Is your Honda key fob displaying a low battery warning on your dashboard? Don’t worry, replacing the battery is a simple task you can easily do yourself, saving you time and money compared to visiting a dealership. This guide will walk you through each step of how to replace your Honda key fob battery, ensuring a smooth and successful process.
After experiencing the low battery message in my Honda for a few days, I decided it was time to take action. While the key fob still functioned, I didn’t want to risk it failing completely at an inconvenient moment. Using my spare key fob gave me the breathing room to learn how to handle this myself. The owner’s manual provides basic instructions, but I wanted a more detailed understanding before taking apart my expensive key fob. Online searches led me to general videos on Honda key fob battery replacement, which were helpful, but I felt a more specific, photo-illustrated guide would be even better. So, after successfully changing my own battery, I decided to share my experience with clear photos and step-by-step instructions to assist anyone feeling hesitant about doing this themselves.
You’ll need just a couple of readily available items for this quick fix:
- A new CR2032 battery: This is the standard 3V coin cell battery used in most Honda key fobs. Consider buying a multipack online or from a local store, as these batteries have a long shelf life and you might need to replace the battery in your spare fob soon too.
- A small flathead screwdriver: This will be used to gently pry open the key fob and remove the old battery. A precision screwdriver set is ideal, but any small flathead screwdriver will work carefully.
Let’s get started with the battery replacement process:
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 switch, usually a button or slider, on the key fob. In most Honda models, you’ll slide a small switch to the side to release the emergency key.
Slide the release switch and firmly pull out the emergency key. Set the key aside in a safe place.
Quick Tip: The emergency key isn’t just for emergencies! It’s crucial if your car’s 12V battery dies, preventing electronic access. It can unlock the driver’s door and even the trunk (via a lock often located behind the rear passenger headrest on the driver’s side). Knowing this can be a lifesaver if your jump starter is stuck in the trunk with a dead battery!
Step 2: Open the Key Fob Casing
With the emergency key removed, you can now open the key fob to access the battery compartment. The owner’s manual might suggest using a coin and wrapping it in cloth to avoid scratches. However, a neat trick is to use the emergency key itself!
Examine the key fob where the emergency key was removed. You’ll see small tabs or slots. These are designed to be points where you can insert a tool to split the fob casing. The emergency key’s tip fits perfectly into these slots.
Insert the tip of your emergency key (or a coin if you prefer) into the slot and gently twist. You should feel the key fob casing begin to separate. Work your way around the seam, gently twisting until the two halves of the key fob completely separate. It shouldn’t require excessive force.
Step 3: Remove the Old Battery
Once the key fob is open, you’ll see the CR2032 battery. It’s held in place by small tabs.
Be careful when removing the battery. The instructions might warn about “losing the buttons.” What this means is that the circuit board, to which the battery is connected, is loose inside the fob. If you pry upwards too aggressively while holding the fob in your hand, you might accidentally lift the circuit board, potentially dislodging the buttons on the other side.
To avoid this, place the open key fob flat on a table. Hold the fob firmly against the table with one hand. With your other hand, use the small flathead screwdriver to gently pry the battery out.
Locate the small notch or gap designed for battery removal (often indicated by arrows or markings). Insert the tip of your screwdriver into this gap and gently lever the battery upwards. It should pop out relatively easily.
Step 4: Insert the New Battery
Now, take your new CR2032 battery. Note the “+” (positive) and “-” (negative) markings on the battery. Ensure you install the new battery with the “+” side facing upwards, matching the orientation of the old battery.
Slide the edge of the new battery under the retaining tabs (usually the two tabs on one side of the battery compartment). Then, press down on the other side of the battery until it snaps securely into place under the remaining tabs. You should hear a click or feel it seat firmly.
Step 5: Reassemble the Key Fob
With the new battery installed, it’s time to reassemble the key fob. Carefully align the two halves of the fob casing, ensuring they are correctly oriented.
Press the two halves firmly together until they snap closed. You might find that squeezing the end opposite to the emergency key slot first, and then the emergency key end, makes it easier to close with less force. Listen for a click as the casing pieces securely lock together.
Finally, slide the emergency key back into the key fob until it clicks into place.
Congratulations! You have successfully replaced your Honda key fob battery. The low battery warning should now disappear from your dashboard.
Protect Your Key Fob: To keep your key fob looking new and prevent scratches like those you might have noticed on mine, consider investing in a silicone cover. You can find these online for a reasonable price, offering extra protection and even a bit of personalization for your Honda key fob.
Replacing your Honda key fob battery is a straightforward DIY task that anyone can accomplish with a few simple steps. By following this guide, you can confidently change your battery and keep your key fob working perfectly, avoiding unnecessary trips to the dealership and saving money in the process.
