Is your key fob less responsive or not unlocking your car? Chances are, you are dealing with a low or dead battery.
Today, key fobs or remote keyless systems are a standard in most cars, from SUVs to Pickups. Whether as a standalone unit or part of the metal key itself, key fobs offer you the convenience of locking and unlocking your vehicle, anytime. They also act as a theft deterrent.
But since these handheld devices depend on battery power, they can stop working at the worst time. This can be frustrating, especially if you don’t know where to get the car remote battery replaced.
But worry not! We are here to help you. This guide will help you locate potential places where you can replace your car key remote battery.
Table of Contents
How Does a Key Fob Work?
Once you push a button on the key fob, it sends distinctly coded signals via a radio transmitter to a receiver integrated into a car door latch. As a result, it opens or closes your car door.
It achieves this through a radio frequency identification (RFID) system that works like an electronic barcode for identification. RFID performs the same function as a credit card barcode.
The only difference between them is the placement. The key fob and the RFID don’t need to be stationary for frequency transmission. If you press the button on the car remote within the proximity of the RFID device, it triggers the door’s locking mechanism to grant your access to the car.
In addition to locking and unlocking the car door, key fobs serve other purposes, including:
- Controlling windows: In newer models of cars, like the Volkswagen Tiguan, you can press a button on the key fob to roll down the windows.
- Self-parking and summoning: Other remote car keys allow users to summon their vehicles. Owners of the Hyundai Sonata, Kia EV6, and Genesis GV60 can enjoy this feature.
What Happens When the Car Key Battery is Low?
A key fob battery powers the car keys and runs the remote function. When it’s weak, you might not start your vehicle remotely, especially if it uses the push button to start technology.
Luckily, most vehicles come with a security chip within the key fob or car remote that function without battery power. The only catch is it only works from a very close range to the cars. That means you must get close to your car and long-press the start button on the key fob to start it.
Some key fobs have an emergency blade (E-blade) or physical key placed inside them. You just need to pull it out and open the driver’s side door when faced with a dead battery.
However, the best solution for this problem is key fab battery replacement.
How Can You Tell If the Car Key Battery Needs a Replacement?
Usually, when the car key remote battery becomes weaker, the transmitter integrated within the device loses its range. As a result, you might notice the following signs:
- The key fob or car remote becomes less responsive
- You have to press the button repeatedly or long-press before the vehicle’s door unlocks
- The car fails to recognize the key remote
If you observe these signals, it’s time to get a new battery for your car key fob.
4 Places You Can Get Car Key Battery Replacement
You can get your key fob or car key remote battery replaced at your local car dealer. Most battery shops and auto shops also offer battery replacement for remote keyless systems, irrespective of vehicle make or model.
Alternatively, you can shop for car key batteries at an online marketplace like Amazon and get them delivered to you.
Remember, car remotes are not the same. They vary depending on the car model. Some key fobs come with a simple design, allowing for easy battery replacement. However, others are complicated and require the attention of a professional.
Here is a list of the top places to find the proper battery replacement for car key remotes and other car services.
1. Keyless Shop
The Keyless shop is a one-stop destination for anyone searching for key fob batteries. It features an array of car keys and remotes for a variety of makes and models, like Honda, Ford, Lexus, Toyota, etc.
With 16 outlets spread across 8 states in the USA, the shop offers customers cutting and programming services for car remotes, smart keys, transponder keys, and chip keys.
But what stands out about Keyless Shop is its new emergency locksmith service. If you encounter any issues with your key fob or car key remote, you can contact the shop and an automotive locksmith technician will come to you.
However, this program is only offered by a few selected shops and locksmith technicians licensed by the state.
If you are looking to replace your car key battery, visit your nearest Keyless Shop.
2. Autozone
Autozone is another great place to get a key fob battery replacement. With over 6000 locations, Autozone is one of the best dealers of automotive parts, car batteries, and other accessories.
The store offers a variety of key fob and car remote batteries to choose from. When you visit any of their stores, they will gladly replace your car key’s dead battery with a new one.
