Car Key Battery Replacement
Often, when a car key fob malfunctions, it’s because of a dead battery. Luckily, replacing it is quick and easy!
To do so, you must open the fob’s case. This can be done using a fingernail, a screwdriver or any other tool that can easily pry it open. Be gentle to avoid any internal or external damage.
How to Disassemble the Fob
If your key fob is acting up, it’s likely because its battery is dead. Fortunately, it’s super easy to change the battery in most modern car key fobs. The process involves finding the right battery, removing the old one, and replacing it with a new one.
The first step is to disassemble the key fob. Most modern car key fobs open in a clamshell fashion, with two halves that snap together. Usually, there’s a small slot where you can open the case with a screwdriver, butter knife, or another key. Once you find this notch, gently pop the case open.
Once the case is open, you can see the circuit board and the dead battery inside. Note what kind of battery the fob uses so you can shop for a replacement. Also, note the polarity of the battery’s markings. This will help ensure that you put the new battery in correctly, so the fob works again.
Once you have the replacement battery, remove the old one from the circuit board, and install the new one. Make sure the polarity is correct, and then snap the key fob back together. You should car key battery replacement be able to feel and hear it snap into place. If you don’t, you may need to press on the key fob’s buttons harder than usual to close it.
How to Open the Battery Compartment
Before beginning, make sure the car is turned off and all the key fobs are removed. It’s also a good idea to remove any metal jewelry, such as a watch or ring, that could come in contact with battery acid. You should also wear gloves and work in a well-ventilated area to avoid exposure.
Open the battery compartment by removing any bolts or screws that secure it. These are usually found in the front of the compartment. Once the compartment is open, locate the old battery. Note its orientation as this will help you install the new one correctly.
Using your wrench, loosen the negative terminal cable clamp. This is typically black and has a minus sign (-) near it. Be careful not to touch both terminals at the same time, as this can cause an electrical short. You should now be able to disconnect the cable from the terminal, and then remove the battery from its tray.
Before you do, though, remove any securing clamps that hold the battery to the tray. These are often fastened with a bolt, and may require you to use your socket wrench with an extender as they can be hard to reach. Once the battery is free, take care to move any wires to a safe place, so they don’t get accidentally connected during your work.
How to Remove the Old Battery
Just like any battery-operated device, your key fob’s battery will die from time to time. Fortunately, the process to replace it is fairly simple. The first step is to buy a replacement battery. You’ll want to make sure you have the correct battery type, or it may not work. It’s always best to consult your car’s owner manual if you aren’t sure what kind of battery your fob requires.
Once you have a replacement battery, the next step is to open the fob and remove the old battery. Most modern key fobs are made of two pieces that join together at a seam, which you can usually pry apart with your fingers or a small tool. Once you have the two halves separated, look for the battery compartment in one of the bottom sections. Use a non-metallic tool to pry the clip holding the battery in place, and then remove the old battery from the fob. Take note of the orientation of the battery so that you can slot the new one in the same way.
Once you have the new battery in place, close the battery compartment by pressing it back into place. Then, test the fob by pushing any buttons. If the key still doesn’t work, double-check that the new battery is inserted correctly and try again.
How to Install the New Battery
Car key fobs allow us to unlock our doors and start our cars remotely, but they only work if the battery is working properly. If you notice a delay between pressing the car battery distributors button and your car responding, it may be time to replace the battery. Thankfully, this is a relatively quick and easy process that you can do yourself.
First, observe your key fob for a seam where it splits in two. This is usually the easiest place to open the fob. Then, use a non-metallic tool like a butter knife to pry the halves apart. You’ll also want to note the orientation of the old battery so you can install the new one in the same orientation.
Now, you can take out the old battery and insert the new one in its place. Remember to align the positive and negative ends correctly so you don’t damage the fob. Once the new battery is in place, snap the halves back together and test it to make sure everything functions correctly.
The most common type of battery used in key fobs is a small, round button cell. You can find these in most general stores and car accessory shops. You can also purchase them online if you prefer. We recommend purchasing a pack of replacement batteries so you always have some on hand when your car key fob starts acting up.
