Is your Dodge Journey key fob starting to act up? Not responding from as far away as it used to, or perhaps not responding at all? One of the most common culprits is a dead or dying battery. Fortunately, replacing the battery in your Dodge Journey key fob is a straightforward process you can easily do yourself in just a few minutes. This guide will walk you through the simple steps to get your key fob working like new again, saving you time and a trip to the dealership.
Before you begin, you’ll want to gather a couple of simple tools. For most Dodge Journey key fobs, you’ll only need a small flathead screwdriver and a new CR2032 battery. This type of battery is widely available at most drugstores, grocery stores, and auto parts stores. Having these items ready will make the replacement process quick and efficient.
Let’s get started with replacing the battery in a modern Dodge Journey key fob, which is designed to operate without needing to be inserted into the dashboard.
Step 1: Locate and Slide the Emergency Key Lever
Flip your key fob over to the back. You’ll find a small lever – this is the release for your emergency key. Slide this lever to the side to release the metal emergency key. Pull the key out and set it aside in a safe place.
Step 2: Prepare Your Flat, Prying Tool
Now you’ll need a flat, thin tool to gently pry open the key fob. A flathead screwdriver is ideal for this task. Ensure it’s not too large, as you want to avoid scratching or damaging the plastic casing of your key fob.
Step 3: Pry Open the Key Fob Casing
Examine the bottom of the key fob, right above where the emergency key was just removed. You should see a small slot or seam. This is where you need to insert the tip of your flathead screwdriver. Gently insert the screwdriver into the slot and carefully twist or pry to separate the two halves of the key fob casing. Take your time and apply steady, gentle pressure.
Step 4: Access and Remove the Old Battery
Once the two halves of the key fob are separated, you’ll see the internal electronics and the battery. The battery is usually located in a small housing. Use your flathead screwdriver or your fingertip to carefully slide the old battery out of its housing. Pay close attention to the orientation of the battery – note which side is facing up (usually indicated by a “+” sign). This will ensure you install the new battery correctly.
Step 5: Install the New CR2032 Battery
Take your new CR2032 battery and slide it into the battery housing. Make sure the “+” side of the battery is facing the same direction as the “+” markings in the battery compartment. If you are unsure, check for “+” signs in the housing to guide you.
Step 6: Reassemble the Key Fob
Carefully take the other half of the key fob casing and align it with the half containing the electronics. Press the two halves firmly together until they click back into place. You should hear a distinct click, indicating that the casing is securely closed. Finally, slide the emergency key back into its slot until it clicks into its locked position.
For those with an older Dodge Journey, the key fob might require slightly different steps, often involving a small Phillips head screw. Let’s look at the process for those fobs.
Step 1: Release the Emergency Key (Older Fob)
Just like the modern fob, begin by sliding the lever on the back of the older style key fob to release and remove the emergency key. Set it aside for safekeeping.
Step 2: Locate and Remove the Phillips Head Screw
Flip the key fob so the buttons are facing down and the rounded end is pointing upwards. On the back of the fob, you should see a tiny Phillips head screw. You’ll need a small Phillips head screwdriver to remove this screw. Carefully unscrew and remove it. Keep the screw in a safe place so you don’t lose it.
Step 3: Separate the Key Fob Halves (Older Fob)
With the screw removed, you can now use your flathead screwdriver to gently pry apart the two halves of the key fob. Insert the flathead screwdriver into the seam where the two halves meet and gently twist or pry to separate them.
Step 4: Access and Replace the Battery (Older Fob)
Once opened, you’ll see the inner components. In some older fobs, the inner piece might be a separate component that you can lift out to access the battery underneath. Flip this inner piece over to reveal the battery. Use your flathead screwdriver to slide out the old battery, again noting its orientation.
Step 5: Install the New CR2032 Battery (Older Fob)
Insert the new CR2032 battery into the housing, ensuring the “+” side is correctly oriented as you noted in the previous step or by matching the “+” markings in the compartment.
Step 6: Reassemble and Secure (Older Fob)
Carefully put all three pieces (the two halves of the casing and the inner component if applicable) back together. Make sure they fit snugly and fasten back into place. Replace the Phillips head screw and tighten it gently but securely. Finally, slide the emergency key back into its place.
After completing these steps for either type of Dodge Journey key fob, test your key fob to ensure it’s working correctly. You should find that your remote functions are restored, and your key fob is back to its optimal working condition. Replacing your Dodge Journey key fob battery is a simple and cost-effective way to maintain your vehicle’s convenience features.
