Open the remote and locate the battery
Most car remotes split into two halves held together by a small screw or a thin seam. Look along the edges for a slot or a tiny indentation—this is where you'll insert a flat tool to pry the case open. A flathead screwdriver, a coin, or even a butter knife works. Insert it gently into the seam and twist slightly to separate the halves without cracking the plastic.
Once the remote is open, you'll see a small coin-shaped battery sitting in a metal holder. Note which side faces up—the flat side or the domed side. This matters when you install the new battery. The battery itself will have a number printed on it, usually something like CR2032, CR2025, or CR2016. Write this number down or take a photo so you buy the exact replacement.
Key Takeaways
- Car remote batteries are coin-shaped and typically cost $3 to $8 at any drugstore, supermarket, or hardware store.
- The battery number (CR2032, CR2025, etc.) is printed on the old battery itself—buy the exact same number.
- Insert the new battery with the same side facing up as the old one, or the remote will not work.
- The entire job takes less than five minutes and requires only a flathead screwdriver or coin.
Remove the old battery and clean the contacts
Gently lift the old battery out of its metal holder. If it's stuck, wiggle it slightly side to side rather than pulling straight up. Once it's out, look at the metal contacts inside the holder—they should be shiny and clean. If they look dark, corroded, or crusty, wipe them with a dry cloth or a pencil eraser. Corrosion prevents the new battery from making good contact and is a common reason remotes stop working even after a battery change.
Check the rubber button pad while you have the remote open. This is the soft piece with the four or five buttons printed on it. If it looks cracked, dried out, or the printing is worn away, the remote may not respond even with a fresh battery. In that case, you may need to replace the entire remote, but most of the time a new battery alone solves the problem.
Insert the new battery the correct way
Before you open the new battery package, wash your hands or wipe them on a clean cloth. Oils from your skin can interfere with battery contact. Remove the new battery and hold it so you can see which side is which—one side is flat, one is slightly domed. Orient it exactly as the old battery was sitting: if the flat side faced up, the flat side goes up. If the domed side faced up, the domed side goes up.
Place the new battery into the metal holder and press down gently until you hear or feel a small click. The battery should sit flush with the holder, not sticking up or sitting loose. If it doesn't sit flat, remove it and check that you have the correct orientation. A battery installed backward will not power the remote, and you'll waste time troubleshooting when the fix is straightforward flipping it over.
Close the remote and test it
Align the two halves of the remote so the seams match up evenly. If your remote has a screw, insert it and tighten it by hand first, then use your screwdriver to snug it down. Do not overtighten—you want it snug enough that the halves don't rattle, but not so tight that you crack the plastic. If your remote has a seam closure with no screw, press the halves together firmly until they click or snap into place.
Point the remote at your car and press a button—any button will do. The car should respond: lights flash, doors lock or unlock, or the trunk opens. If nothing happens, open the remote again and check that the battery is oriented correctly and sitting fully in its holder. This is the most common reason a fresh battery doesn't work. If the battery is correct and the remote still doesn't work, the remote itself may be damaged, and you'll need to replace it.
Where to buy replacement batteries
Car remote batteries are sold at pharmacies (CVS, Walgreens), supermarkets, hardware stores (Home Depot, Lowe's), and dollar stores. They cost between $3 and $8 depending on the brand and where you shop. You do not need to go to a car dealership or a car parts store—the battery is the same everywhere. If you're not sure which number to buy, bring the old battery with you or show the store clerk a photo of the number printed on it.
Online retailers like Amazon also sell these batteries, but you'll wait for shipping. For a job you can do in five minutes, buying in person is usually faster. Some stores sell batteries in multipacks if you want to keep spares on hand—car remotes often need new batteries within a year or two, so having extras is convenient.
Why your remote might still not work
If you've installed a fresh battery and the remote still doesn't respond, the problem is usually not the battery. The most common culprit is a worn rubber button pad—the soft piece with the printed buttons. Over time, the conductive coating on the underside wears away, and the buttons stop sending signals even though the battery is fine. You can test this by pressing each button hard and repeatedly; if some buttons work and others don't, the pad is worn.
Another possibility is water damage. If your remote has been dropped in water or exposed to moisture, corrosion inside the circuit board can prevent it from working. In this case, you may be able to dry it out by leaving it open in a warm, dry place for 24 hours, but if that doesn't work, the remote needs to be replaced. A third cause is a broken circuit board or a cracked solder joint, which you cannot fix at home—again, replacement is the only option.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I don't know what battery number my remote uses?
The number is printed directly on the old battery. If you've already thrown it away, look up your car's year, make, and model online along with "remote battery"—most cars use CR2032 or CR2025. You can also take your remote to any pharmacy or hardware store and ask the clerk; they can usually identify it by looking at the remote itself.
Can I use a different battery number if I can't find the exact one?
No. Battery numbers indicate size and voltage. A CR2032 and a CR2025 look almost identical but have different thicknesses, and using the wrong one may prevent the remote from closing properly or may not fit in the holder at all. Always buy the exact number printed on your old battery.
How long does a car remote battery usually last?
Most car remote batteries last between one and three years depending on how often you use the remote. Heavy use drains the battery faster. If your remote starts responding slowly or requires you to press buttons multiple times, the battery is running low and needs replacement soon.
Is it safe to touch the battery with my bare hands?
Touching the battery briefly is safe, but oils from your skin can reduce contact quality. Wash your hands or wipe them on a clean cloth before handling the new battery. Avoid touching the flat metal surfaces on the battery itself—handle it by the edges instead.
What should I do with the old battery?
Most pharmacies and retailers that sell batteries also accept old batteries for recycling at no cost. Drop it off at the customer service desk. Do not throw it in the trash or down the drain. Batteries contain materials that can harm the environment if they end up in landfills.