It’s a familiar scenario for many Nissan owners: you reach for your key fob to unlock your car, and nothing happens. No lights, no beeps, just silence. A likely culprit? A dead battery in your Nissan key fob. Knowing what type of battery your Nissan key fob requires is essential for quick and hassle-free replacement, getting you back on the road without delay. This guide will walk you through identifying the correct battery, accessing your vehicle in an emergency, and replacing the battery yourself.
Understanding Nissan Key Fob Batteries
Nissan key fobs, also known as Nissan Intelligent Keys, are powered by small, coin-like batteries. These batteries are designed to be long-lasting but will eventually need replacement. Knowing the common types of batteries used can save you a trip to the store and ensure you purchase the right one.
Common Battery Types for Nissan Key Fobs
While the specific battery your Nissan key fob uses can vary depending on the model and year of your vehicle, there are two common types you’ll most likely encounter:
- CR2025 Battery: This is a 3V lithium coin cell battery frequently used in various electronic devices, including many Nissan key fobs. It’s known for its reliability and compact size.
- CR2032 Battery: Another 3V lithium coin cell battery, the CR2032 is slightly thicker than the CR2025 but offers a similar voltage and is also commonly found in Nissan key fobs. Sometimes, models that might originally take a CR2025 can also use a CR2032 as a compatible alternative due to its slightly higher capacity, potentially offering a longer lifespan.
It’s important to note that while these are the most common, it’s always best to verify the exact type for your specific key fob to ensure proper function and longevity.
Why Knowing the Correct Battery Type Matters
Using the correct battery type is crucial for several reasons:
- Functionality: Key fobs are designed to operate within a specific voltage range. Using the wrong battery type, even if it physically fits, might not provide the necessary power for the fob to function correctly.
- Lifespan: While both CR2025 and CR2032 are 3V batteries, subtle differences in their discharge characteristics and capacity can affect the lifespan of your key fob battery. Using the recommended type ensures optimal performance and longevity.
- Preventing Damage: In rare cases, using an incorrect battery type could potentially damage the key fob’s electronics. Sticking to the recommended battery type eliminates this risk.
How to Determine the Battery Type for Your Nissan Key Fob
There are a couple of reliable ways to determine what type of battery your Nissan key fob requires.
Method 1: Consult Your Nissan Owner’s Manual
Your Nissan owner’s manual is a treasure trove of information about your vehicle, and this includes details about your key fob. Locate your owner’s manual, usually found in your glove compartment, and search for the section on “Intelligent Key” or “Key Fob”. Within this section, you should find information specifying the exact battery type required for your key fob. This is often the quickest and most reliable method.
Method 2: Open Your Key Fob and Inspect the Old Battery
If you don’t have your owner’s manual readily available, or prefer to be absolutely certain, you can open your Nissan key fob and take a look at the battery currently inside. This is a straightforward process:
- Locate the Emergency Key Release: On the back of your Nissan key fob, you’ll find a small latch or release button.
- Release and Remove the Emergency Key: Press the release button to detach and pull out the emergency key from the bottom of the fob.
- Carefully Open the Key Fob: Once the emergency key is removed, you’ll typically find a small notch or seam where you can gently pry open the key fob casing. Use a small flathead screwdriver or a similar tool to carefully separate the two halves of the fob.
- Identify the Battery Type: With the fob open, you’ll see the battery. The battery type (e.g., CR2025, CR2032) is usually printed directly on the battery itself. Make note of this information.
Accessing Your Nissan with a Dead Key Fob Battery Using the Emergency Key
Step-by-Step Guide to Nissan Key Fob Battery Replacement
Once you’ve identified the correct battery type and obtained a replacement, you can easily change the battery in your Nissan key fob yourself. Here’s a simple 7-step guide:
- Remove the Emergency Key: Flip your key fob over and press the release button to remove the emergency key.
- Pry Open the Key Fob: Carefully insert a small flathead screwdriver or a similar thin, flat tool into the notch along the seam of the key fob. Gently twist or pry to separate the front and back halves of the fob.
- Remove the Old Battery: Carefully remove the dead battery from the key fob casing. Pay attention to the battery’s orientation (positive and negative sides) as you’ll need to insert the new one in the same way.
- Insert the New Battery: Place the new battery into the key fob case, ensuring it’s oriented correctly (usually positive side up). Make sure it sits securely in its designated slot.
- Reassemble the Key Fob: Align the two halves of the key fob case and press them firmly together until they click back into place, closing the fob securely.
- Replace the Emergency Key: Slide the emergency key back into its slot in the key fob until it clicks and is securely held in place.
- Test the Key Fob: Test the buttons on your key fob to ensure it’s working correctly. Lock and unlock your Nissan to confirm the new battery is functioning.
Step-by-Step Guide to Nissan Key Fob Battery Replacement
What to Do When Your Nissan Key Fob Battery Dies (Emergency Access)
Even with a dead key fob battery, you can still access and start your Nissan vehicle. Your Nissan Intelligent Key fob has a built-in emergency key for such situations. Here’s how to use it:
- Access the Emergency Key: Remove the emergency key from your key fob as described earlier.
- Unlock Your Door: Use the physical emergency key to unlock your Nissan’s driver-side door, just like a traditional key.
- Start Your Vehicle: Once inside, the starting procedure varies slightly depending on whether your Nissan has a key fob port:
- With Key Fob Port: Locate the key fob port (often found on the steering column or dashboard). Insert the key fob into the port, then press the brake pedal or clutch while pressing the START/STOP button.
- Without Key Fob Port: If there’s no port, step on the brake pedal or clutch and press the Nissan key fob directly against the START/STOP button. This usually allows the vehicle to detect the fob’s presence and start the engine.
If you encounter any difficulties accessing or starting your Nissan with a dead key fob battery, it’s always best to consult your owner’s manual or contact a Nissan service professional for assistance.
Reprogramming and When to Seek Professional Help
In most cases, replacing the battery in your Nissan key fob will not require reprogramming. The key fob should resume normal functionality immediately after battery replacement.
However, if you are experiencing issues beyond just a dead battery, such as a malfunctioning key fob even with a new battery, or if you need to replace the entire key fob unit, reprogramming might be necessary. Nissan recommends visiting an authorized Nissan dealership for key fob reprogramming services. This process often requires specialized equipment and expertise to ensure proper synchronization between the key fob and your vehicle’s security system.
Conclusion
Knowing “What Type Of Battery Does A Nissan Key Fob Take” is a simple yet crucial piece of information for every Nissan owner. By identifying the correct battery type, you can confidently replace it yourself and avoid being stranded by a dead key fob. Remember to consult your owner’s manual or inspect your old battery to confirm whether you need a CR2025 or CR2032 battery. With this knowledge and a few easy steps, you can keep your Nissan key fob functioning perfectly and enjoy uninterrupted access to your vehicle.
