Maintaining your vehicle often includes simple tasks, and one of the most common is replacing the battery in your Dodge key fob. A dead key fob battery can be frustrating, leaving you unable to remotely lock, unlock, or start your car. Fortunately, changing the battery on a Dodge key fob is a straightforward process you can easily accomplish at home with a few basic tools. This guide will walk you through the process for both modern and older style Dodge key fobs, ensuring you can get back to hassle-free vehicle access in no time.
Changing Battery for Standard 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 Emergency Key Lever
Begin by turning your key fob over to access the back. You will find a small lever or button designed to release the emergency key. Slide or press this lever to detach and remove the metal emergency key. Set the key aside in a safe place.
Step 2: Gather a Flat, Prying Tool
For the next step, you’ll need a slim, flat-edged tool. A flathead screwdriver is ideal for this task. If you don’t have a screwdriver handy, a thin plastic trim removal tool or even a sturdy butter knife can work carefully.
Step 3: Pry Open the Key Fob Casing
Examine the bottom of the key fob, specifically the area where the emergency key was just removed. You should see a small slot or seam. This is where you will insert your flat tool. Gently but firmly insert the edge of your screwdriver or chosen tool into this slot and carefully pry to separate the two halves of the key fob casing. Take your time and avoid excessive force to prevent damaging the plastic.
Step 4: Access and Remove the Old Battery
Once the key fob casing is open, carefully separate the two halves. Inside, you will see the electronic components and the battery. Take note of the battery’s orientation before removal – specifically how the positive (+) and negative (-) sides are positioned. Use your flat tool again to gently slide the old battery out of its housing.
Step 5: Install the New CR2032 Battery
The standard replacement battery for most Dodge key fobs is a CR2032 battery. You can readily find these batteries at most auto parts stores, drugstores, and online retailers. Take your new CR2032 battery and slide it into the battery housing, ensuring the polarity matches the original battery’s orientation. If unsure, look for small “+” markings on the housing to guide the positive side of the battery.
Step 6: Reassemble Your Key Fob
With the new battery securely in place, carefully align the two halves of the key fob casing and press them firmly back together until they click shut. Ensure there are no gaps and the casing is fully sealed. Finally, slide the emergency key back into its slot until it clicks and locks into position. Your key fob battery replacement is now complete.
Changing Battery for Older Dodge Key Fob Models
For older Dodge vehicles that utilize a key fob designed to be inserted into the dashboard to start the car, the battery replacement process is slightly different but still manageable:
Step 1: Remove the Emergency Key
Similar to the newer key fob, begin by locating the lever on the back of your older style Dodge key fob. Slide this lever to release and remove the emergency key. Set it aside for safekeeping.
Step 2: Locate and Remove the Phillips Head Screw
Flip the key fob so the buttons are facing downwards and the rounded top is pointing upwards. On the back of the fob, you will find a small Phillips head screw. Use a small Phillips head screwdriver to carefully remove this screw. Keep the screw in a safe place as you will need it for reassembly.
Step 3: Separate the Key Fob Halves
With the screw removed, you can now separate the two halves of the key fob. You may need to use a flat, prying tool, like a flathead screwdriver, to gently pry along the seam of the fob to separate the casing. Work carefully to avoid damaging the plastic.
Step 4: Access and Replace the Battery
Once the casing is open, you will 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 old battery before using your flat tool to slide it out of its housing.
Step 5: Insert the New CR2032 Battery
Just like the newer key fobs, older Dodge key fobs typically use a CR2032 battery. Take your new battery and slide it into the housing, ensuring correct polarity. Match the “+” signs on the battery and housing to ensure proper installation.
Step 6: Reassemble the Key Fob
Carefully place the inner piece back into the key fob casing, aligning it correctly. Then, bring the two halves of the outer casing back together and press them firmly until they snap shut. Replace the Phillips head screw and tighten it gently but securely. Finally, slide the emergency key back into its designated slot until it clicks into place. Your battery replacement is now complete for your older Dodge key fob.
By following these straightforward steps, you can confidently change the battery in your Dodge key fob, regardless of whether it’s a newer or older model. This simple maintenance task can save you time and the potential inconvenience of a dead key fob battery, ensuring you stay on the road with ease.
