Car remote started acting up and you’re not sure why?
Or maybe it just stopped working altogether?
Before you start panicking and throw your key fob in the junk drawer, stop and consider it could be the battery is going bad.
What are the warning signs of a dying or low car remote battery?
- You have to click the button multiple times before anything happens,
- Your key fob’s reach isn’t as far as it used to be,
- Your buttons only work every once in a while or work inconsistently,
- or your buttons don’t work at all.
How soon should you replace your car remote battery?
As soon as you notice the battery is low.Car remote batteries are inexpensive, so it’s best to toss the dying batteries and replace them with brand new batteries.
Letting your key fob batteries completely die puts your remote at risk of resetting. This means you’ll have to resync your remote with your car to continue using it. Some remotes you can sync on your own, but others require a professional’s help, which can be costly.
How long does a car remote battery last?
3-4 years, depending on the brand and type of battery your remote needs.What kind of battery does your car remote use?
It depends on your remote.You’ll have to open the case of your remote and look at the label on the battery to know for sure, but some of the more common car remote batteries are listed below:
- CR2025
- CR1620
- CR1216
- CR2450
- CR2430
- CR1632
- CR1220
- CR2032
- CR2016
- CR1616
Where can you buy car remote batteries?
You can buy car remote batteries pretty much anywhere, including on our website.How do you replace your car remote battery?
Again, it depends on your remote. (Here's a playlist of how to replace batteries for specific car remotes.)
Some key fobs are easy to get into, while others take a bit more work.
First, you need to open up your car remote.
If there’s a visible screw, you’ll have to remove the screw. The case should come right open with little effort.
If your car remote has a valet key but no screw, remove the valet key. There should be a groove where the key was. Slip a flathead screwdriver into the groove and pry open your case, but be gentle so you don’t damage the case.
If your car remote doesn’t have a valet key or screw, there should still be a small groove somewhere on the edge of the case. You can use a flathead screwdriver to pry open the case using the groove, but be careful not to damage the case.
Second, remove and throw away the bad battery. You should be able to slip the battery out using your fingers, but if it’s really stuck in there, use a flathead to pop it out.
Third, place your new battery in the car remote in the proper position. You want the + and - signs to line up, just like with regular batteries.
Last, put your remote back together.
If you have a particularly tricky remote or are afraid of damaging it, you can also get your battery replaced at most dealerships, repair/maintenance shops, locksmith shops, or anywhere else that sells key fob batteries.
