Every vehicle on the market requires a bit of routine maintenance, even something as minor as switching the battery out of your key fob. If you’ve never had to do it before, here’s how:
If your vehicle came with a key fob that doesn’t need to be placed in the dashboard, here’s what you need to do:
- Step 1: Slide the lever on the back of the key fob to release the emergency key. Remove it and set it aside.
- Step 2: You’ll need some flat-sided object. A flathead screwdriver is your best bet!
- Step 3: Looking at the bottom of the fob and above where the emergency key spot was, you’ll see a blank slot. That’s where you want to insert your tool and gently pry the two halves of the key fob apart.
- Step 4: Separate the two pieces to reveal the inner electronics and the battery. Use the same tool to slide the battery out of its housing, paying attention to how it’s situated. If you forget, just look for the two “+” signs and match them up.
- Step 5: Grab the new battery, which is usually a CR2032 (can be found mostly at any auto parts store) and slide it into place.
- Step 6: Take the other half of the key fob and click the two portions back together; don’t forget to put your emergency key back in. And that’s it!
If you have an older vehicle that came with a key fob that needs to be placed in the dashboard, here’s what you need to do:
- Step 1: Slide the lever on the back of the key fob to release the emergency key. Remove it and set it aside.
- Step 2: Flip the fob upside down so the buttons are facing away from you and the round end is facing upwards. There, you’ll see a tiny Phillips head screw, which you’ll need to remove next.
- Step 3: Once the screw is out of place, grab a flat-sided object. A flathead screwdriver is your best bet! Use it to separate the two halves of the key fob.
- Step 4: You should be able to see the inner piece of the fob. Simply lift it out and flip it over to get to the battery. Use the same tool to slide the battery out of its housing, paying attention to how it’s situated. If you forget, just look for the two “+” signs and match them up.
- Step 5: Put the new battery, which is usually a CR2032 (can be found mostly at any auto parts store) and slide it into place.
- Step 6: Put the three pieces back together and make sure they all fasten back into place. Put the screw and emergency key back into their places in the fob and then you’re done!
If you’re more of a visual learner, watch and follow along as SRTMush demonstrates:
Keep checking back for more how-to articles on DodgeGarage!