While key fob batteries might last a long time, it’s only a matter of time until you need to replace them. The good news is replacing your key fob is incredibly easy, even if you don’t have any mechanical experience!
Don’t believe us? Just keep reading, and we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to replace the battery in your vehicle’s key fob for less than $10! And that’s far less expensive than a brand new key fob that can cost you well over $100.
4 Steps To Replace Your Key Fob Battery
The good news is that replacing your key fob battery is easier than you think. All you need to do is follow these four simple steps, and you’ll have a new battery in your key fob in no time!
1. Gently Pry It Apart
Find where the two pieces of your key fob mesh together and get a small flat-tipped screwdriver or something similar and slip it in there.
From there, slightly twist the screwdriver until you notice or hear the two pieces pop apart. Next, work your way around with the screwdriver until you have the entire key fob in two pieces.
2. Find the Battery
Now that you’ve separated the key fob into two pieces, you need to locate the battery. Typically, key fobs will use a CR2032, CR2450, CR2025, or a CR2016 battery. All of these batteries are small, flat, circular batteries. To determine the battery size, just take a look at the battery – it should have the number written right on it!
Before removing the battery, take note of the positioning. You should either see a “+” or a “-“ to let you know the correct position. Once you remove the battery, your key fob might not label which way the new battery needs to go – so it’s important to note the position before you pull it out.
3. Replace the Battery
Once you’ve removed the old battery, it’s time to install the new one. It’s best to use a completely new battery during this process. They’re available for less than $10, so there’s no reason to try and save a few bucks by finding a new battery.
Moreover, each battery should last close to ten years, so if you do the job right the first time, you won’t have to worry about it again any time soon! Also, be sure to place the battery is facing the right direction. Otherwise, you’ll have to tear everything back apart to fix it!
4. Snap it Back Together!
Once you’ve installed the new battery, all you need to do is line everything back up and snap it back together! Push all the way around until you get a completely snug fit. If you don’t have everything snug, then water or other foreign elements can work their way in and end up damaging the key fob.
Tips for Starting Your Car With a Dead Key Fob
While all you used to need your key fob for was to unlock your car without standing next to it, there might not be a key slot to start your car in modern vehicles! So, if you have a dead key fob, you might find that you’re unable to start your car to even get to the store to get a new battery!
But, if you’re in a pinch and can’t replace your key fob battery right away or don’t have the right batteries with you, that doesn’t mean you can’t start your car. A little-known trick to start your car with a dead key fob is to simply push the entire key fob against the push start button.
Even if you have a completely dead battery in the key fob, this will start your car and send you on your way! Just keep in mind that this won’t unlock your doors, so if you don’t have another way in without the electric part of the key fob, you still might find yourself in some trouble.
Conclusion
Just because your key fob has a dead battery doesn’t mean you need to freak out. It’s one of the most affordable and straightforward repairs, and your vehicle manufacturer even installed a way for you to start your vehicle if you have a dead battery!
So, what are you waiting for? Get everything you need to get that battery replaced today – it’s one less thing you’ll need to worry about.