Just like any component of your vehicle, the battery in your Dodge key fob will eventually need replacing. A dead or dying key fob battery can be a major inconvenience, preventing you from remotely unlocking your doors, starting your car, or even setting off the panic alarm in emergencies. Fortunately, replacing the battery in your Dodge key fob is a straightforward process that most owners can easily handle themselves at home, saving time and money on dealership service appointments. This guide will walk you through the simple steps to replace your Dodge key fob battery, ensuring you’re back on the road with a fully functional remote in no time.
This article covers the two most common types of Dodge key fobs. One type is a more modern design that doesn’t require insertion into the dashboard to start the vehicle. The other is an older style fob that may require insertion. Regardless of which type you have, the battery replacement process is quite similar and requires only a few common household tools. Let’s get started and show you how to breathe new life into your Dodge key fob.
Tools You’ll Need
Before you begin, gather these simple tools to make the battery replacement process smooth and efficient:
- New Battery: You’ll typically need a CR2032 battery. This is a common 3V lithium coin cell battery and can be found at most drugstores, supermarkets, auto parts stores, and online retailers. It’s always a good idea to double-check your owner’s manual or the old battery itself to confirm the correct type for your specific key fob.
- Small Flathead Screwdriver or Pry Tool: This tool is essential for gently opening the key fob casing without damaging it. A small eyeglass screwdriver or a plastic pry tool designed for electronics work perfectly.
- Phillips Head Screwdriver (Potentially): Some older Dodge key fob models use a small Phillips head screw to secure the casing. Check your key fob to see if you need this type of screwdriver.
Once you have gathered these tools, you’re ready to proceed with replacing your Dodge key fob battery.
Replacing Battery in a Modern Dodge Key Fob
This procedure applies to Dodge key fobs that do not need to be inserted into the dashboard to start the vehicle. These are generally found in newer Dodge models.
Step 1: Remove the Emergency Key
Locate the small lever or button on the back or bottom of your key fob.
Activate this release mechanism to slide out and remove the mechanical emergency key. Set the emergency key aside in a safe place. This key is a backup to manually unlock your door if the electronic functions of your fob fail completely.
Step 2: Locate the Pry Point
Examine the key fob where the emergency key was just removed. You’ll see a small slot or seam revealed once the key is out. This slot is the designated pry point to open the fob casing.
Step 3: Pry Open the Key Fob
Insert your flathead screwdriver or pry tool into the slot you identified in the previous step.
Gently twist or lever the tool to carefully separate the two halves of the key fob casing. Work your way around the seam if necessary, applying gentle pressure until the case begins to split open. Avoid using excessive force, as this could damage the plastic housing.
Step 4: Access and Remove the Old Battery
Once the key fob is open, you’ll see the internal components and the battery. The battery is usually a silver, coin-shaped CR2032 battery held in place by small clips or within a housing.
Take note of the orientation of the battery – specifically, how the positive (+) side is facing. This is important for installing the new battery correctly. Use your flathead screwdriver or pry tool to gently slide or lift the old battery out of its housing.
Step 5: Install the New Battery
Take your new CR2032 battery and install it into the battery compartment, ensuring the positive (+) side is facing the same direction as the old battery was removed. It should easily snap or slide into place.
Step 6: Reassemble the Key Fob
Carefully align the two halves of the key fob casing and press them firmly back together until they click securely. Ensure there are no gaps and the case is fully closed. Finally, slide the emergency key back into its slot until it clicks into place.
You have now successfully replaced the battery in your modern Dodge key fob! Test the fob’s functions to ensure it’s working properly, locking and unlocking your doors remotely.
Replacing Battery in an Older Dodge Key Fob
This procedure is for older Dodge vehicles with key fobs that may need to be inserted into the ignition or dashboard.
Step 1: Remove the Emergency Key
As with the modern fob, the first step is to remove the emergency key. Locate the release lever or button on your older style key fob and remove the mechanical key. Set it aside.
Step 2: Locate and Remove the Screw (If Applicable)
Flip the key fob over so the buttons are facing down. Inspect the back of the fob for a small Phillips head screw, often located near the top rounded portion of the fob. If you find a screw, use your Phillips head screwdriver to carefully remove it and set it aside. Not all older fobs have screws, so if you don’t see one, proceed to the next step.
Step 3: Pry Open the Key Fob
Similar to the modern fob, you’ll need to pry open the casing. Look for a seam or slot, often located along the sides of the fob after removing the screw (if applicable). Use your flathead screwdriver or pry tool to gently pry apart the two halves of the key fob casing. Work carefully around the seam until the case separates.
Step 4: Access and Replace the Battery
Once open, you may see an inner piece containing the electronics. Carefully lift this inner piece out of the fob housing and flip it over to access the battery compartment.
The battery will likely be a CR2032. Note its orientation before removal. Use your tool to slide out the old battery. Insert the new CR2032 battery in the correct orientation.
Step 5: Reassemble the Key Fob
Carefully reassemble the key fob in reverse order. Place the inner electronic piece back into the housing, align the two halves of the casing, and press them together until they snap shut. If your fob had a screw, replace and tighten it. Finally, re-insert the emergency key.
Test your key fob to ensure it’s functioning correctly. You should now be able to remotely lock and unlock your Dodge vehicle.
Tips for Key Fob Battery Replacement
- Battery Type Confirmation: While CR2032 is common, always double-check your owner’s manual or the old battery for the exact battery type required for your Dodge key fob to avoid compatibility issues.
- Gentle Prying: Be gentle when prying open the key fob casing to prevent damage to the plastic. If you encounter resistance, double-check for screws and try prying at a different point along the seam.
- Battery Orientation: Pay close attention to the battery’s orientation (+ and – sides) when removing the old one and installing the new one. Incorrect installation can prevent the fob from working.
- Test After Replacement: After reassembly, immediately test all key fob functions (lock, unlock, panic, remote start if applicable) to ensure the new battery is working and properly installed.
- If Issues Persist: If your key fob still doesn’t work after battery replacement, there may be another issue. Consult your Dodge owner’s manual or contact your local Dodge dealership for further assistance.
Replacing your Dodge key fob battery is a simple maintenance task that can save you time and hassle. By following these steps, you can keep your key fob working reliably and avoid being stranded by a dead remote.
