Aaron Widmar
1 Comment

How To Replace the Battery in Your Car’s Key Fob

Decrease Font Size Increase Font Size Text Size Print This Page

If your car key fob’s range has diminished, the buttons aren’t responding to your touch, or the vehicle is having trouble recognizing its proximity, the key fob battery is probably dead.

Yes, it is possible to replace the battery in your key fob, and it’s easier than you think. All you need is a small, flat-tipped screwdriver and a new battery.


Learning the Basics: The best Toyota models for new student drivers


5 simple steps to replace the battery in your car’s key fob

Replace Battery Car Key Fob open notch slot

Photo: The News Wheel

Step 1: Find the notch to open the fob

This is the trickiest part because the notch may not be obvious. On some units, there’s a small gap at the top, but for others, you might have to inspect the connection point where the emergency key slides out.

Replace Battery Car Key Fob

Photo: The News Wheel

Step 2: Use the screwdriver to pop it open

Slide the flat-tipped screwdriver into the slot and wedge it open. The whole unit should open in half down the middle, revealing a round battery inside.

Replace the Battery in Your Car’s Key Fob dead battery remove

Photo: The News Wheel

Step 3: Identify the battery type

Look closely at the battery inside and look for markings on it that will reveal what model the battery is. Buy a brand-new battery of the same kind.

Replace Battery Car Key Fob dead fix

Photo: The News Wheel

Step 4: Replace the old battery with a new one

The old battery should come out with ease if you pop it out with your finger. The new battery slides right in where the old one was.

Replace Battery Car Key Fob open close

Photo: The News Wheel

Step 5: Snap the fob shut

Now that you have a new key in place, you can close up the key fob. It should click back into place when you squeeze it.

Depending on the quality of the replacement battery you purchased, how often you drive, and if the battery is a proximity key that drains quicker, you might have to replace the battery every five years or so.


Shopping Advice: These Nissan vehicles are good buys for young adults