Key fobs are indispensable for modern car owners, offering convenient remote access and security features. Powering these devices are small but mighty batteries, and understanding the right type is crucial for uninterrupted functionality. If you’re wondering about Key Fob Battery 1620, you’ve come to the right place. This guide will delve into everything you need to know about this specific battery type and how it relates to your car key fob.
Understanding Key Fob Batteries: Size and Types
Key fob batteries come in various sizes and chemical compositions, each designed for specific devices. The numbering system, like in “1620,” is actually quite informative. Let’s break down what these numbers mean and compare different types commonly found in key fobs.
The “CR” designation indicates a lithium battery, which is standard for key fobs due to its long life and stable voltage. The four-digit number following “CR” specifies the battery’s dimensions:
- First two digits (16 in 1620): Diameter in millimeters. So, a 16 series battery is approximately 16mm in diameter.
- Last two digits (20 in 1620): Thickness in tenths of a millimeter. A “20” indicates a thickness of 2.0mm.
Knowing this, we can compare the key fob battery 1620 to other common sizes mentioned in the original forum discussion: CR1616 and CR2016.
- CR1616: 16mm diameter, 1.6mm thickness. Thinner than CR1620.
- CR1620: 16mm diameter, 2.0mm thickness. Our focus battery.
- CR2016: 20mm diameter, 1.6mm thickness. Wider but same thickness as CR1616.
The original forum thread highlights confusion between CR1616 and DL1620. It’s important to clarify that DL1620 is simply a Duracell brand name for the CR1620 battery. They are functionally the same; the “DL” just signifies the manufacturer.
Close-up of a CR1616 battery next to a ruler showing millimeter measurements, emphasizing its diameter and thickness for key fob applications.
Key Fob Battery 1620: Delving into Compatibility and Usage
The key fob battery 1620 is a 3V lithium coin cell battery frequently used in car key fobs and other small electronic devices. Its dimensions offer a balance between size and energy capacity, making it suitable for devices requiring a compact yet reliable power source.
The original forum poster, srkpaco, found a DL1620 in their 2004 Land Cruiser key fob, even though online searches suggested a CR1616. This raises a crucial point: while manufacturers often specify a battery type, sometimes slight variations can work, albeit with potential considerations.
Makoo, another forum participant, astutely pointed out that a CR1620 is slightly thicker (0.4mm) than a CR1616. While a CR1620 might fit and function in a device designed for CR1616, it’s generally not recommended to use a thicker battery if the manufacturer specifies a thinner one. Forcing a larger battery can potentially damage the key fob’s internal components or battery contacts over time.
However, as Makoo mentioned, if a CR1620 (or DL1620) was already working in the fob, it suggests either the fob could accommodate the slightly larger size, or it might even be designed for a CR1620 in the first place, possibly as an aftermarket replacement. A thicker battery like the 1620 will generally offer a longer lifespan than a thinner one like the 1616 due to its increased material volume.
Conversely, GTV and vjpkrmnc in the forum thread discovered that their newer Land Cruisers (’07 and ’06 respectively) used CR2016 batteries, not CR1616. This illustrates that battery types can change even within the same car model across different year models. Always relying solely on online searches might be misleading.
Finding the Right Battery: Owner’s Manual is Key
The most reliable way to determine the correct battery for your key fob is to consult your vehicle’s owner’s manual. As Trunk Monkey, the forum moderator, pointed out, the battery type is usually specified in the key section of the manual. This is the manufacturer’s recommended battery and should be your primary guide.
If your manual is unavailable, or if you’re unsure, the next best step is to open your key fob and examine the old battery. Carefully disassemble your key fob (usually requires a small screwdriver) and take out the existing battery. The battery type (e.g., CR1620, CR1616, CR2016) is always printed directly on the battery itself. This is the definitive answer to what battery your specific key fob requires.
In summary, while key fob battery 1620 (DL1620/CR1620) is a valid option for some car key fobs, especially potentially aftermarket ones, always verify the correct battery type for your specific vehicle using your owner’s manual or by checking the original battery inside your fob. Using the correct battery ensures optimal performance, longevity, and prevents potential damage to your valuable car remote.
