Car Key Fob Battery Replacement

Written By: Miroslav Djuric

Comments: 22

Difficulty

Very easy

Steps

Time Required

5 minutes

Introduction

My Subaru's keyless entry buttons weren't working too well, so I decided to replace the battery within it.

This procedure is relatively simple, and the same basic principle can be applied to most other manufacturers' key fobs.

Tools

Parts

CR1620 Lithium Battery

Step 1

Unscrew the single Phillips screw on the back of the key fob using a #1 Phillips screwdriver.
The two black plastic pieces should separate, revealing the control module. Lift out the control module from the rest of the key.

Step 2

There are four plastic retaining clips that hold the control module intact.
Starting with the smallest retaining clip, insert the flat end of a spudger in between the black and white plastic pieces of the clip in order to release its hold.
Rotate the control module to the next retaining clip, taking care not to accidentally clamp down the previously-released clip. Repeat the same procedure in the previous bullet to release the other two retaining clips.
Once all four clips are released, separate the white plastic piece from the rest of the control module.

Step 3

The CR1620 battery is held in place by metal contacts. Use the pointy end of the spudger to release the battery from the metal contacts.
Swap in a new CR1620 battery, and make sure it is securely held in place by the metal contacts.

YMMV, because the battery I had to replace was not a CR2025, but a CR1620. Seems like I'm not the only one :)

David Robillard - 12/11/15

Step 4

Optional: Use the pointy end of the spudger to remove some of the gunk/buildup within the key fob.
Insert the control module back into the key fob, making sure all the buttons line up with the holes.
Reattach the two halves of the key fob on the side opposite of the key first, then continue until the entire fob is back together in its original state.
Don't forget to put back the Phillips screw!

I found a 1616 battery in my "collection" followed the authors directions using micro screw driver for a spludger and the key fob for my 2006 Honda CR-V is again working. I shall buy a couple (or more 1616 batteries tomorrow. Thanks to the author for these instructions.

Charles Stokes - 13/06/17

Ok I changed the battery but it wont work unless I put in a pin code whilst the key is in the ignition help

cath - 10/07/19

Conclusion

To reassemble your device, follow these instructions in reverse order.

Author

Miroslav Djuric

159152 Reputation

19 comments

All fine and good, except the identical looking key fob from my 2010 Outback uses a CR1620 battery. So much for the CR2025s I bought!

janetsutton - 17/03/15

Nice, clear description of the process (which is very simple). My 2010 Outback also uses the CR1620 battery, not the CR2025 the instructions say. I would recommend disassembling your key fob and taking the old battery to the store to compare. You can still drive with the disassembled key fob; you just have to lock/unlock the door manually.

Mark Ray - 18/09/15

Great instructions! However, just like Mark and Janet, my 2010 Legacy keys had a CR1620 battery. Also, there were 4 plastic clips on step 2. Thanks for the guide!

Steve Osgood - 13/10/15

Apparently the instructions have been updated since the above comments, because they now call for the CR1620, which is what I bought, and they work perfectly!

The instructions and photos are very clear, easy to follow, and accurate. I was very pleased to find this site and realize that for about 15 bucks total I could replace the batteries in both our 2010 Outback keys - I had imagined we'd have to get new keys or at the least take them to the dealer for a highly pricey replacement. Thanks, ifixit!!

Gurukarm Khalsa - 27/11/16

Question, I replaced mine but it still doesn't work. do I need to reset the system?

Jessica Fraley - 03/12/16

According to another web page on this topic, it reads: "After the battery is replaced, the transmitter must be synchronized with the remote keyless entry system’s control unit. Press either the LOCK or UNLOCK button six times to synchronize the unit."

12amrider - 08/12/16

Thanks, this worked perfectly for me. No synchronizing needed, maybe because the battery was only out for a few minutes.

Nan Galbraith - 06/05/17

I replaced the battery in the 2012 Outback key but now the car won't do anything. its as if i triggered some system lock up and nothing works even with another key fob. what now?

Randy Dennis - 06/09/17

Did u get your key working, if yes how?

Leesa Scanes - 19/03/18

My screw immediately stripped and I could not use a screwdriver. Must have been a really cheap screw. I had to carefully drill the head off. Then I cut away some of the plastic holding the key so I could use a needlenose to turn the remaining screw part out. I replaced the battery and found a replacement screw that fit from an old laptop casing.

Steve Dodell - 14/01/18

Great write up except I have the push start/keyless start on my 2015 WRX and not this key.

Paul Cahill - 07/02/18

I ordered the tools suggested above, and the Phillips screwdriver is too big for my Honda CR-V 2010 key.

Kathryn McNulty - 07/02/18

Hi There,

I replaced the battery and now the FOB won’t do anything. When I unlock the door manually the alarm goes sounds until I put the key in the ignition and turn to the on position.

mtd0809 - 26/04/18

I have a 2007 Aveo and my car fob does not have 4 clips.' Do not know how to take the battery out.

sherie931 - 03/10/18

Not for 2017 Honda

steverdunn - 23/11/18

I found my battery online at

http://watchbatteryonline.com/

Was able to replace my Lexus Key fob with a 1632 and my wife’s Honda 2032. This tutorial helped the process a lot. Thanks ifixit!!

Mike - 23/12/18

What kind of cell is used in 2016 RAV 4 keyless entry remote?How many batteries?

pulimoodan - 07/10/20

I lost the screw… what size is it?