Besides battery replacement, Autozone offers key copying services for vehicles, like Ford, Honda, Mercedes, Dodge, GMC, Chevrolet, and others. They can also make keys for nearly any car model and make.
3. Buffalo Mobile Locksmith
For all your car key needs in Buffalo, New York, and its surroundings, contact Buffalo Mobile Locksmith. The company offers locksmith services for all car models and ignition systems. Their automotive locksmith services cover the following areas:
- Car key duplication
- Car remotes
- Key fob replacements
- Computer chip keys
- Transponder keys
In case of an emergency lockout, the company guarantees to send a locksmith to your location within 20 minutes.
What’s better, the locksmith will replace the key fob dead battery or duplicate your car key on the spot. This will save you the hassle of looking for and paying for a tow truck to take your car to a mechanical shop.
All technicians at Buffalo Mobile Locksmith are well-trained and licensed and will respond to your case anytime.
4. Batteries Plus
You might also want to check out Batteries Plus. It’s among the top supplier of batteries, key fobs, light bulbs, and accessories.
The store stocks a wide selection of key fob batteries from several battery companies. If your current key fob battery has run out of charge, visit your nearest Batteries Plus shop for a quick replacement.
In addition, the shop offers other key fob replacement services, such as key fob case repair, key fob duplication, and car remote programming.
What Kind of Battery Do I Need for Key Fob?
The best way to figure out what type of battery you need for the car key remote is to check the one currently used. This information is often engraved on the side of the key fob.
Most car remotes use a lithium-ion or 3V coin battery sold by brands like Panasonic, Duracell, and Energizer. Other common button cell batteries for car remotes include:
- CR1620: 2021-2022 Subaru Impreza, 2012 Subaru Forester
- CR2450: 2022 Jeep Wrangler, 2021 Jeep Cherokee, 2021 Toyota Venza, 2022 Toyota Sienna
- CR2032: 2022 Honda Insight, 2022 Nissan Altima, 2021 Toyota Tundra (Smart Key), 2021, Mazda CX-5
- CR2016: 2021 Toyota Tacoma, 2021 Toyota Tundra (RHK)
How To Change Car Remote Battery?
Once you’ve found the battery for your key fob, you will have no issues replacing it yourself. Follow the steps below to make your Subaru, Honda, Mazda, or Toyota key fob battery replacement a breeze.
Step 1: Open the car key remote or fob
It’s easy to pop open a key fob to replace the battery. Locate the notch in the seam and pry the remote into two halves. In most cases, you might not be able to open the fob with your hands. So, find yourself a small flat-head screwdriver and pry it open. Some key fobs might require you to loosen the screw holding the two halves together before you can open it.
Step 2: Confirm the batter terminals–positive and negative ends
The small coin-like battery in most key fobs comes with a plus sign and minus sign embedded in it. After opening the remote, note the battery positioning since the new battery will need to go in the same way the old battery got inserted.
Step 3: Remove the Old Battery
In most cases, the old battery will pop out of its place because of the inbuilt spring. But if it doesn’t, check if any clips are holding the battery. Move the clips to the side and slide out the dead battery. Sometimes, you might need to use a flat-bladed screwdriver to pry out the old battery. But be gentle to avoid any damage to the key fob circuits.
Step 4: Slide in the new battery and close the key remote
Once you remove the old battery, insert the new battery in the same orientation. Next, assemble the remote by snapping the separate pieces together. Finally, ensure everything works perfectly.
Closing Thoughts
While key fobs batteries can last between 3 to 4 years, they eventually drain out. When this happens, you will lose remote access to your car and become stranded.
However, you can avoid such embarrassing situations by getting your car key remote battery replaced. You can purchase the appropriate key fob battery at online stores like Amazon and Walmart or your local auto part shop.
Replacing the old battery with a new one is a straightforward process, and you can do it yourself. However, if your key fob is complicated, take it to a key fob replacement shop like BatteriesPlus, Autozone, or Keyless.
That marks the end of our piece! Did you find it useful? Tell us in the comment section below.