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 unlock? Don’t worry, replacing the battery in your Honda key fob is a straightforward task you can easily do yourself. This guide will walk you through each step, ensuring you can quickly and efficiently get your key fob back in top working condition.
Many Honda owners experience the need to replace their key fob battery every few years. While it might seem daunting at first, this process is designed to be user-friendly and requires minimal tools. Avoid the inconvenience of a non-functioning key fob and the potential cost of dealership service by following our simple instructions.
In this article, we’ll provide a comprehensive, easy-to-follow guide on how to remove the battery from your Honda key fob, ensuring a smooth and successful replacement. Let’s get started and empower you to handle this common car maintenance task with confidence.
What You’ll Need to Replace Your Honda Key Fob Battery
Before you begin, gather these simple tools:
- A new CR2032 battery: This is the standard battery type for most Honda key fobs. You can find these batteries at most drugstores, supermarkets, and online retailers. Consider buying a multipack to save money, especially if you have multiple Honda key fobs.
- A small flathead screwdriver: This will be used to gently pry open the key fob and remove the old battery.
- Soft cloth or tape (optional): To protect the key fob from scratches while opening it. Although, using the emergency key itself is a safer alternative and often recommended.
Having these items ready will make the battery replacement process quick and hassle-free.
Step-by-Step Guide to Removing Your Honda Key Fob Battery
Follow these detailed steps to safely and effectively remove the battery from your Honda key fob:
Step 1: Remove the Emergency Key
The first step is to remove the mechanical emergency key from your Honda key fob. Locate the small release button or switch on the key fob. This is usually a small sliding switch on the side or back of the fob. Slide or press this release, and the emergency key should slide out easily.
This emergency key is not only useful for accessing your car when the battery is dead, but it also plays a crucial role in opening the key fob casing itself.
Step 2: Open the Key Fob Casing
Once the emergency key is removed, you’ll see small slots or tabs where the key was inserted. These tabs are designed to help you split the key fob casing. Instead of using a coin as suggested in some manuals, the emergency key itself is perfectly shaped to fit into these slots.
Carefully insert the tip of the emergency key into the slot between the tabs. Gently twist or pry the key. You should feel the key fob casing begin to separate. Work your way around the seam, gently prying until the two halves of the key fob are completely separated. Take your time and avoid applying excessive force to prevent damage to the casing.
Step 3: Access and Remove the Old Battery
With the key fob open, you’ll now see the circuit board and the CR2032 battery. The battery is typically held in place by small tabs. The original Honda manual might advise caution about “losing the buttons,” which refers to the circuit board potentially lifting and dislodging the buttons if you’re not careful.
To prevent this, lay the key fob flat on a table. This stabilizes the circuit board. Use your small flathead screwdriver to gently pry the old battery out. Locate the small notch or opening near the battery’s edge – this is the ideal place to insert your screwdriver.
Gently insert the screwdriver into the notch and lift upwards. The battery should pop out easily. Avoid forcing it or digging too deeply, as you could damage the circuit board.
Step 4: Install the New Battery
Now it’s time to install the new CR2032 battery. Observe the orientation of the old battery before removing it – usually, the positive (+) side faces upwards. Ensure you insert the new battery in the same orientation.
Slide one edge of the new battery under the retaining tabs on one side of the battery compartment. Then, press down on the other side of the battery until it snaps securely into place. You should hear a click or feel it settle into position.
Make sure the battery is firmly seated to ensure proper contact and function of your key fob.
Step 5: Reassemble the Key Fob
With the new battery installed, carefully align the two halves of the key fob casing. Press them firmly together until they snap back into place. You may need to apply a bit more pressure than expected to fully close the casing.
A helpful tip for reassembly is to first align and squeeze the end of the fob opposite to where the emergency key is inserted. Once that end is secure, then squeeze the end where the emergency key goes. This often makes the snapping process easier and requires less force, reducing the risk of damaging the casing.
Finally, slide the emergency key back into the key fob until it clicks into its locked position.
Conclusion
Congratulations! You have successfully removed and replaced the battery in your Honda key fob. This simple DIY task can save you time and money, keeping your key fob functioning perfectly. By following these steps, you can confidently handle this routine maintenance and avoid unnecessary trips to the dealership.
To keep your key fob protected from scratches and wear and tear, consider investing in a silicone cover. These are readily available online and can help extend the life and appearance of your Honda key fob. Now you can enjoy the convenience of a fully functional key fob without the low battery warnings.
