It’s a familiar scenario for many car owners: you reach for your key fob, press the unlock button, and… nothing. Or maybe you have to press it multiple times to finally get a response from your car. These are classic signs that your key fob battery is dying and needs replacing. But when you realize you need a new battery for your key fob, the immediate question is: Where To Buy A Battery For A Key Fob?
Finding the right replacement battery for your car key fob is usually a straightforward process, and luckily, you have several convenient options. You don’t necessarily need to rush to a dealership or spend a lot of money to solve this problem. In fact, you might be surprised at how easily you can find and replace your key fob battery yourself.
This guide will walk you through the best places to purchase a new battery for your key fob, ensuring you can get back to unlocking your car with ease. We’ll cover everything from retail stores to online marketplaces and even delve into understanding the type of battery you need.
Common Places to Buy Key Fob Batteries
When it comes to finding a replacement battery for your key fob, you have a variety of choices, each offering its own advantages in terms of convenience, price, and selection. Here are some of the most common and reliable places to purchase your key fob battery:
1. Retail Stores (Drugstores, Grocery Stores, Big Box Retailers):
For immediate needs, local retail stores are often the most convenient option. Drugstores like Walgreens or CVS, grocery stores such as Kroger or Safeway, and big box retailers like Walmart or Target all typically carry a selection of small batteries, including the coin cell batteries commonly used in key fobs. These stores are easily accessible and often have extended hours, making them a great choice if you need a battery quickly.
Pros: Convenience, immediate availability, often open late.
Cons: May have a limited selection of battery types, prices might be slightly higher than online retailers.
2. Auto Parts Stores:
Stores specializing in automotive parts, such as AutoZone, Advance Auto Parts, or O’Reilly Auto Parts, are another excellent option. These stores not only carry a wide range of car batteries but also stock various smaller batteries, including key fob batteries. The staff at auto parts stores are usually knowledgeable about car components and can help you identify the correct battery for your specific key fob if you’re unsure.
Pros: Good selection of automotive batteries, knowledgeable staff, often offer battery installation services for cars (though not typically for key fobs).
Cons: May be slightly less convenient than local retail stores for some people.
3. Online Marketplaces (Amazon, eBay):
Online marketplaces like Amazon and eBay offer an extensive selection of key fob batteries at competitive prices. You can find virtually any type of coin cell battery you might need, often from various brands and in bulk quantities. Online retailers are particularly useful if you know the exact battery type you need (e.g., CR2032, CR2025, CR2450) and are looking for the best price or want to buy batteries in bulk for future use.
Pros: Wide selection, competitive prices, convenient home delivery, user reviews to help with purchase decisions.
Cons: Shipping time (not immediate), potential for counterfeit batteries from less reputable sellers (stick to well-reviewed sellers and brands).
4. Battery Specialty Stores:
Stores that specialize in batteries, like Interstate All Battery Center, offer the widest range of batteries, including those for key fobs. These stores often have expert staff who can help you identify the exact battery you need and may even offer key fob battery replacement services. Choosing a battery specialty store ensures you’re getting a quality battery from a reputable source.
Pros: Expert staff, wide selection of battery types and brands, high-quality batteries, potential for in-store replacement services.
Cons: May be less common than other options depending on your location.
5. Car Dealerships:
While generally the most expensive option, car dealerships are guaranteed to have the correct battery for your specific vehicle’s key fob. If you prefer professional service and want to ensure compatibility without any guesswork, your car dealership is a reliable, albeit pricier, choice. Dealerships often also offer key fob battery replacement as a service.
Pros: Guaranteed compatibility, professional service, convenient if you are already visiting the dealership for car maintenance.
Cons: Most expensive option, may be slower than other options if you need immediate replacement.
Opening a key fob with a watch knife is easy, as Mike Harris, Interstate All Battery Center manager of production and engineering shows. | Image: Mike Harris
Understanding Key Fob Battery Types
Before you head out to buy a new battery, it’s helpful to know what kind of battery your key fob requires. Most key fobs use coin cell lithium batteries. The most common type is the CR2032, but other types like CR2025, CR2450, and CR1632 are also frequently used depending on the car make and model.
You can often find the battery type indicated on the key fob itself. Look for markings on the back of the fob or inside the battery compartment once you open it. Your car’s owner’s manual is another reliable source of information for identifying the correct key fob battery.
If you’re unsure, it’s always best to open your key fob (carefully!) and take a look at the existing battery before you go shopping. This way, you can be certain you’re purchasing the correct replacement.
DIY or Professional Key Fob Battery Replacement?
Replacing a key fob battery is often a simple DIY task that can save you time and money. As the original article mentions, with a few basic tools like a small flathead screwdriver or a watch knife, you can usually open the key fob casing, remove the old battery, and insert the new one in a matter of minutes.
However, if you’re uncomfortable with DIY tasks, or if you’re worried about damaging your key fob, you can always opt for professional replacement. Many of the places where you can buy key fob batteries, such as auto parts stores, battery specialty stores, and car dealerships, also offer battery replacement services.
Choosing between DIY and professional replacement depends on your comfort level and the available resources. If you decide to do it yourself, remember to take precautions like taking a photo of the battery orientation before removing it and being gentle when opening the key fob case.
Choosing the Right Place to Buy Based on Your Needs
The “best” place to buy a battery for your key fob really depends on your individual needs and priorities:
- For Immediate Need: Local retail stores (drugstores, grocery stores) are the quickest option.
- For Best Selection and Expert Advice: Battery specialty stores or auto parts stores are ideal.
- For Budget-Conscious Buyers: Online marketplaces often offer the best prices, especially for bulk purchases.
- For Guaranteed Compatibility and Service: Car dealerships are the safest, though most expensive, choice.
Ultimately, knowing where to buy a battery for a key fob empowers you to choose the option that best fits your situation. Whether you opt for the convenience of a local store, the expertise of a specialty shop, or the value of online retailers, replacing your key fob battery is a simple fix that keeps you on the road.
Before you finalize your purchase, double-check that you have identified the correct battery type for your key fob. With the right battery in hand, you’ll be back to enjoying the convenience of your remote keyless entry system in no time.
