How to Change a Key Fob Battery

When it takes more than two to three clicks to unlock your car, it may be time to change your key fob battery. For this demonstration, I will be changing the battery for my 2014 Subaru Outback key fob. It is important to understand which battery is needed for your make, model, and year of your vehicle.

1. Key Fob.
2. New Battery.
3. Small Phillips Head Screw Driver (if applicable for removing the small screw holding the fob together.)
4. Small Flat Head Screw Driver.

To understand the battery required, it is first important to identify the type of key fob. This can be done using the make, year, and model of the vehicle. This information will pin point the battery that is needed.

As mentioned above, not many tools are needed. However, it is necessary to be prepared while changing a key fob battery, as there are many small pieces to potentially misplace.

Locate any details on the key fob that are important for opening it. This can look like the seam, a small screw, or both.

To enter into the key fob, separate the halves, gently. If a screw is present, remove and place to the side where it will remain undisturbed until the end. To separate the halves, the small flat screwdriver may be necessary, as well as slight force. There may be a clicking noise, as the halves come apart. Be mindful of forcing the halves apart though.

The battery may not be readily available after the key fob comes apart. There may be an inner piece that must be pulled apart as well in order to see the battery. In this case, the outer buttons on the key fob are loose and may come apart if handles roughly, be mindful.

After removing the old battery, insert the new one in its place, typically positive side up. Make sure the battery is secure within the pins, and that it is being held in place and making proper contact.

Align the edges of the key fob and click them back together. If applicable, place the screw back into its original place.

Make sure the key fob is working by locking and unlocking car doors. If so, great work! If not, reopen battery component and check the battery orientation.