Key fobs are indispensable for modern car owners, offering convenience and security. They allow for remote locking, unlocking, and even starting your vehicle. However, these functionalities rely on one small component: the key fob battery. Understanding What Type Of Battery Does A Key Fob Take is crucial for every car owner to avoid being stranded with a non-functional key.
If your key fob battery dies, it can prevent you from remotely accessing your car and, in some cases, even starting it, especially with push-to-start vehicles. While a dead key fob battery can be inconvenient, replacing it is usually a straightforward and inexpensive process.
Most key fobs also come equipped with a mechanical emergency blade, often called an E-blade. This hidden key can manually unlock your car door if the battery dies, providing a backup entry method.
Recognizing the Signs of a Dying Key Fob Battery
Knowing when your key fob battery is nearing the end of its life can save you from unexpected lockouts. The most common indicator is a decrease in the remote’s operating range. If you find yourself needing to be much closer to your car than usual for the fob to work, it’s a strong signal that the battery is weakening. Other telltale signs include:
- Intermittent Signal: The key fob works sporadically, sometimes responding and sometimes not.
- Multiple Button Presses Required: You need to press the buttons repeatedly or harder than usual for your car to respond.
- No Signal at All: In the most obvious case, the key fob stops sending any signal to your vehicle.
Can You Replace Your Key Fob Battery Yourself?
Yes! Replacing a key fob battery is typically a simple DIY task. It’s often quicker and cheaper than taking it to a dealership or mechanic. The process usually involves carefully prying open the key fob casing and swapping out the old coin battery with a new one.
If you’re not comfortable with DIY tasks or are worried about damaging your key fob, professional locksmith services like Keyway Lock Service can assist you.
When attempting a DIY battery replacement, handle the key fob with care. The plastic clips or tabs holding the casing together can be delicate and break easily if forced. Also, pay close attention to the orientation of the old battery before removing it. The new battery needs to be installed in the same direction to function correctly.
If you’ve replaced the battery and your key fob still isn’t working, there might be another issue. In such cases, contacting a professional locksmith like Keyway Locksmith is advisable.
Key Fob Battery Replacement Cost
The good news is that key fob batteries are quite affordable. A replacement battery typically costs around $5 or less. Prices may slightly vary depending on the brand, quantity purchased, and the retailer.
Where to Purchase Key Fob Batteries
You can easily find replacement key fob batteries at various locations, both online and in physical stores. Popular options include:
- Online Retailers: Amazon, eBay, and other online marketplaces offer a wide selection of batteries.
- Electronic Stores: Stores like Best Buy or local electronics retailers usually stock common coin cell batteries.
- Auto Parts Stores: AutoZone, Walmart (automotive section), and similar stores often carry these batteries.
Before making a purchase, it’s essential to know which battery type your key fob requires.
Key Fob Battery Lifespan
The lifespan of a key fob battery can vary depending on usage and the type of key fob. Smart keys, which constantly communicate with the vehicle, tend to have a shorter battery life, typically lasting around 2-3 years. Regular key fobs, used less frequently for communication, might have batteries that last 4-6 years. Factors like usage frequency, vehicle system complexity, and even temperature can affect battery longevity.
Determining the Correct Key Fob Battery Type
The most common types of batteries used in key fobs are CR2032 and CR2025 3-Volt coin cell batteries. However, these are not universally compatible with all key fobs. Different car manufacturers and models may use different battery types.
The most reliable ways to determine what size battery do I need for my key fob are:
- Consult Your Owner’s Manual: Your vehicle’s owner’s manual is the definitive source for this information. Look for the section on key fob maintenance or specifications.
- Check the Old Battery: Carefully open your key fob and remove the existing battery. The battery type (e.g., CR2032, CR2025, CR2016, CR2450) is usually printed directly on the battery itself. Make sure to note the entire code.
- Online Resources: Many websites and online retailers have battery finders or compatibility charts where you can enter your car’s make, model, and year to find the correct battery type.
Alt text: Inside view of a car key fob showing the battery compartment, highlighting the typical location of the battery.
