Where to Get Battery for Key Fob: Your Ultimate Guide

Is your car key fob acting up? Do you have to press the buttons multiple times to lock or unlock your doors? It might be more than just a minor annoyance; it could signal a dying key fob battery. Just like any battery, the one powering your key fob weakens over time and eventually needs replacing. Knowing Where To Get Battery For Key Fob is essential for any car owner to avoid being stranded or inconvenienced.

While the thought of replacing a car battery might seem daunting, swapping out a key fob battery is surprisingly simple and can often be done yourself. You don’t always need to rush to a dealership or mechanic. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about key fob batteries, including where to purchase them, how to identify the right type, and even how to replace them yourself.

Why Key Fob Batteries Die and When to Replace Them

Key fob batteries, typically coin cell lithium batteries, power the remote control functions of your car key. These batteries aren’t designed to last forever and will eventually drain, leading to a weak or unresponsive key fob. Several factors contribute to battery drain:

Usage Frequency: Frequent use of your key fob naturally drains the battery faster.
Distance from Car: Trying to operate your key fob from a long distance forces it to work harder, consuming more battery power.
Extreme Temperatures: Both very hot and very cold temperatures can negatively impact battery life.
Time: Even with minimal use, batteries degrade over time due to their chemical nature.

Recognizing the signs of a low key fob battery is crucial. Common indicators include:

Reduced Range: You need to be closer to your car for the key fob to work.
Intermittent Operation: The key fob works sometimes but not others.
Multiple Button Presses: You have to press buttons repeatedly for a function to activate.
Dashboard Warning Light: Some cars display a warning light on the dashboard indicating a low key fob battery.

If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s time to consider a key fob battery replacement and figure out where to get battery for key fob before it completely fails.

Identifying the Right Key Fob Battery

Before you head out to purchase a new battery, you need to determine the correct type for your key fob. Using the wrong battery can prevent your key fob from working or even damage it.

The most common type of key fob battery is the CR2032 coin cell battery. However, different car makes and models may use other sizes, such as CR2025, CR2016, CR1632, or CR1225.

Here’s how to find out which battery your key fob needs:

Check Your Key Fob: Many key fobs have the battery type embossed on the back or inside the battery compartment. Look for markings like “CR2032” or similar codes.
Consult Your Owner’s Manual: Your car’s owner’s manual should specify the correct key fob battery type.
Online Resources: Websites like the battery manufacturer’s websites or online retailers often have battery finders where you can input your car’s make, model, and year to find the compatible key fob battery.
Open Your Key Fob (Carefully): If you can’t find the battery type externally, you’ll need to open your key fob. Most key fobs can be pried open with a small flathead screwdriver or a watch knife. Refer to the original article’s instructions on opening the key fob safely. Once open, you can visually identify the battery type printed on the old battery.

Always double-check the battery type before buying to ensure compatibility.

Where to Get Battery for Key Fob: Your Shopping Options

Now that you know what kind of battery you need, the next question is where to get battery for key fob. Fortunately, key fob batteries are widely available at various locations:

Interstate All Battery Center: As highlighted in the original article, Interstate All Battery Center is a great option. They specialize in batteries and offer a range of key fob batteries. They also provide key fob replacement services and spare key fobs at select locations. This is a convenient option for both battery purchase and potential professional help if needed. You can use their location finder to find a store near you.
Local Battery Stores: Dedicated battery stores, similar to Interstate All Battery Center, are excellent places to find a wide selection of batteries, including key fob batteries. These stores usually have knowledgeable staff who can assist you in finding the correct battery type.
Drugstores and Pharmacies: Large drugstore chains like Walgreens or CVS, and pharmacies often carry common coin cell batteries like CR2032 in their battery or electronics sections. This is a convenient option for quick and readily available batteries.
Grocery Stores: Many grocery stores, especially larger supermarkets, also stock batteries, including coin cell batteries for key fobs. Check the electronics or general merchandise aisles.
Automotive Parts Stores: Auto parts stores like AutoZone, Advance Auto Parts, and O’Reilly Auto Parts usually carry a selection of car batteries and accessories, including key fob batteries. They may also offer tools and advice for DIY car maintenance.
Big Box Retailers: Large retailers like Walmart and Target typically have electronics sections where you can find coin cell batteries for key fobs at competitive prices.
Online Retailers: Online marketplaces like Amazon and eBay offer a vast selection of key fob batteries from various brands and at different price points. This is a convenient option if you prefer to shop from home and have batteries delivered. However, ensure you are buying from reputable sellers to guarantee battery quality and authenticity.
Car Dealerships (Less Recommended for Batteries Alone): While dealerships can replace your key fob battery, it’s generally a more expensive option than other sources. Dealerships are best reserved for situations where you need key fob programming or a complete replacement, rather than just a battery.

When choosing where to get battery for key fob, consider convenience, price, and the urgency of your need. For immediate replacement, local stores are best. For wider selection and potentially lower prices, online retailers are a good option, but delivery time should be factored in.

DIY Key Fob Battery Replacement: Step-by-Step

Replacing a key fob battery yourself is a straightforward process that can save you time and money. Here are the general steps, based on the original article’s instructions:

Tools You’ll Need:

New Key Fob Battery: Make sure you have the correct type.
Small Flathead Screwdriver or Watch Knife: For prying open the key fob case.
Precision Screwdriver Set (Optional): Some fobs have small screws.
Tweezers (Optional): To handle the battery, especially smaller ones.
Phone Camera: To take pictures for reference.

Steps:

Prepare Your Workspace: Work on a clean, well-lit surface. Have your new battery and tools ready.
Open the Key Fob Case: Carefully insert the flathead screwdriver or watch knife into the seam or notch of the key fob case. Gently twist or pry to separate the case halves. Refer to the “Wedge Your Pry Tool Around the Case to Open Your Key Fob” section of the original article for detailed advice on opening the case without damage.
Take a Picture: Before removing the old battery, take a picture of the key fob’s internal components, especially the battery orientation (+ and – sides). This will be helpful when reassembling. As emphasized in “Always Take a Picture After Opening Your Key Fob,” this step is crucial.
Remove the Old Battery: Use your fingers or tweezers to carefully remove the old battery. Note its orientation. Some batteries might be held in place by clips or brackets that you may need to gently move.
Install the New Battery: Insert the new battery in the correct orientation (+ side up or down, as per your picture). Ensure it is securely seated in the battery compartment.
Reassemble the Key Fob: Carefully snap the key fob case halves back together. Ensure they are firmly closed and aligned. If there were screws, tighten them gently.
Test Your Key Fob: Test all the buttons on your key fob (lock, unlock, trunk, panic) to ensure they are working correctly with the new battery.

If you follow these steps carefully, replacing your key fob battery should be a breeze.

When to Seek Professional Help

While DIY key fob battery replacement is usually simple, there are situations where professional assistance might be necessary:

Difficulty Opening the Key Fob: If you are unable to open the key fob case without excessive force, it’s best to seek professional help to avoid damaging the fob.
Damage to Internal Components: If you accidentally damage any internal components (wiring, circuit board) while replacing the battery, professional repair or replacement might be required.
Key Fob Programming Issues: In rare cases, after battery replacement, your key fob might need reprogramming, especially for newer car models. Dealerships or specialized key fob services can handle reprogramming.
Key Fob Replacement Needed: If your key fob is damaged beyond repair or you need a spare, places like Interstate All Battery Center and dealerships offer key fob replacement and programming services.

In most cases, knowing where to get battery for key fob and performing a DIY replacement will solve your key fob issues. However, don’t hesitate to seek professional help when needed to ensure your car key functions correctly and reliably.