Are you struggling to get your Dodge key fob to work for you? If it isn’t unlocking your car, you may need to change the battery. This blog post will give you step-by-step instructions on how to do that.
The process is fairly simple, but there are a few things you should know before getting started. We’ll talk about those, and we’ll also tell you what to do if your key fob stops working for an extended period of time or if the locksmith needs to be involved. Lastly, we’ll provide helpful tips on how to get the most out of your new battery.
So, whether you’re a DIY kind of person or not, this post has got you covered!
Table of Contents
A Little About Dodge Key Fobs
Before we get into the battery replacement process, let’s talk about key fobs for a minute. A key fob is a small device that allows you to unlock and lock your car doors without having to use a physical key. It usually has a few buttons on it that perform different functions, like locking all the doors at once or opening the trunk.
Key fobs are really convenient because they make it easy to get into your car without having to fumble around for a key. They’re also great for keeping track of your keys – no more digging through your purse or pockets to find them!
Most key fobs use a lithium battery, which lasts for quite some time. However, over time, the battery will start to die and will need to be replaced. You’ll know it’s time to change the battery when your key fob starts having trouble unlocking your doors or if the range starts to decrease. For example, if you used to be able to unlock your car from 30 feet away and now you can only do it from 10 feet, that’s a sign that the battery is dying.
How to Change the Battery in Your Dodge Key Fob?
Now that we’ve talked a little bit about key fobs and why you might need to change the battery, let’s get into the actual process. This process is pretty simple and only requires a few tools that you may even already have around the house. Here’s what you’ll need:
What You’ll Need
- A new lithium battery (we recommend Energizer in the same size as your old battery)
- Your Key Fob
- A small flathead screwdriver (optional)
- A coin (optional)
Instructions
Once you’ve got your supplies, follow the DIY instructions below:
Step 1: Locate the Key
Start by taking a look at your key fob. At the bottom of the key fob, you should find a metal piece that slips out of the fob. This is the metal key, which you can use in the door of your vehicle, should you ever find yourself locked out with a dead key fob battery.
Step 2: Use the Key to Open the Fob
You will slip that key into a slot in the key fob, and the fob should pop open. Inside the two halves of the device, you will find a space for a circular lithium battery and a circuit board.
Note: If the key is missing from the fob, you can sometimes use a coin or small flathead screwdriver to pry the back of the fob off.
Step 3: Change the Battery
Remove the old battery from the key fob and note its orientation before discarding it. You will want to put the new key fob battery in the same way, with the positive side facing the same way as the old battery was.
Step 4: Put the Back Cover On and Test
After you’ve put in the new battery, put the back cover of the key fob on and test it out. Try unlocking your car from a few different distances to see if the range has increased. You should also test all of the other buttons on your key fob to see if they’re working correctly.
What If My Key Fob Still Doesn’t Work?
If your key fob isn’t working after you’ve replaced the battery, there are a few things you can try. First, make sure that the new battery is installed correctly. If it is, then try pressing and holding the button for a few seconds to see if that does the trick. If not, you may need to take your key fob to a locksmith or dealership to have it reset.
You might also want to try cleaning the contact points on the battery and the circuit board. Over time, these can get dirty and cause problems with the key fob’s functionality. To clean them, just use a cotton swab soaked in rubbing alcohol and wipe away any dirt or grime.
And lastly, if all else fails, you may just need an entire key fob replacement.
How to Get the Most Out of Your Key Fob Battery Replacement?
Now that you know how to replace the battery in your key fob, let’s talk about how you can get the most out of the new battery. Here are a few tips:
1. Store Your Key Fob in a Safe Place
One of the best things you can do to prolong the life of your key fob’s battery is to store it in a safe place. That means keeping it away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures. You also want to make sure it’s not exposed to any moisture, as that can damage the key fob.
A good place to keep your key fob is in your purse or pocket, where it won’t be exposed to too much (or too little) light and heat.
2. Don’t Let Your Key Fob Die Completely
If you can, try not to let your key fob die completely before replacing the battery. When your Dodge key fob battery gets too low, it’s best to go ahead and change it then, so that you don’t get caught when the battery dies.
Conclusion
And that’s it! You’ve successfully replaced the battery in your Dodge key fob and hopefully extended its life by a few years. No matter if you drive a Grand Caravan, Avenger, Ram truck, or any other Dodge vehicle, we hope this post was helpful – if you have any questions, feel free to leave them in the comments below!