How To Replace and Extend the Life of Your Keyless Remote Battery

Keyless entry for cars started as revolutionary and quickly became the new norm. The ability to unlock and lock your vehicle from feet away is incredibly convenient, especially if you’re carrying groceries or wrangling kids. Of course, there’s one drawback: Key fobs require batteries. Fortunately, this downside is easy to deal with.

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Keyless Remote Battery

The batteries used in keyless remotes are small and round. Called coin cell batteries, these components are ideal for small devices due to their compact shape.

Most key fobs don’t take rechargeable batteries, so you’ll need to change them out when their charges get low. Key fobs you use more often will drain the battery faster than ones you don’t, but that doesn’t mean you can simply switch to a backup when your main remote dies. Lithium batteries gradually lose charge over time, even when unused, so you should always have extra on hand.

When and How To Replace Your Keyless Remote Battery

A battery for car keys typically lasts between two and three years. However, these batteries can die sooner if they sustain damage or degrade. If you notice the following, it’s time to replace the battery:

The doors unlock only after several button presses.
You have to get closer to your vehicle for the signal to register.
There’s a delay between pressing the button and the door unlocking.

Changing the battery is relatively easy. First, clear a workspace. You’ll have to work with small pieces and don’t want to lose any.

Next, open your key fob. Most have a removable metal piece near the top. This functions as a key and a way to “lock” the remote together. You should be able to pull it free relatively easily.

Once the metal part is out, you should see a seam. Gently insert a pen knife or flathead screwdriver into the seam and run it along the fob to separate the two case pieces.

Inside the remote, you’ll see a circuit board on one side and a battery on the other. Remove the battery and replace it with the new one, appropriate side down.

Next, put the two pieces back together. They should click into place. Put the metal piece back. Test your remote to make sure it works.

Troubleshooting Common Keyless Remote Battery Issues

Does your keyless remote battery keep draining faster than expected? If so, it may be a sign of another problem.

First, try a different brand of battery. Different manufacturers adhere to different quality standards, so if a particular battery brand constantly dies, it may be of poor quality.

If that doesn’t help, consider where you keep your remote at home. If the fob is within unlocking range, it will drain faster since it stays in communication with your car. Consult your owner’s manual to determine how far away you should store your key fob.

Keeping up with vehicle maintenance can be easy when you visit your local auto parts store. The employees are knowledgeable, helpful and always friendly. They can assist with a variety of questions, from a VIN lookup to battery brand comparisons. As a result, you can quickly resolve minor issues.