Keyless Remote Battery Replacement: A Step-by-Step Guide for Maintaining Access to Your Vehicle
The batteries in keyless remotes for vehicles last for about three to four years on average. Reduced signal strength and range indicate that it is time for a key fob battery replacement. Learn how to select the right replacement battery for your keyless remote, change the battery, test the remote and reprogram the remote or key if necessary.
Contents
Identifying the Correct Battery
The first step that you should take to replace the battery in a keyless remote is to identify the right type of replacement battery. You can check the owner’s manual for your vehicle to determine the button cell model and learn how to program a key fob for your specific make and model.
The most common type of button cell used to power key fobs are CR2032 batteries. Your keyless remote may also use CR1620, CR2025 or CR2450 button cells. Most key fobs require one battery, but some remotes use two of the same type of button cell.
Once you determine the right type of battery, you can get the part you need at the nearest auto parts store. You can also order button cell batteries online for home delivery or in-store pickup.
Replacing & Testing the Keyless Remote Battery
You will need to open a keyless remote to replace the battery. Remove the key from fobs that hold this component. Most remotes have a notch where you can insert a flathead screwdriver to pry open the fob casing, while other designs may use screws.
When you open a remote, you can use a flathead screwdriver to pop out the button cell battery. Check the orientation of the battery, which will have positive and negative sides. You may need to lift up clips to remove the battery.
Insert a replacement battery, making sure that the new battery is in the same orientation. After securing the battery in place, you can press the halves of a fob together or use a screwdriver to reassemble a keyless remote.
Reprogramming a Key Fob
Installing a key fob replacement battery may only be the first step towards restoring keyless access to your vehicle. You may also need to reprogram a key fob or car key. For most models, you can program a keyless remote by inserting a working key into the ignition, turning the ignition on without starting the engine and hitting the lock button on the remote within a few seconds.
To program a car key, you should turn the ignition on and off with a working key and then immediately repeat this step with each unprogrammed key. You should have about five seconds to remove and insert each key before the vehicle exits programming mode.
You should plan to replace the batteries in keyless remotes every few years to maintain access to your vehicle. It may not always be necessary to reprogram remotes or keys. Check the owner’s manual to see if a vehicle manufacturer has specific requirements for putting a vehicle into programming mode. By following these steps, you should be able to restore the full functionality of any keyless remote.
