Is your car key fob not working as reliably as it used to? You might be experiencing a dead or dying battery. Luckily, replacing the battery in your key fob is a straightforward task you can easily do yourself at home. This guide will walk you through the process of how to open your key fob and replace the battery, saving you time and potentially money at the dealership.
Before you begin, gather the few simple tools you’ll need: a small flathead screwdriver (or similar prying tool) and a new battery of the correct type for your key fob. Let’s get started and get your key fob working like new again!
Step 1: Locate and Remove the Detachable Key
Many modern key fobs include a physical, detachable key for manual entry to your vehicle. This key is often hidden within the fob itself. To start, you’ll need to locate and remove this key. Look for a release button or a latch, often located on the side or bottom of your key fob.
Press or slide the release mechanism and gently pull the detachable key out of the fob. The design varies slightly between manufacturers, but the principle is usually the same: a button or slide to release the mechanical key. Removing this key often reveals the next access point for opening the key fob casing.
Step 2: Prying Open the Key Fob Casing
With the mechanical key removed, you should now see a small slot or seam on the key fob casing. This is where you’ll use your small flathead screwdriver or prying tool to gently separate the two halves of the fob.
Carefully insert the tip of your screwdriver into the slot or seam. Apply gentle pressure to pry the two halves of the key fob apart. Key fob casings are typically designed to snap together tightly, so you might encounter some resistance. Work your way around the seam gently, applying slight pressure at different points until the casing begins to separate. Avoid using excessive force, which could damage the plastic casing.
Be patient and work slowly. Once you have created a small opening, you can usually work your way around the rest of the fob until it separates completely into two pieces.
Step 3: Replacing the Key Fob Battery
With the key fob open, you’ll now see the battery. Before removing the old battery, take a moment to note its orientation – specifically, which side is facing up (+ or -). This is crucial for inserting the new battery correctly. Most key fobs use small, coin-cell batteries, often CR2032, CR2025, or CR1632. Check the markings on your old battery to ensure you are using the correct replacement.
Gently remove the old battery. You might be able to pry it out with your small screwdriver if it’s held in tightly. Insert the new battery, ensuring that the polarity (+ and – sides) matches the original battery’s orientation. It should snap easily into place.
Step 4: Reassemble Your Key Fob
Now that the new battery is in place, carefully align the two halves of the key fob casing and press them firmly back together. You should hear a clicking sound as the latches re-engage, securing the fob. Ensure the casing is completely closed with no gaps.
Finally, reinsert the detachable mechanical key back into the key fob until it clicks into its locked position.
Step 5: Test Your Key Fob
Test your key fob to ensure it’s working correctly. Try locking and unlocking your car doors, activating the panic button, and starting your vehicle remotely if your fob has that function. If everything works as expected, you’ve successfully replaced your key fob battery!
By following these simple steps, you can easily open your key fob and replace the battery yourself. This quick maintenance task can save you from the inconvenience of a malfunctioning key fob and keep you on the road.
