Is your Honda key fob displaying a low battery warning on your dashboard? Or perhaps it’s becoming less responsive, requiring you to be closer to your car for it to work? Don’t worry, replacing the battery in your Honda key fob is a simple task you can easily do yourself in just a few minutes. This guide will walk you through each step, ensuring you can quickly and efficiently get your key fob back in top working condition.
You might be tempted to rush to a dealership or a mechanic, but changing your Honda key fob battery is a straightforward DIY project that requires minimal tools and no technical expertise. Not only will you save money on service fees, but you’ll also gain the satisfaction of handling this minor car maintenance task yourself. Let’s get started and show you how easy it is to replace your Honda key fob battery.
What You’ll Need
Before you begin, gather these simple tools and supplies:
- New CR2032 Battery: This is the standard battery type for most Honda key fobs. You can find these widely available at drugstores, supermarkets, electronics stores, and online retailers. Consider buying a multipack to have spares for future replacements or for your second key fob.
- Small Flathead Screwdriver: A small screwdriver will be needed to gently pry open the key fob and remove the old battery. Alternatively, you can use the emergency key from your key fob itself in some cases.
Step-by-Step Guide to Changing Your Honda Key Fob Battery
Follow these easy steps to replace your Honda key fob battery:
Step 1: Remove the Emergency Key
The first step is to remove the mechanical emergency key from the key fob. Locate the small release switch on your key fob. This is usually a small button or slider.
Slide or press the release switch and pull out the emergency key. Set the key aside in a safe place. This key is useful for manually unlocking your car door, especially if your car battery is ever dead. It’s also worth noting that on some Honda models, this emergency key can also be used to open the trunk manually via a lock cylinder located behind the rear passenger headrest on the driver’s side. This is a helpful feature if your car battery is dead and your jump starter is unfortunately located in the trunk!
Step 2: Open the Key Fob Casing
Once the emergency key is removed, you’ll need to open the key fob casing to access the battery. Look for small tabs or slots along the seam of the key fob where it splits in half.
Insert a small flathead screwdriver or the emergency key itself into one of these slots. Gently twist the screwdriver or key to pry the two halves of the key fob apart. You might feel a click as the casing begins to separate. Work your way around the seam, gently prying until the fob is open. Avoid using excessive force to prevent damaging the casing.
Step 3: Remove the Old Battery
With the key fob open, you will see the CR2032 battery. It is typically held in place by small retaining clips.
Carefully observe the battery’s orientation (+ side up). Use your small flathead screwdriver to gently pry under the edge of the battery to lift it out of its compartment. Be careful not to damage the circuit board underneath the battery. It’s recommended to lay the fob flat on a table during this step to keep the circuit board stable and prevent accidentally dislodging any buttons. The statement in some manuals to “avoid losing the buttons” refers to the risk of accidentally pulling out the circuit board while trying to remove the battery, which could potentially dislodge the buttons on the other side of the board.
Step 4: Insert the New Battery
Take your new CR2032 battery and insert it into the battery compartment. Ensure the positive (+) side of the battery is facing upwards, matching the orientation of the old battery.
Slide one edge of the battery under the retaining clips and then press down on the other side until it snaps securely into place.
Step 5: Reassemble the Key Fob
Now, carefully align the two halves of the key fob casing and press them firmly back together until they snap shut. You should hear a click as the tabs engage, securing the fob.
Ensure the casing is completely closed with no gaps. A helpful tip for easier reassembly is to first align and squeeze the end of the fob opposite to where the emergency key inserts, then squeeze the key end. This can sometimes make snapping the two halves together smoother and require less force, reducing any worry about damaging the locking tabs.
Finally, slide the emergency key back into the key fob until it clicks into place.
Conclusion
Congratulations! You have successfully replaced the battery in your Honda key fob. Test the fob to ensure it is working correctly by locking and unlocking your car remotely. Changing your key fob battery is a simple and cost-effective way to maintain your vehicle. By following these steps, you can avoid unnecessary trips to the dealership and keep your Honda key fob functioning perfectly for years to come. Consider keeping spare CR2032 batteries on hand so you’re always prepared when a low battery warning appears.
