Is your Dodge key fob becoming less responsive? Finding yourself pressing the buttons multiple times, or needing to be closer and closer to your vehicle for it to unlock? A common culprit is a low or dead battery in your key fob. Fortunately, replacing the battery in your Dodge key fob is a straightforward task that you can easily accomplish at home with just a few simple tools. This step-by-step guide will walk you through the process for both modern and older style Dodge key fobs, ensuring you can get back to easily accessing your vehicle.
Tools You’ll Need
Before you begin, gather these simple tools:
- A new CR2032 battery: This is the standard battery for most Dodge key fobs. You can find these widely available at auto parts stores, supermarkets, drugstores, and online retailers.
- A small flathead screwdriver: This will be used to gently pry open the key fob casing.
- (Optional) A small Phillips head screwdriver: You might need this for older Dodge key fob models that have a small screw holding the case together.
Replacing the Battery in a Modern Dodge Key Fob (No Dashboard Insertion)
This method applies to Dodge key fobs that do not require insertion into the dashboard to start the vehicle.
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Locate and Remove the Emergency Key: On the back of your Dodge key fob, you will find a small release lever or button.
Activate this lever to release the mechanical emergency key. Slide the key out of the fob and set it aside.
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Prepare Your Flathead Screwdriver: You’ll use the flathead screwdriver as a lever to carefully separate the two halves of the key fob. Ensure you have a firm and comfortable grip on the tool.
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Identify the Prying Slot: Examine the key fob casing where the emergency key was just removed. You should see a small slot or indentation. This is where you will insert the flathead screwdriver.
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Gently Pry Open the Key Fob: Insert the tip of your flathead screwdriver into the identified slot. Apply gentle but firm pressure to pry the two halves of the key fob apart. You may hear a click as the case begins to separate. Work your screwdriver around the seam if needed to fully detach the two halves.
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Access and Remove the Old Battery: Once the key fob is open, you will see the internal components and the battery.
Take note of the battery’s orientation, specifically the position of the positive (+) and negative (-) sides. This will ensure you install the new battery correctly. Use the flathead screwdriver or your fingernail to gently slide the old battery out of its housing.
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Install the New CR2032 Battery: Take your new CR2032 battery and carefully slide it into the battery compartment. Ensure the positive (+) side of the battery is facing in the same direction as the positive marking in the battery compartment, or as the old battery was positioned.
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Reassemble the Key Fob Casing: Carefully align the two halves of the key fob casing and press them firmly back together until they snap securely shut. Ensure there are no gaps and the case is fully closed.
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Reinsert the Emergency Key: Slide the emergency key back into its slot until it clicks and locks into place.
Replacing the Battery in an Older Dodge Key Fob (Dashboard Insertion Type)
This procedure is for older Dodge models where the key fob was designed to be inserted into the dashboard to start the vehicle.
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Remove the Emergency Key: As with the modern fob, begin by locating and activating the release lever or button on the back of the key fob to remove the mechanical emergency key. Set the key aside.
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Locate and Remove the Phillips Head Screw: Turn the key fob over so the buttons are facing down. Inspect the back of the fob, typically near the top rounded end, for a small Phillips head screw.
Use your small Phillips head screwdriver to carefully remove this screw. Keep the screw in a safe place so you don’t lose it.
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Pry Open the Key Fob Halves: With the screw removed, use your flathead screwdriver to gently pry apart the two halves of the key fob casing. Insert the flathead screwdriver into the seam where the two halves meet and gently twist or pry until the case begins to separate. Work around the seam as necessary to fully open the fob.
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Access and Replace the Battery: Once open, you might encounter an inner component inside the key fob. Carefully lift this inner piece out to access the battery compartment, which is usually located underneath.
Remove the old battery, noting its orientation, and replace it with a new CR2032 battery, ensuring correct polarity.
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Reassemble the Key Fob: Carefully place the inner component (if there was one) back into its position within the key fob casing. Align the two halves of the key fob and press them firmly together until they snap closed.
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Reinstall the Screw and Emergency Key: Replace the Phillips head screw and gently tighten it to secure the key fob casing. Finally, slide the emergency key back into its slot until it locks in place.
Congratulations! You have now successfully replaced the battery in your Dodge key fob. This simple maintenance ensures your key fob remains reliable, allowing you to easily access and operate your Dodge vehicle. Regular battery replacement, as needed, will prevent unexpected key fob failures and keep you on the road without unnecessary delays.
