Have you ever experienced the frustration of a dead key fob battery right when you need to unlock your Honda CR-V? It’s a common issue, and thankfully, replacing the battery in your CRV key fob is a straightforward task you can easily do yourself. No need to rush to the dealership and spend unnecessary money. This guide will walk you through the simple steps to replace your Crv Key Fob Battery and get you back on the road quickly.
Identifying the Right Battery: CR1616
The first step is to make sure you have the correct replacement battery. For most Honda CR-V key fobs, including models around 2007 as mentioned in the original post, the battery you’ll need is a CR1616. This is a 3V lithium coin cell battery. While the original author mentioned it being an “oddball” battery, CR1616 batteries are actually quite common and readily available. You can find them at:
- Drugstores: Pharmacies like Walgreens or CVS often carry CR1616 batteries.
- Online Retailers: Amazon, eBay, and other online stores offer a wide selection, often at competitive prices.
- Battery Specialty Stores: Stores specializing in batteries will definitely have CR1616 in stock.
- Some Supermarkets: Check the electronics or battery section of larger supermarkets.
While you might find them in big box building supply stores or Walmart as the original author did not, it’s always best to call ahead or check online to confirm availability at your local store to save time. You can often find them in multi-packs online, which might be a good idea if you have multiple key fobs or want to have spares on hand.
Step-by-Step Guide to CRV Key Fob Battery Replacement
Replacing the crv key fob battery is a simple process that should take just a few minutes. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
Tools You’ll Need
- A small Phillips head screwdriver (often called a mini or micro Phillips screwdriver)
- A soft cloth or towel to protect the key fob
Opening the Key Fob
- Locate the Screw: On the back of your CRV key fob, you’ll find a small Phillips head screw.
- Unscrew Carefully: Use your mini Phillips screwdriver to carefully remove this screw. Be patient, as it might be a little tight, possibly due to threadlocker used in manufacturing, as the original author noted.
- Dealing with a Tight Screw: If the screw is very tight, as experienced by the original poster, don’t force it and risk stripping the screw head. You can try the vice-grip trick mentioned, but proceed with caution. Instead, try applying a bit more downward pressure while turning slowly and steadily. Ensure your screwdriver is properly seated in the screw head to get a good grip.
- Separate the Key Fob Halves: Once the screw is removed, you should be able to gently pry open the two halves of the key fob. You can usually do this with your fingers. If it’s a bit stubborn, you can use a thin plastic tool (like a guitar pick or a plastic spudger) to gently separate the halves at the seam.
Honda CRV key fob opened to show battery replacement process, highlighting the CR1616 battery location.
Accessing the Battery Cassette
- Inner Cassette: Inside the opened key fob, you’ll see a black plastic insert or “cassette” that houses the electronics and the battery.
- Pry Open the Cassette: This inner cassette is also made of two halves that snap together. Gently pry these halves apart. You can use your fingernail or a thin plastic tool at the seam to open it.
Replacing the CR1616 Battery
- Locate the Battery: Once the inner cassette is open, you’ll see the CR1616 battery.
- Remove the Old Battery: The battery is usually held in place by small clips. Gently pry the old battery out. You can use your fingernail or the tip of a pen, being careful not to damage the surrounding electronics.
- Install the New Battery: Take your new CR1616 battery. Important: Make sure the positive (+) side of the battery (the side with the writing) faces down when you place it into the cassette, so the writing is not visible once installed.
- Press into Place: Use a clean, soft cloth to press the new battery firmly into its slot. This helps to avoid transferring oils from your fingers to the battery contacts, which could potentially affect battery life.
- Reassemble: Snap the two halves of the inner cassette back together, then reassemble the two halves of the key fob. Finally, replace and tighten the small Phillips head screw. Don’t overtighten it, just make sure it’s snug.
Troubleshooting and Tips
- Key Fob Not Working After Battery Change: If your key fob doesn’t work after replacing the battery, double-check the battery orientation (+ side down). Also, ensure the battery is correctly seated and making good contact. Sometimes, reseating the battery a few times can help. If it still doesn’t work, there might be an issue with the key fob itself, but battery issues are the most common cause.
- Stripped Screw Head: To prevent stripping the screw head, use the correct size screwdriver and apply firm, even pressure while turning. If the screw head does get stripped, you might need specialized tools or professional help to remove it. Prevention is key.
- Battery Life: Key fob batteries typically last for a few years, but factors like usage frequency, temperature, and storage conditions can affect battery life. As the original author noted, even spare keys that aren’t used regularly can experience battery drain over time due to shelf life.
- Battery Brand: While the original author mentioned Energizer, other reputable brands like Sony, Panasonic, or Duracell CR1616 batteries will work just as well. Choose a brand you trust.
Cost Savings: DIY vs. Dealer
As the original post mentioned, a dealer might charge around $15 to replace your crv key fob battery. Considering that a CR1616 battery costs only a few dollars (around $5 or even less online), you can save a significant amount of money by doing it yourself. Plus, it takes just a few minutes of your time, making it a very efficient and cost-effective DIY task.
Conclusion
Replacing your crv key fob battery is a simple maintenance task that any Honda CR-V owner can handle. By following these easy steps, you can avoid unnecessary dealership costs and ensure your key fob is always ready to unlock your car when you need it. Keep a spare CR1616 battery on hand, and you’ll be prepared for the inevitable day when your key fob battery needs replacing.
