Understanding the Key Fob Battery Usually a small coin-battery like those found in watches, a key fob battery provides power for the electronics used inside your key fob. The most common thing it is used for is remote locking and unlocking, but they can be used for opening the trunk, setting the alarm and other functions too. A key fob is the small, handheld device you use to control various functions of your vehicle remotely. How to Change Your Key Fob Battery While key fob batteries have a relatively long life, eventually it will need replacing, but the good news is that it is a relatively easy thing to do yourself. The exact process does depend on the vehicle manufacturer, but in general most work on similar principles as follows: Identify Your Battery — First, you need to know what battery you need, so take a look in your vehicle manual or search online to see what exact battery type you require. Access the Battery — You now need to open the key fob. This is usually the hardest part of the process. Look for a small notch or slot in the case and use a small screwdriver to prove the two halves of the case apart. Replace the Battery — Once the case is open, look at which way up the battery is and make a note, then carefully slide it out, and relace it with a new one so that it is fitted in the same orientation as the old one. Put Everything back Together — Once the battery is in, put the fob case back together. This usually means lining everything up and snapping the two halves together. Make sure there are no gaps, and it is all in place as it was when you began. Types of Key Fob Battery While the most common batteries used in key fobs are the coin type watch batteries, some manufacturers do things differently. Here are the four types you will see in your key fobs: Lithium Cell Batteries — The most common, circular type, also used in watches. They come in different sizes and voltages, with CR2025 and CR2032 being the most frequently fitted. They are durable batteries that are known for their longevity. Alkaline Batteries — Not really seen in modern vehicle key fobs, but larger, earlier models may still use standard alkaline batteries such as the familiar AA or AAA sizes. Rechargeable Batteries — A new trend, especially for high-end luxury vehicles, is having key fobs powered by rechargeable batteries. They can come with their own charger, or sometimes they charge in your vehicle as it is driven. Specialized Batteries — It is not common, because it makes finding replacements difficult, but some vehicles may use a proprietary battery in the key fob. You normally have to go through the manufacturer to buy replacements for these. Conclusion Knowing what kind of battery is in your key fob, and how to replace it, is a good idea today. Getting a dealer or mechanic to replace the battery can be costly, but there is also the chance your battery fails when you just don’t have time to get to the dealer. It is usually fairly easy and takes just a few minutes, and with vehicles using sophisticated electronic controls now, such as those managed by the AutoPi device, being able to quickly get your key fob up and running again just makes sense. Make key fob battery checks and replacement a part of your vehicle maintenance regime, you can always access the remote functions on your car.
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