How To Change a Car Key Fob Battery

The battery is likely the culprit if your car’s key fob isn’t working properly or quits entirely. Whether integrated into the key or a separate device on your key ring, key fob batteries are easy to replace. If your key fob isn’t working as well as it should or has quit, you can follow a few steps to replace the battery.

The specialty batteries in key fobs can last five to 10 years, but the life span varies depending on the frequency of use, temperature extremes, and battery quality. Cars may have dashboard warning lights when the fob battery runs low, so watch out for any messages that may pop up. Learn how to spot a worn battery, which type of battery works best, how to replace the battery, and how to operate your vehicle in a pinch if the fob quits working unexpectedly. Do you want the professionals at Performance CJDR to replace your car fob battery for you? Click the link below to give us a call and schedule a service appointment today!

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What Are the Signs of a Weak Fob Battery?

Keep an eye out for the following signs that may indicate that the battery is running low:

• Starting your car becomes more difficult or takes several tries.
• Locking and unlocking doors become difficult, requires you to be close by, or isn’t possible.
• A warning light on your dashboard indicates a charging system problem or low key battery.

Quality Batteries Are Worth the Expense

Since your key fob is an essential part of your car, buying the best battery is wise. As with most things, you get what you pay for, so spending more gets you a higher quality battery. Highly rated batteries include Energizer Lithium with a 10-year shelf life and operating range of -22 to 140 degrees Fahrenheit. Duracell Procell Lithium batteries are also highly rated and can last up to 10 years in storage. Other high-quality batteries are available from several manufacturers. Consider researching consumer ratings, life span, and how they function in hot and cold temperatures.

What Are the Steps to Replace a Fob Battery?

Here are the four basic steps to return your key fob to peak performance:

1. Find out which battery type you need: This may be embossed in the plastic case or printed on a label. Consult your owner’s manual if you can’t find the battery type. Buy the replacement batteries, confirm the numbers, and get a quality product.
2. Remove the emergency metal key, usually by pressing a knob near the back of the fob: Removing the key will likely reveal the tab you must press to remove the fob’s cover. The hidden key can be used to unlock and start your vehicle, a process that’s detailed later.
3. Look at the seam that splits the fob in half and a notch where a screwdriver or key can be used to pop it open: Gently pry the two halves apart. The notch may be tricky to find and is sometimes near where the emergency metal key slides out. Some fobs may have a removable cover rather than being split into two pieces.
4. Note the battery placement and orientation before removing it: The coin-shaped batteries have positive and negative sides.
5. The old battery should pop out when prying it with a screwdriver: Carefully use a screwdriver if needed, being careful not to bend the battery holder.
6. Place the new battery in the same orientation as the old one: Make sure the battery fits tightly to maintain a solid connection with the fob.
7. Snap the fob back together, looking for tabs in case one end of the cover goes on first: Return the emergency key to its spot. Test the fob and make sure it works as expected. You should be set for the next several years.

Tips: Make sure any protective stickers on the battery are removed so it will make electrical contact with the key fob. A small screwdriver may help remove the old battery but be careful not to force it out. Some fobs, like those for newer cars or with additional features like remote start, have two batteries.

What Happens if the Battery Quits Unexpectedly?

Battery failure may occur at an inopportune time, but you aren’t necessarily stranded. The metal key within the fob can work in a pinch if your vehicle has a keyless operation. If it’s accessible, check your owner’s manual for any specific instructions for your vehicle. Review the basic steps for emergency use:

1. Remove the metal key from the key fob by sliding the locking tab to the other side.
2. Unlock the door with the key. Remember that this will likely set off an alarm until the key is placed in the ignition.
3. Pop out the Start/Stop button from the ignition lock by gently pulling it. Insert the metal key in the ignition, ensuring your foot is on the brake and the transmission is in park.
4. Like a traditional keyed car, turn the key to start the engine and let go once it’s running. Keep the removed button in a safe spot until the battery is replaced. The dashboard will likely display a missing or low-key battery warning light.

If your key fob quits functioning while you’re on the road, you can continue since the fob is set up for unlocking and starting only. You’ll need to follow the above steps if you shut off your car and need to restart or unlock it.

Do You Need Assistance or Service?

If you’re having difficulty getting your key fob to work or suspect it may be damaged or broken, don’t hesitate to contact Performance Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram Centerville online or call our service department at (937) 519-3542. We’ll investigate potential issues, get genuine Mopar replacement parts, and get you back on the road as soon as possible. If you lose a key fob, we can also get a replacement set up for you. Note that it’s typically easier to program a new fob if the spare is available.

We are also there to handle all your service needs, such as oil changes, multi-point inspections, brake and tire services, and air conditioning checks. Check out Performance Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram Centerville for the latest offerings and specials if you’re in the market for a pre-owned or new vehicle . You can schedule a visit or simply stop by. You’ll find us at 95 Loop Road in Centerville, Ohio. We’re available Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., closing at 6 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, and from noon to 5 p.m. on Sunday.

Image Credits: Image by Steve Rainwater is licensed with CC BY-SA 2.0