What Kind of Battery Does a Key Fob Take?

To answer the question, What kind of battery does a key fob take, vehicle owners should educate themselves about the overall function of fobs and details about battery types, sizes, voltage, and other pertinent information.

Modern fobs offer conveniences and security features like remote start, keyless entry, theft prevention, and the ability to find a vehicle in a huge parking lot. Low, dead, or damaged fob batteries can lead to security issues and accessibility issues. Car owners should stay on top of key fob battery replacement needs, key fob battery cost, and be fully aware of their key fob battery type.

For top performance, it’s imperative to check and replace batteries to prevent lockouts, inability to start the vehicle, and security lapses.

Understanding Key Fob Batteries

Types of Key Fob Batteries

Vehicle key fobs use “coin cell” batteries. The little units are very small but deliver enough power when required. Here are the relevant facts about the three most common sizes, essential information for key fob battery replacement.

Key fob battery CR2032: Only 20 mm in diameter and with a thickness of 3.2 mm, key fob battery CR2032 is the most widely used of all battery types. It features a high capacity, with the longest key fob battery lifespan. It’s best for high-tech fobs that have remote start, proximity sensors, etc.

Key fob battery CR2025: With a diameter of 20 mm and a thickness of 2.5 mm, this small model has a lower capacity than CR2032, but key fob battery CR2025 is ideal for simple key fob functions.

Key fob battery CR2016: The thinnest of the three models, key fob battery CR2016 is 1.6 mm thick and holds the least amount of power. However, it is suitable for fobs with very basic requirements. What kind of battery does a key fob take? The owner’s manual or online sources can easily answer that crucial question.

Identifying the Correct Battery for Your Key Fob

You must know the kind of battery your fob uses in order to maintain its full functionality. The easiest way is to look in the owner’s manual, which also explains how to safely replace the battery.

If you can’t find a manual, use a magnifying glass to read the letters and numbers on the current battery. Nearly all fobs have easy-to-remove back covers. Look for two letters, followed by four numerals, like “CR2016,” for example.

Take the old battery to a parts store to get an exact replacement. Warning: Using the wrong size battery can damage the fob and possibly cause operational issues with your car. Replace batteries on a regular schedule and check them every 30 days or so.

How to Replace Your Key Fob Battery

Signs Your Key Fob Battery Needs Replacement

If you learn the signs of weak, dead, or malfunctioning key fob batteries, you’ll not have to worry about being locked out or losing vital vehicle functions. This knowledge goes beyond answering what kind of battery does a key fob take. Poor range is the first and most common sign that your fob’s batteries are running low.

Some owners find that they need to be very close to the vehicle for the fob to work, or that the fob only works intermittently. Or, there might be a delayed response with all or some of the key fob’s functions. Worst is complete failure, which usually means the batteries are dead.

Dead fob batteries might lead to the driver’s inability to enter or start the car. Replace the battery as soon as possible to avoid these major inconveniences. Regularly check function, battery level, and range response.

Step-by-Step Guide to Replacing the Battery

Here’s a quick guide for replacing a key fob battery:

• Get the Right Tools: You’ll need a small flat-head screwdriver and the correct size battery.
• Open the Fob: Softly pry the unit apart. Locate the small slot on the rim of the fob. Use the screwdriver to gently pop apart the two halves of the unit.
• Take the Old Battery Out: Lift the old battery out with the screwdriver or your fingers.
• Put the New Battery In: Be sure to correctly align the “+” and “-” polarity indicators when inserting the new battery.
• Close the Unit: Snap the two halves of the unit together.
• Perform a Few Tests: Test all functions of the fob to make sure it’s working properly with the new battery.

Precautions During Replacement

Of course, car owners must first answer the question, “What kind of battery does a key fob take?” Once they determine that essential piece of information, they should follow common safety tips during battery replacement.

First, be sure to handle fob batteries very carefully. Wear gloves to minimize contact with hazardous materials that might be on the surface of the battery. Keep moisture and dirt away from the fob, and work in a dry, clean place.

Note the polarity indicators, plus “+” and minus “-” and make certain to line them up correctly when inserting the new battery. Getting this small detail wrong can cause major malfunctions. Follow your local recycling and disposal guidelines for tossing the old battery. Never touch the metal contacts inside the key fob.

Key Fob Battery Maintenance and Troubleshooting

Extending Battery Lifespan

Fortunately, there are multiple ways to extend your key fob’s battery life. Maximize battery health by avoiding extreme temperatures, both heat and cold. Extremes can cut battery life quickly and significantly. Store fobs and extra batteries in a climate-controlled place.

Avoid over-using remote start and proximity sensors. Those, along with other complex functions, drain batteries fast. Do periodic battery checks by monitoring performance or using a battery tester device. Always replace weak or dead batteries immediately.

Don’t allow corrosion or dirt to build up on the fob’s contacts. Try to store fobs away from other electronic devices that could wreak havoc with the signal strength. It’s important to be aware of battery health and the condition of the fob to enjoy long service from the devices.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If problems arise after you replace a fob battery, learn a few troubleshooting techniques. For instance, a non-functioning fob with a fresh battery likely needs to be reprogrammed. Check the vehicle manual for how to proceed with a do-it-yourself fix. Or, consult a locksmith or car dealership for help.

If reprogramming doesn’t work, chances are that the device itself is faulty. Bad circuits or damage to the unit’s exterior casing can lead to all sorts of issues. If that happens, get a new fob or use your backup, if you have one. Before getting a replacement or reprogramming a fob, double check that the battery is positioned correctly, is firmly seated, and is not corroded or dirty.

Additional Considerations

Cost and Availability of Key Fob Batteries

Depending on the type and brand of your fob, expect to pay up to $15 for a new battery. For CR 2032,2025, and 2016, replacements are widely available at retail stores, auto parts sellers, locksmiths, online stores, pharmacies, and electronics outlets.

Consider purchasing in bulk from online discount sellers for savings and convenience. Not only will bulk buying save you a substantial amount on the purchase price, but it will also give you the peace of mind to know that you always have a spare fob battery on hand.

Environmental Impact and Recycling

Be sure to recycle or otherwise dispose of old batteries. Many contain hazardous and/or poisonous substances that are not suited for regular trash disposal. Check to see if your community has recycling centers or special collection locations for electronic waste. Most retailers that sell batteries will offer to recycle old ones at no charge. Recycling used fob batteries is an easy way to promote sustainability and cut down on landfill waste.

Key Fob Batteries: Putting the Facts Together

For anyone wondering what kind of battery does a key fob take, it’s important to understand that the most essential task is timely key fob battery replacement. Don’t know where to begin?

Start by opening the unit and determining the key fob battery type. Of course, it also pays to know about key fob battery cost, key fob battery size, key fob battery lifespan, as well as the basics of battery voltage. To attain maximum fob functionality of the unit, learn how to test and replace batteries. Finally, establish a routine schedule of fob. Always practice proper storage, disposal, and recycling of fob batteries.