Is your car key fob not working as reliably as it used to? You might be facing a common issue: a dead or dying key fob battery. Fortunately, replacing your key fob battery is a simple task you can easily do yourself at home in just a few minutes. This guide will walk you through the process of how to put a new battery in your key fob, saving you time and potentially money on service fees.
Gathering Your Tools
Before you begin, you’ll need to gather a few basic tools. Luckily, you likely already have these items around your house:
- A new key fob battery: The type of battery you need will vary depending on your car model. Common key fob batteries are CR2032, CR2025, or CR1632. Check your owner’s manual or the old battery for the correct type. You can purchase these at most drug stores, supermarkets, or auto parts stores.
- A small flathead screwdriver: This will be used to gently pry open the key fob casing. A very small precision screwdriver is ideal, but even a butter knife can work in a pinch if you are careful.
- A soft cloth or paper towel (optional): This can be used to protect the key fob casing from scratches while prying it open.
Step-by-Step Guide to Replacing Your Key Fob Battery
Once you have your tools ready, follow these easy steps to put a new battery in your key fob:
Step 1: Open the Key Fob
Most key fobs are designed with a hidden mechanical key that you need to remove first. This key is often used as a backup to manually unlock your car door if the battery dies completely.
Look for a small release button or latch on your key fob. This is often located on the side or bottom of the fob. Press or slide this release while gently pulling on the detachable part of the fob. This part is usually a different color or texture from the rest of the fob. It should slide or pull out, revealing the mechanical key.
Step 2: Access the Battery Compartment
With the mechanical key removed, you’ll now see a small slot or seam on the key fob casing. This is where you need to insert your small flathead screwdriver to gently pry the fob open.
Carefully insert the tip of your screwdriver into the slot. If you have a cloth or paper towel, you can wrap it around the tip of the screwdriver to prevent scratching the plastic casing. Gently twist or lever the screwdriver to separate the two halves of the key fob.
Start at one point and work your way around the seam, gently prying as you go. The plastic clips holding the fob together can be quite tight, especially the first time you open it. Be patient and apply steady, gentle pressure. Avoid forcing it too much in one spot, as this could damage the casing.
Once you’ve worked your way around the seam, the two halves of the key fob should separate, revealing the battery inside.
Step 3: Replace the Old Battery
Now that the key fob is open, you’ll see the battery. Pay close attention to the orientation of the old battery before you remove it. Note which side is facing up (positive or negative). Most key fobs have a small “+” sign indicating the positive side.
Gently remove the old battery. You may be able to pry it out with your fingernail or the tip of the screwdriver if it’s snug.
Take your new battery and install it in the same orientation as the old one. Make sure the positive and negative sides are correctly aligned. Push the new battery firmly into place until it is securely seated in the battery compartment.
Step 4: Reassemble the Key Fob
With the new battery in place, carefully align the two halves of the key fob casing. Press them firmly together until they snap back into place. You should hear a clicking sound as the clips re-engage, indicating that the fob is securely closed.
Once the fob is reassembled, test it to make sure it’s working properly. Press the lock and unlock buttons to see if your car responds. If it works, congratulations! You’ve successfully put a new battery in your key fob. Don’t forget to slide the mechanical key back into its slot.
If your key fob still doesn’t work, double-check that you installed the battery correctly and that you used the correct battery type. If you continue to have issues, it might be time to consult your car dealership or a professional automotive technician.
Replacing your key fob battery is a simple maintenance task that can save you from inconvenience. By following these steps, you can keep your key fob working reliably and avoid getting locked out of your car.
