Published on: September 27, 2022
Written by Ian Carter / Fact-checked by Baten Khalil
If you have a key fob for your car, it’s probably because it’s a newer model. Key fobs are becoming more and more common, and they’re not just for luxury cars anymore. If your car has a key fob, there’s no need to carry a traditional key.
If your car key starts to feel like it’s losing its power or you notice the electronic fob isn’t working as well as it used to, it might be time to change the battery. You can usually do this yourself, but it depends on the type of key fob you have. If unsure, it’s always best to check with your car manufacturer or a qualified mechanic.
If you want to learn how to replace key fob batteries properly, keep reading the article.
How to Replace Key Fob Battery?
If your key fob starts to act erratically, or if it fails to work altogether, it may be time to replace the battery. If you have a dead car battery, then your key fob won’t work.
Here’s how to do it:
| First step | Start by locating the correct replacement battery. You can usually find this information in the owner’s manual for your vehicle. |
| Second step | Once you have the right battery, use a small screwdriver or knife to pry open the key fob’s casing. Be careful not to damage the delicate electronics inside. |
| Third step | Remove the old battery and insert the new one, ensuring the positive and negative terminals are correctly aligned. Remember not to overcharge your car battery, or your positive battery terminal will keep corroding. |
| Final Step | Close up the casing and test your key fob to ensure it’s working properly again. If not, consult a professional for further assistance. |
Key Fob Battery Replacement Cost
If you’ve ever had to replace the battery in your car’s key fob, you know it can be a costly and frustrating experience. The average cost of a new key fob battery is $50, but depending on the make and model of your vehicle, it can be as high as $100. And if you take your car to the dealer for service, you’re likely to pay even more.
There are a few things you can do to avoid having to replace your key fob battery too frequently:
- First, ensure that you’re using fresh batteries – not ones that have been sitting in a drawer for months.
- Second, try to keep your key fob away from extreme heat or cold – both of which can shorten the battery’s life.
- And finally, if possible, avoid exposing your key fob to water; even just a little moisture can cause corrosion and damage the electronics inside.
If you do find yourself in need of a new key fob battery, there are a few ways to save money on the replacement:
- One is to buy generic batteries rather than those made specifically for your car’s key fob. Generic batteries may not last as long as OEM (original equipment manufacturer) batteries, but they’ll still get the job done, and they’ll cost significantly less.
- You can also check with an auto parts store or online retailer like Amazon for discounts on replacement batteries; sometimes, they offer significant savings off the list price.
In short, replacing a dead key fob battery doesn’t have to break the bank – but it’s still something no one wants to deal with!
By taking some simple precautions and knowing where to look for deals, you can minimize the cost and hassle of keeping your car’s key fobs working properly.
How to Change Key Fob Battery – Honda?
Your car’s key fob is essential to your life – it helps you unlock your doors, start your engine, and even open your trunk. But when the battery starts to die, it can be a major pain. Thankfully, changing the battery in your key fob is a quick and easy process that you can do at home with just a few tools.
Tools You Will Need
- You’ll need a small flathead screwdriver
- And a new CR2032 coin cell battery.
Now follow the step-by-step guidelines:
First Step
Start by prying open the back cover of the key fob with the screwdriver. Be careful not to damage the casing as you do this.
Second Step
Once the back cover is off, you’ll see the old battery inside. Remove it and replace it with the new one, making sure that the positive side (the side with the + sign) is facing up. Put the back cover back on, and you’re all set!
Final Step
If your key fob starts acting wonky after changing the battery (like not unlocking doors or starting the engine), try reprogramming it using these instructions from Honda.
How to Change Battery in Key Fob Mercedes?
If you have a Mercedes-Benz with Keyless Go, you know the convenience of not fumbling for your keys when you get in and out of your car. You may not know that the battery in your key fob needs to be changed about once every two years – and if it starts to die, you’ll notice!
Here’s how to change the battery in your Mercedes-Benz key fob:
| First Step | Start by taking off the key ring holder. There is usually a small tab or button that releases it. |
| Second Step | Next, remove the back cover of the key fob. On most models, this is done by gently prying it open with a small flathead screwdriver or knife blade. |
| Third Step | Once the back cover is off, take out the old battery (it will be clearly visible) and insert the new one, making sure that the positive (+) side is facing up. |
| Final step | Close up the back cover and reattach the key ring holder before using your key fob again! |
Can You Replace a Key Fob Battery Yourself?
If your key fob uses a watch battery, these are easy to find and replace. Just pop open the back of the fob (usually with a small screwdriver or knife), remove the old battery and insert a new one in the same orientation. Ensure the positive (+) side is facing up when you put the new battery in.
Some newer cars use batteries that are specific to their make and model. These can be more difficult to find and may require special tools to replace them. If you’re not comfortable doing this yourself, definitely take it to a qualified mechanic or dealership service department.
They will have the right tools and know-how to get your key fob working again quickly and safely.
Do I Need to Reprogram Key Fob After Changing Battery?
You’ll eventually need to change the battery if you have a key fob for your car. You may wonder if you need to reprogram the key fob when that time comes. The answer is: it depends.
Some key fobs can retain their programming after changing the battery, while others must be reprogrammed. It’s usually pretty easy to tell which type of key fob you have – if there’s a small button or switch on the back of the fob, it’s probably programmable. If not, you probably don’t need to do anything after changing the battery.
To find out, consult your car’s owner’s manual or contact the dealership where you purchased your vehicle. They should be able to tell you definitively whether or not your key fob needs to be reprogrammed after changing the battery.
How Do I Change the Battery on My Car Key Fob?
If your car key fob starts to act up, one of the first things you should check is the battery. Many car key fobs use CR2032 batteries, which are readily available at most electronics stores.
Here’s how to change the battery on your car key fob:
Step One
Start by removing the back cover of the key fob. On most models, this will be a simple snap-on cover. If your model uses screws to hold the back on, keep track of which size and type of screw so you can properly reassemble it later.
Step Two
With the back cover removed, locate the battery inside. It will likely be held with a small piece of tape or plastic. Gently remove the old battery and discard it according to local regulations (do not throw it in the trash!).
Step Three
Install the new CR2032 battery in its place, ensuring that it is positioned correctly according to any diagrams printed on the inside of the key fob case. Once in place, replace any tape or plastic holding it down and then snap the back cover back into place. That’s it! Your car key fob should now be working properly again.
What Happens When Key Fob Battery Dies?
If your car key fob battery dies, you will not be able to unlock your car doors or start the ignition. To replace the battery, you will need to remove the back cover of the key fob and insert a new CR2032 coin cell battery. Once the new battery is inserted, you should be able to use your key fob as normal.
If you are still having trouble, it may be time to consult a professional.
Final Thought
If your car key feels like it’s losing its power, it might be time to replace the battery. Many people think this is a difficult or expensive process, but it’s quite simple and only requires a few tools you probably already have at home. In most cases, you can do it yourself in just a few minutes.
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