Replace the battery yourself in five minutes with a coin and a new battery

Most keyless remotes use a coin-cell battery that you can swap out at home without tools or a trip to the dealer. The whole job takes about five minutes. You'll need a replacement battery (usually CR2032, CR2025, or CR2016 — check your remote's case or manual to be sure), a coin, and a flat surface to work on.

The battery sits in a small compartment on the back or side of the remote. You'll pry open the case with a coin, lift out the old battery, and drop in the new one. The tricky part isn't the swap — it's remembering which way the battery faces. Most remotes need the flat side facing up, but some need it facing down. Your remote's case usually shows a diagram.

Key Takeaways

  • Keyless remotes almost always use a CR2032, CR2025, or CR2016 coin-cell battery that you can buy at any drugstore or supermarket for two to five dollars.
  • The battery compartment opens by sliding a small tab or prying the case apart with a coin — no screwdriver needed.
  • Pay attention to which way the battery sits in the compartment, because inserting it backward will prevent the remote from working.
  • If the remote still doesn't work after you replace the battery, the problem is usually a worn button contact or water damage, not the battery itself.

Find out what battery your remote uses

The easiest way is to look at the back of your remote. Most remotes have the battery type printed on the case itself — you'll see something like "CR2032" or "CR2025" stamped into the plastic. If you don't see it there, check your car's owner's manual or the paperwork that came with the remote when you bought it.

If you can't find the information anywhere, take the remote to a drugstore or supermarket and ask someone at the pharmacy counter. They can usually tell you the battery type by looking at the remote, or you can open the compartment in the store and show them the old battery. Most stores stock all three common types (CR2032, CR2025, and CR2016) in the battery aisle for under five dollars each.

Open the remote case and remove the old battery

Look at the seam where the two halves of the remote meet. On most remotes, you'll see a small slot or notch on one edge — this is where you insert a coin to pry the case open. Slide a flathead coin (a dime or penny works) into the slot and twist gently. The case will pop apart into two pieces.

Once the case is open, you'll see the battery sitting in a small metal compartment. It's a thin, round disc. Lift it out with your fingernail or a coin. Don't force it — if it's stuck, try wiggling it gently from the edge. Some remotes have a small metal clip holding the battery in place; if yours does, lift the clip first and the battery will come free.

Insert the new battery the correct way

This is the step where most people make a mistake. Look at the inside of the battery compartment — you should see a small diagram or the words "+" and "−" printed on the plastic. The "+" side is the positive terminal and should face up (toward the buttons of the remote). The "−" side is the negative terminal and should face down (toward the back of the case).

Drop the new battery into the compartment with the flat side up. It should sit flat and level. If it rocks or tilts, you've inserted it backward — flip it over and try again. Once it's seated correctly, you should hear a small click as it settles into place.

Close the case and test the remote

Line up the two halves of the remote and press them together firmly. You should hear or feel a click as the case snaps shut. The seam should be tight all the way around — if there's a gap, the case isn't fully closed. Press harder or check that the battery isn't sticking out and preventing the halves from meeting.

Now test the remote. Point it at your car and press each button a few times. You should see the lights flash or hear the car respond. If nothing happens, open the case again and check that the battery is facing the right direction. If the battery is correct and the remote still doesn't work, the problem is likely a worn button contact or water damage inside the remote, not the battery.

Where to buy replacement batteries

Coin-cell batteries are sold everywhere — drugstores, supermarkets, hardware stores, and online retailers all stock them. A single CR2032 costs between two and five dollars depending on the brand and where you buy it. You don't need a special brand; any CR2032 will work in your remote.

If you want to save money, buy a pack of two or four batteries at once. They last for years in storage, so having a spare on hand means you won't have to make a trip to the store the next time your remote dies. Some people keep a spare battery in their car's glove box for this reason.

What to do if the remote still doesn't work

If you've replaced the battery and the remote still won't work, the problem is almost never the battery itself. The most common cause is a worn or corroded button contact — the tiny metal pad under each button that completes the circuit when you press it. Over time, these contacts wear smooth and stop working reliably. You can sometimes revive them by rubbing the inside of the button pad gently with a pencil eraser, but this is a temporary fix.

The second most common cause is water damage. If your remote has been exposed to moisture — dropped in a puddle, left in a humid bathroom, or rained on — water can corrode the circuit board inside. If you suspect water damage, open the case and look for white or green corrosion on the circuit board. If you see it, the remote will need to be replaced or professionally repaired.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different battery type if I can't find the exact one?

No. CR2032, CR2025, and CR2016 are different sizes and voltages. Using the wrong type can damage your remote or cause it to malfunction. Always use the exact battery type your remote calls for. If your store is out of stock, order online or try another store.

How long does a keyless remote battery last?

Most coin-cell batteries last between three and four years in a keyless remote, depending on how often you use the remote. Heavy users may need to replace the battery every two years. There's no way to predict exactly when it will die, so replace it as soon as the remote stops responding.

What if I put the battery in backward?

The remote straightforward won't work. The circuit won't complete because the polarity is reversed. Open the case, flip the battery over, and close it again. It should work when ready after you correct the direction.

Do I need to reprogram my remote after replacing the battery?

No. Replacing the battery does not erase the remote's programming. Your car will recognize it when ready once the new battery is installed and working. You only need to reprogram a remote if you've lost the signal or if you're pairing a new remote to your car for the first time.

Is it safe to throw away the old battery?

Coin-cell batteries contain small amounts of lithium and other materials. Many communities have battery recycling programs at drugstores, supermarkets, or hazardous waste collection sites. Check your local waste management website to find a drop-off location near you. If recycling isn't available in your area, throwing the battery in the trash is safe — it's too small to pose a real hazard.