Just like any component in your vehicle, the battery in your Dodge key fob will eventually need replacing. A dead or dying key fob battery can be a major inconvenience, preventing you from remotely locking or unlocking your doors, starting your car, or even setting off the panic alarm in emergencies. Fortunately, changing the battery in a Dodge key fob is a straightforward process you can easily handle yourself, saving you time and money compared to visiting a dealership. This guide will walk you through the simple steps to replace your Dodge key fob battery and get you back to enjoying the full functionality of your remote.
Before you start, it’s helpful to gather the necessary tools. For most Dodge key fobs, you’ll only need a couple of common household items.
Tools You’ll Need:
- Small Flathead Screwdriver or Pry Tool: This will be used to gently open the key fob casing. A plastic pry tool is ideal to minimize the risk of scratching, but a small flathead screwdriver will also work carefully.
- CR2032 Battery: This is the most common type of battery used in Dodge key fobs. You can find these readily available at most drugstores, supermarkets, auto parts stores, and online retailers. It’s always a good idea to have a fresh CR2032 battery on hand.
Now, let’s get into the steps for replacing the battery in your specific type of Dodge key fob. Dodge key fobs come in slightly different designs depending on the model year of your vehicle. We’ll cover the two most common types: modern key fobs and older key fobs that might require insertion into the dashboard.
Changing the Battery in a Modern Dodge Key Fob
This type of key fob is designed to be carried in your pocket or purse and doesn’t need to be inserted into the ignition to start the car. Here’s how to change the battery:
Step 1: Remove the Emergency Key
Locate the small lever or button on the back or bottom of your Dodge key fob. Press or slide this lever to release the mechanical emergency key. Pull the key out and set it aside in a safe place. You’ll need this key if you encounter any issues during the battery replacement process or if you need to manually unlock your car.
Step 2: Prepare Your Flat Tool
Take your small flathead screwdriver or plastic pry tool. Ensure you have a good grip and are ready to gently pry open the key fob.
Step 3: Pry Open the Key Fob Casing
Examine the key fob where the emergency key was just removed. You should see a small slot or seam. This is where you need to insert your flat tool. Carefully insert the tip of your screwdriver or pry tool into this slot. Gently twist or pry to separate the two halves of the key fob casing. Work your way around the seam if necessary, applying gentle pressure until the casing begins to split open.
Step 4: Access and Remove the Old Battery
Once the key fob is open, carefully separate the two halves. Inside, you’ll see the electronic components and the battery. The battery is usually a small, round, silver disc. Take note of how the battery is positioned in its housing, specifically paying attention to the positive (+) and negative (-) sides. Use your flat tool again to gently slide the old battery out of its housing.
Step 5: Install the New CR2032 Battery
Take your new CR2032 battery. Install the new battery into the housing, making sure to match the orientation of the old battery. Usually, the positive (+) side of the battery will face upwards, but double-check the markings in the battery compartment if you are unsure. If you see “+” signs in the housing, align the positive side of the battery accordingly.
Step 6: Reassemble the Key Fob
Carefully align the two halves of the key fob casing and press them firmly back together until they snap securely into place. You should hear a click, indicating that the fob is properly closed. Finally, slide the emergency key back into its slot until it clicks and locks into position.
You’ve now successfully changed the battery in your modern Dodge key fob! Test the buttons to ensure they are working correctly.
Alt text: Opening a modern Dodge key fob to access the battery compartment using a flathead screwdriver.
Changing the Battery in an Older Dodge Key Fob
Some older Dodge vehicles came with key fobs that were designed to be inserted into the dashboard to start the vehicle. While the process is similar, there’s a slight difference in opening these fobs:
Step 1: Remove the Emergency Key
Just like with the modern fob, the first step is to remove the emergency key. Locate the release lever on the back of the fob, slide it, and remove the emergency key. Set it aside.
Step 2: Locate and Remove the Small Screw
Flip the key fob over so the buttons are facing away from you and the rounded end is pointing upwards. On the back of the fob, you should see a tiny Phillips head screw. You’ll need a small Phillips head screwdriver to remove this screw. Carefully unscrew and remove it. Keep the screw in a safe place so you don’t lose it, as you’ll need it for reassembly.
Step 3: Pry Open the Key Fob Casing
With the screw removed, you can now pry open the casing. Use your flathead screwdriver or plastic pry tool to gently separate the two halves of the key fob, similar to the modern fob. Insert your tool into the seam and gently twist or pry until the case begins to separate.
Step 4: Access and Remove the Old Battery
Once open, you’ll see the internal components. In this type of fob, there might be an inner piece that holds the battery. Carefully lift out this inner piece and flip it over to access the battery compartment. Again, note the orientation of the battery before removing it. Use your flat tool to slide the old battery out.
Step 5: Install the New CR2032 Battery
Insert the new CR2032 battery into the battery housing, ensuring the correct polarity (+ and – sides are aligned correctly).
Step 6: Reassemble the Key Fob
Carefully put the inner piece (if applicable) back into the key fob casing. Align the two halves of the fob and press them together until they snap shut. Replace the small Phillips head screw and tighten it securely. Finally, slide the emergency key back into its slot.
Alt text: Disassembled older Dodge key fob showing the location of the CR2032 battery and internal components.
Conclusion
Changing the battery in your Dodge key fob is a simple maintenance task that anyone can do. By following these step-by-step instructions, you can quickly and easily restore the functionality of your key fob and avoid the inconvenience of a dead battery. Regularly replacing your key fob battery ensures you can always rely on your remote to lock, unlock, and start your Dodge vehicle without issue. Remember to always use the correct CR2032 replacement battery for optimal performance.
