Is your Honda car displaying a warning message about a low key fob battery? Or perhaps your key fob is starting to act intermittently? Don’t worry, you don’t need to rush to the dealership and spend a fortune. Changing the battery in your Honda key fob is a simple task you can easily do yourself in just a few minutes. This guide, created by a car repair expert at keyfobx.com, will walk you through each step, ensuring you can replace your Honda key fob battery with confidence and keep your keys working perfectly.
After about two and a half years of use, like many Honda owners, I received that familiar message on my dashboard indicating it was time for a new key fob battery. While the fob still functioned, I knew it was best to address it promptly. Using my spare fob temporarily gave me the breathing room to learn how to handle the replacement myself.
The owner’s manual provides basic instructions, but I wanted a clearer picture before taking apart my expensive key fob. Online searches led me to general YouTube videos on Honda key fob battery replacement, which were helpful, but I decided to document my own experience with photos to assist others who might be hesitant to tackle this themselves.
You’ll only need a couple of readily available items for this task:
- A new CR2032 battery: You might need two if you are replacing the batteries in both of your key fobs. CR2032 batteries are widely available and have a long shelf life, so buying a multi-pack can be economical.
- A small flat-head screwdriver: This will be used to gently pry out the old battery.
Let’s get started with the step-by-step process on How To Change Battery Honda Key Fob:
Step 1: Remove the Emergency Key
The first step is to remove the mechanical emergency key from your Honda 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.
Side Note: The emergency key is not just for emergencies! It can be used to manually unlock the driver’s side door if your car’s 12V battery is dead. Many Honda models also allow you to access the trunk using this key via a lock cylinder located behind the driver-side rear passenger headrest. This is especially useful if your jump starter is unfortunately trapped in the trunk with a dead car battery!
Step 2: Open the Key Fob Casing
With the emergency key removed, you need to open the key fob casing to access the battery. The owner’s manual suggests using a coin to split the fob halves and recommends wrapping the coin in cloth to prevent scratches.
However, a neat trick I discovered is that the emergency key itself is perfectly designed to open the fob! Locate the small tabs on the side of the key fob where the emergency key was removed. Insert the tip of the emergency key into the slot between these tabs.
Gently twist the key. You should feel the fob casing begin to split open. It shouldn’t require excessive force. If you prefer, you can still use a coin wrapped in cloth, but the emergency key method is convenient and effective.
Step 3: Remove the Old Battery
Once the fob is open, you’ll see the CR2032 battery. The owner’s manual cautions to “Remove carefully to avoid losing the buttons.” This refers to the fact that the circuit board, to which the battery is connected, is loose inside the fob. If you try to pry the battery out while holding the fob in your hand, you might accidentally lift the circuit board and dislodge the buttons on the other side.
To prevent this, lay the key fob flat on a table. Use your small flat-head screwdriver to gently pry the CR2032 battery out.
As shown in the photo, there are often small tabs holding the battery in place. Insert the screwdriver under the battery, near the indicated green arrow in the image, and gently lever it upwards to pop it out. Take your time and be careful not to damage the surrounding components.
Step 4: Insert the New Battery
Now, take your new CR2032 battery and insert it into the battery compartment. Ensure the positive (+) side of the battery is facing upwards – this is usually indicated by a “+” symbol on the battery itself and in the battery compartment.
Slide the new battery under the retaining tabs (yellow arrows in the next image) first, and then press down on the other side until it clicks securely into place.
Step 5: Reassemble the Key Fob
The final step is to reassemble the key fob. Align the two halves of the fob casing and press them firmly together until they snap closed.
When reassembling, I found a technique that made it easier. First, align the two halves perfectly. Then, squeeze the end of the fob opposite to where the emergency key goes. Once that end is secure, squeeze the end where the emergency key is inserted. This method seemed to require less force and ensured a proper closure without excessive pressure on any single point.
That’s it! You’ve successfully changed your Honda key fob battery. No more warning messages, and your key fob should be working like new again.
To protect your key fob from scratches and wear, you might consider getting a silicone cover. I purchased a “Coolbestda Silicone 6buttons Smart Key Fob Remote” cover from Amazon for around $11 (for a pack of two). It’s a worthwhile investment to keep your key fob looking good for longer.
Changing your Honda key fob battery is a straightforward DIY task that can save you time and money. By following these simple steps, you can keep your key fob functioning perfectly and avoid unnecessary trips to the dealership.
