Maintaining your Dodge Journey involves more than just oil changes and tire rotations. Even small components like your key fob battery require occasional attention. A dead key fob battery can be a major inconvenience, leaving you unable to remotely lock, unlock, or even start your vehicle in some cases. Fortunately, replacing the battery in your Dodge Journey key fob is a straightforward task you can easily accomplish yourself at home. This guide will walk you through the simple steps for both modern and older style Dodge Journey key fobs, ensuring you’re back to full functionality in no time.
Tools You’ll Need
Before you begin, gather these simple tools:
- New Battery: You’ll likely need a CR2032 battery. Check your owner’s manual or the old battery for the exact type. These are widely available at most auto parts stores, drugstores, and online retailers.
- Small Flathead Screwdriver or Pry Tool: This will be used to gently open the key fob casing.
- Phillips Head Screwdriver (for older fobs): Some older Dodge Journey key fobs use a small Phillips head screw.
Replacing the Battery in a Modern Dodge Journey Key Fob
If your Dodge Journey key fob is a newer model that doesn’t require insertion into the dashboard to start the vehicle, follow these steps:
Step 1: Remove the Emergency Key
Locate the small lever or button on the back of your key fob. Slide or press this to release the mechanical emergency key. Pull the key out and set it aside in a safe place.
Step 2: Prepare to Open the Fob Casing
You will need your flathead screwdriver or pry tool for this step. Examine the fob where the emergency key was located. You’ll notice a small slot or seam revealed after removing the key. This is where you’ll insert your tool to separate the fob halves.
Step 3: Pry Open the Key Fob
Carefully insert the tip of your flathead screwdriver into the slot and gently twist or pry. Apply slight pressure to separate the two halves of the key fob casing. Work your way around the seam if necessary, taking care not to apply excessive force that could damage the plastic.
Step 4: Access and Remove the Old Battery
Once the fob is open, you’ll see the internal electronics and the battery. The battery is usually held in a small housing. Observe the orientation of the battery, noting which side is facing up (usually indicated by a “+” sign). Use your flathead screwdriver or your fingertip to gently slide the old battery out of its housing.
Step 5: Install the New Battery
Take your new CR2032 battery and slide it into the battery housing in the same orientation as the old one. Ensure the “+” side is facing the correct direction, matching the markings in the housing if present.
Step 6: Reassemble the Key Fob
Carefully align the two halves of the key fob casing and press them firmly back together until they click securely into place. Finally, slide the emergency key back into its slot until it locks.
Replacing the Battery in an Older Dodge Journey Key Fob
For older Dodge Journey models that use a key fob designed to be inserted into the dashboard, the process is slightly different:
Step 1: Remove the Emergency Key
As with the modern fob, start by removing the emergency key. Locate the release lever on the back of the fob, slide it, and remove the mechanical key. Set it aside.
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. You should see a tiny Phillips head screw near the top. Use your small Phillips head screwdriver to carefully remove this screw. Keep the screw in a safe place so you don’t lose it.
Step 3: Pry Open the Key Fob
With the screw removed, you can now separate the fob casing. Use your flathead screwdriver or pry tool to gently pry apart the two halves of the key fob, similar to the modern fob. Insert the tool into the seam and carefully twist or pry until the casing begins to separate.
Step 4: Access and Remove the Old Battery
Once open, you’ll see an inner piece containing the electronics and battery. Carefully lift this inner piece out of the fob casing and flip it over to access the battery compartment. Again, note the orientation of the battery before using your flathead screwdriver or fingertip to slide the old battery out.
Step 5: Install the New Battery
Insert the new CR2032 battery into the battery housing, ensuring it’s oriented correctly (usually “+” side up).
Step 6: Reassemble the Key Fob
Carefully place the inner piece back into the fob casing, aligning it correctly. Then, bring the two halves of the outer casing back together and press firmly until they snap shut. Replace the Phillips head screw and tighten it gently. Finally, slide the emergency key back into its slot.
You’re All Set!
Replacing the battery in your Dodge Journey key fob is a quick and easy DIY task that can save you a trip to the dealership and unnecessary expense. By following these simple steps, you can ensure your key fob is always powered up and ready to keep you connected to your vehicle. For more helpful guides and automotive tips, visit keyfobx.com, your trusted resource for car key and key fob solutions.
