Is your car key fob starting to feel unresponsive? Do you find yourself pressing the unlock button multiple times to get your car to react? It might be a sign that your key fob battery is dying and needs replacing. Don’t worry, you don’t necessarily need to rush to a dealership or expensive mechanic. Replacing your key fob battery is often a simple DIY task, and knowing where to buy a battery for your key fob is the first step to getting your remote working like new again.
While you might consider professional help from a dealership or auto repair shop, changing the battery yourself can save you time and money. This guide will walk you through the process of replacing your key fob battery and point you towards reliable sources for purchasing a new one. With the right battery and a few simple steps, you can easily restore your key fob’s functionality.
Why Key Fob Batteries Die and When to Replace Them
Like any battery, key fob batteries have a limited lifespan. Over time, they naturally lose their charge and become less effective. Several factors can contribute to a key fob battery dying sooner than expected:
- Frequency of Use: The more you use your key fob, the faster the battery will drain. Frequent button presses and signal transmissions consume battery power.
- Environmental Factors: Extreme temperatures, both hot and cold, can negatively impact battery life.
- Battery Quality: Lower-quality batteries may not last as long as reputable brands.
- Key Fob Age: Older key fobs may have internal components that are less energy-efficient, leading to quicker battery drain.
Recognizing the signs of a dying key fob battery is crucial. Here are common indicators that it’s time for a replacement:
- Reduced Range: You need to be closer to your car than usual for the key fob to work.
- Unresponsive Buttons: Buttons require multiple presses or become completely unresponsive.
- Dim or Flickering Indicator Light: The LED light on your key fob may be weak or inconsistent when buttons are pressed.
- Dashboard Warning Light: Some cars display a warning message on the dashboard indicating a low key fob battery.
If you’re experiencing any of these issues, it’s highly likely that a battery replacement will solve the problem.
Types of Key Fob Batteries and Where to Find Them
Most key fobs use small, coin-shaped lithium batteries known as coin cells. The most common type is the CR2032 battery, but other types like CR2025, CR2016, CR2450, CR1632, and CR1220 are also used depending on the car make and model.
To find the correct battery for your key fob, you have a few options:
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Check Your Key Fob: Many key fobs have the battery type printed directly on the back or inside the battery compartment. Look for markings like “CR2032” or similar codes.
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Consult Your Owner’s Manual: Your car’s owner’s manual should specify the correct battery type for your key fob.
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Online Search: Search online using your car’s year, make, and model along with “key fob battery type”. Many websites and forums provide this information.
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Open Your Key Fob (Carefully): If you can’t find the battery type externally, you can carefully open your key fob to check the battery inside. Take a picture before removing the old battery to remember its orientation.
Once you know the battery type, where can you buy a battery for your key fob? Here are several convenient places:
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Battery Centers: Stores specializing in batteries, like Interstate All Battery Center, offer a wide selection of key fob batteries and expert advice. They are a reliable source for quality batteries and can often assist with key fob services as well.
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Retail Stores: Big box stores like Walmart or Target, drugstores like Walgreens or CVS, and electronics stores like Best Buy usually carry common coin cell batteries like CR2032 in their battery aisles.
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Auto Parts Stores: Auto parts stores such as AutoZone, Advance Auto Parts, and O’Reilly Auto Parts stock a variety of car-related batteries, including key fob batteries. They can also provide guidance on selecting the right battery for your vehicle.
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Online Retailers: Websites like Amazon and eBay offer a vast selection of key fob batteries at competitive prices. However, ensure you purchase from reputable sellers to guarantee battery quality and avoid counterfeit products.
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Dealerships (Less Recommended for Batteries): While dealerships will sell you a key fob battery, they are typically the most expensive option. It’s generally more cost-effective to purchase batteries from the sources mentioned above.
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
Step-by-Step Guide to Replacing Your Key Fob Battery
Replacing your key fob battery is a straightforward process that you can typically complete in under 15 minutes. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
Tools You’ll Need:
- New Key Fob Battery: Make sure you have the correct type for your key fob.
