Install the New Replacement Battery
The standard replacement battery for most Dodge key fobs is a CR2032 battery. These batteries are widely available at auto parts stores, drugstores, and online retailers. Take your new CR2032 battery and slide it into the battery housing, ensuring the polarity (+ and – sides) matches the orientation you noted earlier or the markings in the battery compartment. Often, the positive side (+) of the battery will face upwards.
Step 6: Reassemble the Key Fob
Take the two halves of the key fob casing and carefully press them back together. You should hear or feel a click as the two parts securely snap back into place. Finally, slide the emergency key back into its slot until it clicks and locks in. Your modern Dodge key fob battery replacement is now complete.
Replacing the Battery in an Older Dodge Key Fob
For older Dodge vehicles that utilize a key fob which needs to be inserted into the dashboard to start the car, the battery replacement process is slightly different but still manageable:
Step 1: Release the Emergency Key
Similar to the modern key fob, begin by locating and sliding the release lever on the back of your older Dodge key fob. This will release the emergency key. Remove the key and set it aside for potential later use.
Step 2: Locate and Remove the Phillips Head Screw
Flip the key fob over so the buttons are facing down and the rounded end is pointing upwards. On the back casing, you should see a tiny Phillips head screw. You will need a small Phillips head screwdriver to remove this screw. Carefully unscrew and remove it, placing the screw in a safe place so you don’t lose it.
Step 3: Separate the Key Fob Halves
With the screw removed, you can now separate the two halves of the key fob. Use a flat-sided tool, like a flathead screwdriver or plastic pry tool, to gently pry apart the casing. Insert the tool into the seam between the two halves and gently twist or pry until the case starts to separate. Work around the seam until the fob is open.
Step 4: Access and Remove the Battery
Once opened, you’ll see an inner piece containing the electronics and the battery. Carefully lift this inner piece out of the outer casing and flip it over to access the battery compartment. Use your flat tool to slide the old battery out of its housing, again noting the battery’s orientation for correct new battery installation.
Step 5: Install the New Battery
Just like the modern key fob, older Dodge key fobs typically use a CR2032 battery. Install the new CR2032 battery into the battery housing, ensuring you match the correct polarity (+ and -) as you observed with the old battery.
Step 6: Reassemble the Key Fob
Carefully put the inner piece back into the key fob casing and align the two halves of the outer casing. Press them together until they snap securely. Replace the small Phillips head screw and tighten it gently to secure the casing. Finally, slide the emergency key back into its designated slot. Your battery replacement for the older style Dodge key fob is now complete.
By following these step-by-step instructions, you can confidently perform a replacement battery for your Dodge key fob, regardless of whether you have a modern or older model. This simple DIY task can save you time and money compared to dealership service, and ensures you’re never caught out by a dead key fob battery again. Remember to always use the correct CR2032 replacement battery for optimal performance.