Key Fob Battery Types by Vehicle Make and Model
While CR2032 and CR2025 are prevalent, various car manufacturers utilize different battery types across their models. Below is a list of some common car makes and the key fob battery types they often use. Please note that this is not an exhaustive list, and it’s always best to verify the specific battery for your exact vehicle model and year.
Honda Key Fob Batteries
- 2022 Honda Insight – CR2032
- 2021 Honda Accord Hybrid – CR2032
- 2021 Honda Accord Sedan – CR2032
- 2021 Honda CR-V – CR2032
- (2016-2021) Honda Civic Smart Key – CR2032
- (2017-2021) Honda Civic RHK (Remote Head Key) – CR1620
Alt text: Honda Remote Head Key (RHK) being unscrewed to access the battery compartment for replacement.
Alt text: Opened Honda RHK key fob exposing the internal components and battery location for battery replacement.
Alt text: Honda key fob being screwed back together after successful battery replacement, ensuring secure closure.
Nissan Key Fob Batteries
The following Nissan models typically use CR2032 batteries:
- 2022 Nissan Altima
- Altima (2019-2022)
- Sentra (2020-2022)
- Versa Note (2020)
- Versa Sedan (2020-2022)
- 2022 Nissan Murano
- Frontier (2020-2021)
- Murano (2019-2022)
- Pathfinder (2019-2021)
- Titan (2019-2021)
- 2021-2022 Nissan Sentra
- 2022 Nissan Versa Sedan
- 2021-2022 Nissan Pathfinder
Alt text: Interior view of a Nissan proximity key fob, illustrating the battery placement within the key’s internal structure.
Toyota Key Fob Batteries
Toyota key fobs commonly use the following batteries:
- CR2032:
- 2021-2022 Toyota 4Runner
- 2021-2022 Toyota Avalon
- 2021 Toyota C-HR
- 2021-2022 Toyota Camry
- 2021-2022 Toyota Corolla
- 2021-2022 Toyota Highlander
- 2021 Toyota Prius
- 2021 Toyota Prius Prime
- 2021 Toyota RAV4
- 2021-2022 Toyota Sequoia
- 2021-2022 Toyota Tacoma (Smart Key)
- 2021 Toyota Tundra (Smart Key)
- CR2016 (RHK – Remote Head Key):
- 2021 Toyota Tacoma (RHK)
- 2021 Toyota Tundra (RHK)
- CR2450:
- 2022 Toyota Sienna
- 2021 Toyota Venza
Mazda Key Fob Batteries
Mazda key fobs frequently utilize CR2032 batteries:
- 2021 Mazda 3
- 2021 Mazda 6
- 2021 Mazda CX-3
- 2021 Mazda CX-30
- 2021 Mazda CX-5
- 2021 Mazda CX-9
- 2021 Mazda MX-5 Miata
Jeep Key Fob Batteries
Jeep key fobs may use either CR2450 or CR2032 batteries depending on the model:
- CR2450:
- 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer
- 2022 Jeep Wagoneer
- 2021 Jeep Wrangler
- CR2032:
- 2021 Jeep Cherokee
- 2021 Jeep Compass
- 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee
- 2021 Jeep Renegade
Subaru Key Fob Batteries
Subaru key fobs can use CR1620 or CR2032 batteries:
- CR1620 (RHK – Remote Head Key):
- 2021-2022 Subaru Impreza (RHK)
- 2021 Subaru Forester (RHK)
- CR2032 (Smart Key):
- 2021 Subaru Impreza (Smart Key)
- 2021-2022 Subaru Legacy
- 2021-2022 Subaru Outback
- 2021 Subaru Forester (Smart Key)
Conclusion
Key fob battery replacement is a common maintenance task for car owners. While key fob batteries generally last for several years, they will eventually need to be replaced. While CR2032 and CR2025 batteries are the most commonly used, it’s crucial to determine the exact battery type required for your specific key fob to ensure proper functionality. Always double-check your owner’s manual or the existing battery for the correct type.
Replacing your key fob battery yourself is a simple and cost-effective solution. However, if you prefer professional assistance, contact us at Keyway Lock Service or explore our range of automotive locksmith services as part of our mobile locksmith service.