- Small Flathead Screwdriver or Pry Tool: A watch knife or thin blade can be used to gently pry open the key fob case.
- Precision Screwdriver Set (Optional): Some key fobs use small screws to secure the case.
- Tweezers (Optional): Tweezers can be helpful for removing and inserting the small battery.
- Phone Camera (Recommended): Taking pictures during the process can be useful for reassembly.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
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Prepare Your Workspace: Find a clean, well-lit workspace to prevent losing any small parts.
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Open the Key Fob Case: Examine your key fob for a small notch or seam. Using your flathead screwdriver or pry tool, gently insert it into the notch and twist or pry to separate the case halves. Some key fobs may require unscrewing small screws first. Be gentle and avoid forcing the case open, as this can damage it.
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Take a Photo (Optional but Recommended): Before removing the old battery, take a picture of the key fob’s internal components, especially the battery orientation (+ and – sides). This will help you remember how to reassemble it correctly.
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Remove the Old Battery: Carefully remove the old battery. Some batteries are held in place by clips or a small metal arm. Use tweezers or your fingertip to gently lift the battery out. Note the positive (+) and negative (-) orientation of the old battery.
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Insert the New Battery: Install the new battery, ensuring the positive (+) and negative (-) sides are oriented correctly, matching the original battery’s position and your reference photo if you took one.
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Reassemble the Key Fob Case: Carefully snap the key fob case halves back together. Ensure they are securely closed. If screws were removed, re-insert and tighten them gently.
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Test Your Key Fob: Test the key fob buttons to ensure they are working correctly. Unlock and lock your car, and test any other functions like the panic button or trunk release.
Spare car key fobs available at Interstate All Battery Center. Lost car key fob? Get a spare key without the dealership prices, available at select Interstate All Battery Center locations.
Tips for a Smooth Key Fob Battery Replacement
- Work Gently: Avoid using excessive force when opening the key fob case or handling internal components. Key fobs are delicate, and forcing them open can cause damage.
- Take Pictures: As mentioned earlier, taking photos during disassembly is extremely helpful for reassembly, especially if you’re unsure about the battery orientation or placement of small parts.
- Handle the Circuit Board Carefully: Be mindful of the circuit board and any wiring inside the key fob. Avoid touching or disturbing these components unless necessary.
- Static Electricity: While not usually a major concern with key fobs, grounding yourself by touching a metal object before handling the circuit board can minimize the risk of static discharge.
- If it Doesn’t Work: If your key fob still doesn’t work after replacing the battery, double-check the battery type, orientation, and ensure the case is properly closed. If problems persist, you may need to consider professional help or key fob replacement services.
What if DIY Isn’t For You?
While replacing a key fob battery is typically easy, some individuals may prefer professional assistance, or encounter key fobs that are more complex to open. If you’re uncomfortable with the DIY approach, or if you’re still unsure about where to buy a battery for your key fob or need help with the replacement process, here are alternative options:
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Auto Repair Shops: Most auto repair shops can replace your key fob battery for a small fee.
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Dealerships: Dealerships also offer key fob battery replacement services, but as mentioned, they tend to be the most expensive option.
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Battery Centers (Recommended): Battery centers like Interstate All Battery Center are excellent resources. They not only sell a wide variety of key fob batteries but also often provide battery replacement services and key fob programming if needed. Their expertise in batteries makes them a reliable choice for key fob battery needs.
Conclusion
Replacing your key fob battery is a simple and cost-effective way to restore your remote’s functionality. By knowing where to buy a battery for your key fob – from battery centers and retail stores to auto parts shops and online retailers – you can easily find the right battery for your needs. Following the step-by-step guide and helpful tips outlined in this article will empower you to confidently tackle this DIY task. However, if you prefer professional help, remember that auto repair shops, dealerships, and especially battery centers like Interstate All Battery Center are readily available to assist you. Don’t let a dead key fob battery leave you stranded – take control and get your remote working like new again!
