How To Change A Battery In A Key Fob Easily
Do you want to change the battery in your key fob, but you don't know how to go about it? Key fobs usually contain replaceable watch batteries that look like a small coin. If you are having a hard time replacing your old battery in your car key fob, here is a quick guide on how to change a battery in a key fob.
Some key fobs make it seem easy when accessing the old battery, while some require much work.
A quick question before any battery replacement is whether the type of battery you are dealing with is a rechargeable battery or not.
This is because some non-rechargeable batteries found in most key fobs are easier to pop out and replace.
On the other hand, if you deal with a rechargeable battery type, you will need more tools to replace the old battery. For example, you may need a soldering iron to remove the battery from the circuit board and a strong glue to secure the key fob back together. Let us now discuss the procedure on how to replace a battery in a car key fob to help you get the job done quickly.
Tools and Materials You Need
- New battery
- Small flathead screwdriver
- Box cutter/Utility knife
- Soldering Iron
- Superglue.
Pro Tip: Try to remove any internal or valet key before removing the battery. It is essential to look inside that hole to see any indentation containing a good spot that a flathead screwdriver can penetrate to avoid breaking the fob and prying it apart.
The procedure depends on the design of your car key fob. In most cars, you are likely to pop off a piece on the rear of the key fob, while in others, you will need to open the back using a flat screwdriver. After that, you will need to gently pry apart the two attachments using a box cutter or a razor blade.
After replacing a battery in a fob, you need to secure the two pieces using a superglue so that you get them back together. In most cases, key fob batteries need a replacement every 4-7 years, so if you are doing this, you should be keen since it is a one-time process. Also, remember to dispose of the old battery carefully since it can be a choking hazard to little children.
Look for the key fob battery types embossed in the plastic covers when you are at the store. You might be lucky to find your key fob battery type printed outside the cover. In this case, you can buy the batteries before opening the whole key fob. The most popular brands that sell battery key fobs are Energizer, Duracell, and Panasonic.
Step: 1
Open your car key fob; if you have a strong fingernail, you can do this easily, but if you are skeptical about your nails, then use a small flat-head screwdriver to pry the two sides apart gently.
Look for the point of intersection where the halves of the fob meet and insert a flat-head screwdriver. Most car key fobs open in a clamshell design, where the two separate halves join. To make it much easier, there should be a seam to separate the two halves or a notch. Push one slot from the other using a razor blade.
If your car will require you to put the key in the ignition switch, avoid hanging anything from the keyring for support unless it is the fob. When you hang other keys on your key ring device, the weight of the keys is likely to wear down the ignition cylinder, which will lower its quality and create a hazardous situation.
It would be best to avoid breaking the key fob shell as much as possible, do this by prying from one location to another as you move around the key fob. In some car key fobs, you will have to remove the remote from the key first before you proceed to split it open. However, the key fob battery replacement procedure is the same as the rest.
Step: 2
Identify the type of battery you are dealing with so that you can get a replacement battery to keep the car key fob working. Since you have already opened the car key fob, you can see the battery type and number printed on the back of the old battery.
If you do not have a new battery for replacement, it is time to go and buy one. You should also note that all batteries have the same labels on the plus and minus positions. Some may not even have the labels inside.
Usually, most key fob batteries look like a small coin. On the back of the key fob battery, you will find it marked with the battery size and has a plus and minus sign. In addition, you should carefully note the side to which the battery is oriented.
Different brands have created different battery orientations, so it depends on the battery type you are dealing with, but you can get another one from the store after seeing the type. Once you have purchased the same battery, you will need to install it back to the same position.
The good thing about cars with key fobs is that they have transponder keys that make it hard for you to lock the keys inside the car, but in a worst-case scenario, you will only need a key finder to help you out.
Step: 3
In most cases, if you press the battery with a finger, it will just pop out. Remove and replace the old one with a new one by inserting the new battery in the proper position. Ensure the new battery orientation is placed on the same details as the previous ones. Snap the fob shell back together and fix it firmly using a superglue.
Step: 4
After putting the separate plastic devices together, you should test the key function. Ensure that the key fob snaps and test out the buttons if they are functioning. Everything should be working as it did previously. You can also learn more on how to change the Honeywell thermostat battery here.
