Is your Honda key fob displaying a low battery warning? Don’t get stranded or rush to a dealership just yet. Replacing your Honda key fob battery is a straightforward process you can easily handle yourself, saving time and money. This guide will walk you through each step, ensuring a smooth and successful battery replacement in your Honda key fob.
Like any battery-powered device, your Honda key fob relies on a small battery to operate remotely locking and unlocking your car. Typically, these batteries last for a couple of years, depending on usage. When the battery starts to weaken, your Honda’s dashboard may display a warning message indicating it’s time for a replacement. You might also notice that you need to be closer to your car for the fob to work, or button presses become less responsive. While it might still function for a short period, it’s best to replace the battery proactively to avoid any inconvenience.
Honda owner’s manuals provide basic instructions for battery replacement, but sometimes a visual guide and a few extra tips can be incredibly helpful. Many online resources, including YouTube videos, offer general guidance. However, this detailed guide with accompanying photos specific to Honda key fobs will give you an even clearer picture and boost your confidence to tackle this task yourself.
Before you begin, gather the necessary tools and supplies. You’ll need a new CR2032 battery – the standard for most Honda key fobs. It’s wise to have a couple on hand, especially if you have multiple fobs or vehicles. CR2032 batteries are readily available online and at most stores that sell batteries. Purchasing a multi-pack can be more economical in the long run due to their long shelf life. You’ll also need a small flathead screwdriver to gently pry open the fob and remove the old battery.
Let’s get started with the step-by-step battery replacement process:
Step 1: Remove the Emergency Key
The first step is to detach the mechanical emergency key from the key fob. Locate the small release switch on the fob – it’s usually a small button or slider. Slide or press this switch to release the emergency key, and then pull the key out of the fob.
This emergency key serves a crucial purpose: it allows you to manually unlock the driver’s side door if your car battery is dead. Many Honda owners are also unaware that this key can also be used to open the trunk in case of a dead 12V battery. The trunk lock cylinder is often located behind the rear passenger headrest on the driver’s side. This is particularly useful if your portable jump starter is unfortunately stored in the trunk and your car battery is flat!
Step 2: Open the Key Fob Casing
With the emergency key removed, you need to split the key fob casing into two halves. The owner’s manual suggests using a coin and wrapping it in cloth to prevent scratches. However, a handy tip is to use the emergency key itself. If you examine the fob where the emergency key was housed, you’ll notice small tabs or slots.
The emergency key is perfectly sized to fit into these slots. Gently insert the tip of the emergency key into the slot between the tabs and twist slightly. You should feel the casing begin to separate. Apply gentle pressure, and the two halves of the fob should pop apart. If you prefer, you can still use a coin wrapped in cloth, but the emergency key method is often more convenient and just as effective.
Step 3: Replace the Battery
Once the fob is open, you’ll see the CR2032 battery. The owner’s manual cautions against “losing the buttons.” This might seem confusing at first, but it refers to the circuit board inside. The buttons are attached to the circuit board, which is loosely placed within the fob.
When you try to pry out the battery, it’s easy to accidentally lift the circuit board along with it. This could potentially dislodge the buttons. To prevent this, lay the open key fob flat on a table. Hold the fob down with one hand while using the small screwdriver in your other hand to gently pry the battery out. This keeps the circuit board in place and prevents the buttons from being disturbed.
Observe the battery compartment; you’ll see small tabs holding the battery in place. Typically, there are two tabs on one side and smaller tabs on the opposite side. Use your screwdriver to gently push aside the tabs (usually the ones on the green arrow side in the image above) and pop the battery out.
Insert the new CR2032 battery, ensuring the positive (+) side is facing upwards, matching the orientation of the old battery. Slide one edge of the new battery under the retaining tabs (yellow arrows in the image), and then press down on the other side until it snaps into place behind the smaller tabs.
Step 4: Reassemble the Key Fob
With the new battery securely in place, it’s time to reassemble the key fob. Align the two halves of the casing and press them firmly together until they snap shut. Initially, you might find that it requires more pressure than expected to close the fob completely. Ensure that the two halves are perfectly aligned to avoid damaging the locking tabs.
A helpful technique for easier reassembly is to first squeeze the end of the fob opposite to where the emergency key is inserted. Once that end is secured, then squeeze the end where the emergency key goes. This two-step approach often makes the fob snap back together with less force and ensures proper alignment.
Step 5: Test Your Key Fob
Finally, test your key fob to ensure it’s working correctly. Press the lock and unlock buttons to confirm they are functioning as expected. The low battery warning message on your Honda’s dashboard should also disappear after starting the car.
Replacing your Honda key fob battery is a simple DIY task that can save you a trip to the dealership and the associated costs. By following these steps, you can confidently replace your battery and keep your key fob working reliably. And to keep your fob looking its best, consider a protective cover to prevent scratches and wear and tear.
(Note: While this guide provides detailed instructions for DIY Honda key fob battery replacement, if you are uncomfortable performing this task yourself, you can always search for “Honda key fob battery replacement near me” to find local service providers who can assist you.)
